Iran revives National Defense Council under presidential leadership
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The council's primary role will be to review national defense strategies and strengthen the operational capacity of the armed forces within a unified, coordinated framework.
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A new mural has been unveiled at Tehran's Enqelab (Revolution) Square, depicting the battle of Rostam against the American dragon (Mehr news agency)
The Secretariat of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) announced on Sunday the formation of the National Defense Council, a new high-level body tasked with centralizing and enhancing the country's strategic defense coordination.
According to the official statement, the council will be chaired by President Masoud Pezeshkian and will include the heads of the three branches of power, senior commanders of the armed forces, and ministers from relevant departments.
The council's primary role will be to review national defense strategies and strengthen the operational capacity of the armed forces within a unified, coordinated framework.
The establishment of this council reflects Iran's constitutional provisions under Article 176, which empower the SNSC to form specialized bodies as needed to address national security imperatives.
The council is expected to begin its work in the coming days and is widely viewed as a step toward institutionalizing strategic defense planning in light of regional developments.
Defense revival
This move follows a report by Fars News Agency detailing forthcoming structural adjustments within Iran's security framework, including the SNSC itself.
The report indicated that the new Defense Council would assume strategic responsibilities in the security and defense fields, ensuring greater cohesion in national defense policy.
The reactivation of the Defense Council comes amid recent Israeli aggressions on the country, which exposed the need for faster, more integrated responses.
The creation of the council is seen as part of Iran's broader effort to fortify its deterrence capabilities and safeguard its sovereignty.
On August 2, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, stated that the country is implementing a comprehensive readiness program through short, medium, and long-term strategies.
He also called for similar strategic planning in the civilian sector to reinforce national infrastructure and resilience.
Read more: Iran has never and will never bow down to aggression: Araghchi
Reports suggest that seasoned political figure Ali Larijani may be appointed to a key leadership position within the evolving security structure, in line with efforts to align national defense coordination with experienced and trusted officials.
The Defense Council is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Iran's response to external threats and in advancing a defense doctrine rooted in self-reliance, national dignity, and regional solidarity.
