Selecting Iran’s next supreme leader has ‘nothing to with the IRGC’

In a March 8, 2026, article, Zahra Kharazmi of the University of Tehran argues that the selection process for Iran's next supreme leader is conducted constitutionally. Kharazmi asserts that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) does not interfere in this selection. The article addresses the question of succession planning within Iran's leadership. It clarifies that the process adheres to established legal frameworks. The piece aims to dispel notions of undue influence from the IRGC in determining the country's future leadership.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards are a powerful entity within the country, wielding significant military, political, and economic influence. They operate primarily within Iran, where they have become deeply embedded in the state's structure. The Guards' extensive power makes them a major obstacle to any potential regime change or significant reforms within the Iranian government. Their pervasive control across multiple sectors has solidified their position as a central force in maintaining the status quo. This influence is why many observers view them as the backbone of Iran's militarized state.