Iran establishes National Defense Council amid growing military pressures

In Iran, the government has established a new National Defense Council to manage the country’s affairs during wartime. This decision was announced on August 3, 2025, following the approval from the Supreme National Security Council, aligning with Article 176 of the Iranian Constitution. The new council's mission is to centralize military decision-making and to review defense strategies, reflecting a strategic shift in Iran's approach to national security. President Masoud Pezeshkian will chair the council, which includes leaders from the Iranian Armed Forces and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, indicating a unified military front. The formation of this council occurs in the context of heightened tensions in the region, particularly following a significant military conflict between Iran and Israel that lasted twelve days earlier this year. Despite both sides claiming victory, the conflict resulted in substantial military and economic losses for Iran, with reports indicating successful Israeli strikes on critical Iranian defenses. The situation has become a focal point for Iranian leadership, which aims to consolidate power and enhance military coordination in response to external threats, especially from Israel. This new council also aims to strengthen Iran’s military capabilities, which were exposed as vulnerable during the recent conflict. The retaliatory attacks conducted by Iran were not effective in defeating Israeli missile defenses, suggesting a major reevaluation is necessary for Iran's military strategies. Maj. Gen. Amir Hatami has publicly stated that threats from Israel persist, suggesting a belief in the ongoing nature of hostilities and the need for improved defense mechanisms. Overall, the establishment of the National Defense Council signifies an effort by the Iranian government to address internal pressures while optimizing military readiness in an increasingly volatile environment. The leadership appears to be focused on not only solidifying the military command structure but also engaging with international diplomacy to garner support from other Muslim nations, as a strategy to bolster Iran’s position against perceived threats.