IRGC Decentralizes Command After Khamenei's Death, Warns of 'Strategic Surprises' Against US-Israel

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has shifted to a decentralized command structure following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with each commander assigned designated successors spanning three organizational ranks to ensure continuity under sustained strikes. Deputy Defense Minister Reza Talaeinik confirmed that units are organized so that if any commander is killed, a successor immediately takes their place. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi acknowledged that operational units function on pre-given general instructions rather than real-time command from political leadership, potentially enabling mid-ranking officers to launch independent retaliatory operations. Analysts warn the decentralized structure raises the risk of miscalculation or wider regional escalation as Iran threatens unspecified "strategic surprises" against US and Israeli forces.