Who determines Iran's fighting and negotiating position amid US threats?

As discussions aimed at preventing a wider conflict continue, the sluggish diplomatic track has cast a spotlight on who holds power within Iran's administration. President Masoud Pezeshkian announced that his government received specific authorities from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei concerning ongoing talks with the United States.

Pezeshkian, viewed as a relative moderate, faced criticism from hardliners who reject any agreement with Washington. He omitted specifics regarding the granted authority. Mediators from Qatar and Pakistan have worked to avert fresh American strikes following an escalation that began with US and Israeli air raids, which resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior officials. Power dynamics inside the country have subsequently drifted toward Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commanders and security officials.

Sina Toossi of the Center for International Policy noted that any accord requires endorsement from the security and military apparatus. This necessity stems from negotiations expanding beyond nuclear issues and sanctions to encompass broader security arrangements, including Strait of Hormuz oversight and guarantees against future attacks.

Who determines Iran's military and diplomatic steps?

Tehran proposed a seven-point plan for ending hostilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Government institutions, featuring the supreme leader's office and the Supreme National Security Council, handle decision-making through coordinated approaches. Mojtaba Khamenei recently instructed top military commanders to respond immediately without geographical limits to any threats and to broaden target lists if hostilities expand.

While final authority rests with the supreme leader, the Supreme National Security Council votes on decisions first. The council includes armed forces representatives, government ministers, and parliamentary and judicial heads. Although the president leads the council by law, the secretary role has gained prominence as a national security coordinator, currently held by former IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaei. US Vice President JD Vance addressed a letter directly to Rezaei rather than the president or parliamentary speaker.

Foreign Ministry officials stated Rezaei may respond to the letter, though parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf remains chief negotiator alongside Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his deputies. Ghalibaf previously led talks yielding a temporary memorandum of understanding with Washington, which later collapsed after maritime transit disputes and subsequent military strikes.

Military and security establishments hold the primary authority over Iran's negotiating stance and war decisions.

Why it matters

This power shift determines whether diplomatic channels can successfully prevent a larger regional conflict or if military escalation will continue to dictate maritime security and international trade routes in the region.