Iran's protests, erupting in late 2025, have led to thousands of deaths as security forces crack down harshly. Reports indicate up to 12,000 fatalities from regime sources, highlighting the unrest's scale. This movement challenges the Islamic Republic's stability like never before.
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei
Ali Khamenei serves as Iran's ultimate authority, overseeing military, judiciary, and policy decisions. He assumed the role in 1989 after Ruhollah Khomeini.
At age 86, Khamenei faces health rumors and succession debates amid escalating demonstrations. Analysts note he perceives these as an existential threat, prompting vows of unyielding response.
"The regime will not back down against saboteurs," Khamenei declared in a January 2026 speech, according to the Institute for the Study of War. This stance underscores his commitment to preserving power.
President Masoud Pezeshkian
Masoud Pezeshkian holds the presidency, managing daily government operations since his 2024 election. As a centrist with reformist leanings, he won in a runoff, signaling a shift from hardliners.
Pezeshkian, a former heart surgeon and parliament member, advocates for nuclear deal revival with the West. Yet, his loyalty to Khamenei limits major changes amid conservative dominance.
According to Britannica, his candidacy aimed to restore electoral faith after low turnout, but ongoing conflicts hinder diplomatic progress.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf leads the Islamic Consultative Assembly, influencing legislation since 2020. A former IRGC commander and Tehran mayor, he embodies hardline views.
Ghalibaf oversees a conservative parliament that vets policies and candidates. His role gains prominence during crises, shaping responses to economic woes fueling protests.
Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje'i
Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje'i heads the judiciary, appointed in 2021. He manages courts, including those prosecuting protesters.
Under his watch, trials for demonstrators accelerate, with charges like enmity against God carrying death penalties. Reports from Reuters highlight the judiciary's role in suppressing dissent.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
Abbas Araghchi directs foreign affairs, a veteran diplomat involved in nuclear talks. He navigates Iran's isolation amid sanctions and regional tensions.
Araghchi asserts military readiness against threats, per Iran International. His efforts focus on rebuilding after 2025 Israeli strikes on infrastructure.
Military Commanders
Armed Forces Chief Abdolrahim Mousavi
Abdolrahim Mousavi commands the armed forces since June 2025, replacing Mohammad Bagheri after Israeli strikes. He coordinates defense strategies.
Mousavi blames foreign foes for Iran's challenges, stating the nation faces unprecedented destruction, as reported by Reuters. His leadership bolsters regime security amid unrest.
IRGC Commander Mohammad Pakpour
Mohammad Pakpour leads the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, elevated in 2025 after Hossein Salami's death. The IRGC suppresses internal threats.
Pakpour's ground forces deploy against protesters, addressing bandwidth strains noted by the Institute for the Study of War. This shift highlights reliance on elite units.
Law Enforcement Commander Ahmad-Reza Radan
Ahmad-Reza Radan oversees national police, promoted in 2023. He enforces order during demonstrations.
Radan's command involves arresting thousands, including in border areas, per various reports. His tactics reflect the regime's securitization approach.
Potential Successors and Opposition
Speculation surrounds Khamenei's successor, with names like his son Mojtaba or Khomeini's grandson Hassan. Exile Reza Pahlavi gains attention as protests intensify.
Western contacts with Pahlavi suggest regime fragility, according to high-engagement posts on X.
Diverse lists of influential figures circulate, noting losses from 2025 strikes.
Challenges and Outlook
Protests strain security forces, risking exhaustion. Russian aid, like vehicles, supports suppression, as per Politico.
Regime officials leak varying death tolls, indicating internal divisions over crackdowns.
Understanding Iran's key leaders illuminates paths to stability or change. Their actions shape not just domestic policy but broader Middle East dynamics.
