Hard-Liners Tighten Grip on Iran Amid War

Parliamentary speaker and Revolutionary Guard leaders emerge as key figures in country's power structure

Mar. 27, 2026 at 10:57am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A group of current and former Revolutionary Guard leaders, including parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Ahmad Vahidi, and Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, are tightening their grip on Iran amid the ongoing war. These hard-line figures are expected to maintain a tough stance in any dealings with the U.S. and ruthlessly crack down on internal dissent.

Why it matters

The rise of these hard-line Revolutionary Guard leaders signals a shift toward a more authoritarian and militaristic leadership in Iran, with the Guard effectively running the country. This could have significant implications for Iran's foreign policy, its treatment of domestic opposition, and the prospects for resolving the current conflict.

The details

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a brigadier general in the Revolutionary Guard, has held various high-profile positions, including head of the Revolutionary Guard's air force, chief of police, and mayor of Tehran. He has long harbored ambitions to become the country's president. Another key figure is Ahmad Vahidi, the new leader of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, who has been sanctioned by the U.S. for his alleged role in a deadly bombing in Argentina. Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, a hard-line former Revolutionary Guard commander, has replaced Ali Larijani as the head of the Supreme National Security Council.

  • Ghalibaf was appointed head of the Revolutionary Guard's air force in 1997.
  • Vahidi was appointed head of the Revolutionary Guard in March 2026, after his predecessor was killed.
  • Zolghadr replaced Larijani as head of the Supreme National Security Council in March 2026.

The players

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf

A brigadier general in the Revolutionary Guard who has held various high-profile positions, including head of the Revolutionary Guard's air force, chief of police, and mayor of Tehran. He has long harbored ambitions to become the country's president.

Ahmad Vahidi

The new leader of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, who has been sanctioned by the U.S. for his alleged role in a deadly bombing in Argentina.

Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr

A hard-line former Revolutionary Guard commander who has replaced Ali Larijani as the head of the Supreme National Security Council.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He has always had the ambition to be the head of the executive branch and has lobbied for years for Mr. Mojtaba Khamenei to be the supreme leader.”

— Ali Akbar Mousavi Khoeini, Former Iranian parliamentarian and fellow at George Mason University

“The power is in the hands of the Revolutionary Guard and the most radical faction of the Revolutionary Guard. Vahidi is in charge of the country. Ghalibaf doesn't have the strength to confront him.”

— Ali Akbar Mousavi Khoeini, Former Iranian parliamentarian and fellow at George Mason University

What’s next

The developments in Iran's leadership could have significant implications for the country's foreign policy and its treatment of domestic opposition, particularly as the ongoing war continues.

The takeaway

The rise of hard-line Revolutionary Guard leaders in Iran's power structure signals a shift toward a more authoritarian and militaristic leadership, with the Guard effectively running the country. This could lead to a more confrontational approach with the U.S. and a ruthless crackdown on internal dissent.