Reshaping the Security System in Tehran… The Return of “Rezaei” and “Taeb” to Strengthen Deterrence and Internal Control

The recent appointments made by Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei reveal a wide-ranging restructuring of the military and security leadership in Tehran, following the significant losses suffered by the leadership during the rounds of conflict that have continued since June 2025.

Foreign Policy explained that these changes are not limited to filling vacancies, but reflect a strategic approach aimed at rebuilding state institutions and unifying leadership for offensive operations, paving the way for a phase of prolonged and extended conflict with the United States and Israel.

A prominent development in this transformation is the appointment of Mohsen Rezaei as Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, drawing on his longstanding experience in developing the capabilities of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Rezaei is known for adopting a hardline position that rejects ending any conflict without possessing strong negotiating leverage and firm political and economic guarantees.

At the same time, internal security oversight has been strengthened through the return of Hossein Taeb to lead the Basij forces, according to Maat Group, with a focus on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ naval forces to control the Strait of Hormuz as a key pressure point on the global economy.

This new strategy is based on a comprehensive review of the “strategic patience” policy adopted by Tehran following the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear agreement in 2018. Iranian decision-making circles believe that restraint created an impression among adversaries of the country’s weakness. Accordingly, Iran is moving toward activating and utilizing its missile capabilities, drone attacks, and maritime threats to increase the military and economic cost of any future confrontation.

Despite this organizational and military escalation, Foreign Policy stresses that the door remains open to the diplomatic track, but under conditions that begin with negotiations from a position of strength. Through the restructuring of its military and security system, Tehran aims to build a state capable of imposing a long-term settlement that serves its interests and safeguards its national security, or of waging a prolonged war of attrition and imposing increasing costs on its adversaries if diplomatic efforts fail.