Understanding Iran’s Power Structure After U.S.-Israel Military Strike

Following Saturday's major U.S.-Israel attack on Iran, President Trump urged Iranians to overthrow their Islamic leadership. Israeli PM Netanyahu warned that Supreme Leader Khamenei could be targeted next, potentially destabilizing Tehran's entire government structure.

Following Saturday’s significant military strike by the United States and Israel against Iran, President Donald Trump encouraged Iranian citizens to “seize control of your destiny” by challenging the Islamic government that has controlled their country since 1979.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei might be the next target, following the elimination of multiple high-ranking Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists. Netanyahu suggested such an action could destabilize Tehran’s entire governmental structure.

No immediate reports confirmed whether senior Iranian leadership was harmed in the attacks. However, experts note that removing top leaders wouldn’t automatically guarantee a change in government.

Here’s an examination of Iran’s most powerful political and spiritual authorities.

Ali Khamenei assumed the role of Iran’s supreme leader in 1989 following the passing of Ruhollah Khomeini, who established the Islamic Republic of Iran. Khamenei was instrumental in the revolutionary movement that removed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi from power in 1979.

At 86 years old, Khamenei serves as Iran’s military commander-in-chief and holds ultimate authority over all governmental and religious decisions. The Revolutionary Guard, Iran’s paramilitary organization tasked with protecting the Islamic Republic, reports directly to his office.

Throughout his leadership, Khamenei has overseen multiple suppression campaigns against domestic protesters. He recently declared Iran’s readiness to respond to any American military action.

Saturday’s initial strikes targeted areas near Khamenei’s administrative offices. His whereabouts during the attack remained unknown, as he hadn’t appeared publicly for several days.

Iran’s current president is widely viewed as a reform-minded leader. Masoud Pezeshkian, a former cardiac surgeon, began his presidency on July 28, 2024. As the nation’s second-highest official, the president oversees government operations, manages economic policies, and executes the Supreme Leader’s directives.

Iranian citizens vote for both president and parliament members in four-year election cycles.

Iran’s foreign minister brings extensive diplomatic experience and played a crucial role in negotiating the 2015 nuclear agreement that is no longer in effect. Abbas Araghchi received his appointment on August 21, 2024.

Prior to Saturday’s military action, Araghchi cautioned that confrontation with the U.S. would result in “a devastating war” and emphasized Tehran’s preference for diplomatic resolution before this week’s critical negotiations.

Ali Larijani comes from one of Iran’s most prominent political dynasties. The former parliamentary leader and senior policy consultant was chosen to counsel Khamenei on strategic matters regarding nuclear discussions with the Trump administration.

In January, the U.S. implemented additional economic penalties against Iranian officials, including Larijani, for allegedly suppressing nationwide demonstrations against Iran’s religious government.

The U.S. Treasury Department identified him as among the first officials to advocate for violent responses against Iranian demonstrators.

Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Ejehi, a conservative legal scholar and hardline prosecutor, has served as chief justice since 2021. He is commonly recognized as a devoted supporter of Khamenei.

State media quoted Mohseni Ejehi in January as declaring there would be “no leniency” for those responsible for the recent wave of civil unrest.

Ahmad Movahedi Kermani leads the 88-member religious assembly tasked with selecting the next Supreme Leader. The Assembly of Experts functions similarly to the Vatican’s College of Cardinals within Iran’s system.

Ahmad Jannati effectively heads Iran’s Guardian Council, a 12-person organization that screens political candidates and legislation, rejecting individuals deemed incompatible with Iran’s Islamic religious system. The council includes six Islamic scholars and six legal specialists.

This council possesses the authority to eliminate presidential candidates viewed as opposing the Supreme Leader’s agenda.

Mohammad Mohammadi Golpayegani serves as an Islamic religious leader and long-standing ally of Khamenei. He manages the Supreme Leader’s administrative office.

Ali Akbar Velayati, trained as a doctor, previously held the position of Iran’s foreign minister and currently advises Khamenei on global matters. He participates in the country’s nuclear policy decisions.

Kamal Kharazi acts as a trusted foreign policy counselor to Khamenei, particularly during recent nuclear negotiations with Washington.

The former diplomat and foreign minister previously served as Iran’s representative to the United Nations. Kharazi has occupied various government, diplomatic, and educational positions throughout his career.

Mohammad Reza Aref holds the distinction of being the highest-ranking reform advocate within Iran’s executive government branch. He functions as the president’s principal deputy and conducts cabinet sessions during the president’s absence. Aref maintains communication between the presidency and parliament.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a former Tehran mayor and Revolutionary Guard commander, secured reelection as parliamentary speaker on May 27, 2025. This conservative politician was connected to student suppression incidents in 1999 and 2003.

Mohammad-Taqi Mesbah Yazdi belongs to Iran’s 12-member Guardian Council and serves as an influential religious leader and prayer director loyal to the Supreme Leader. He holds membership in Iran’s Assembly of Experts and has maintained hardline positions throughout his career.

In January, Khatami demanded capital punishment for protesters arrested during nationwide suppression efforts, characterizing demonstrators as “butlers” of Netanyahu and “Trump’s soldiers.”

Mojtaba Khamenei, the Supreme Leader’s second-oldest son, holds mid-level clerical status and is rumored as his father’s potential replacement. He maintains strong connections with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. Mojtaba participated in military service during the Iran-Iraq conflict and reportedly exercises significant behind-the-scenes influence as his father’s advisor and gatekeeper.