A review by the Jerusalem Center for Foreign and Security Affairs assesses that Iran's new leader Mojtaba Khamenei is centralizing the military command by merging the general staff with the operational headquarters and appointing IRGC-affiliated officials to key posts. The review also finds that despite US assertions that the Strait of Hormuz has been cleared and is under Navy control, commercial traffic remains minimal: only six ships passed on Monday, compared to 130–140 daily before the war. Iran and Oman are still negotiating a safe shipping lane, and the Iranian parliament is advancing restrictions on vessels linked to the US and Israel.
The Jerusalem Center for Foreign and Security Affairs, an Israeli think tank, has published a review of Iran's internal and external posture. The review assesses that new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is moving to consolidate military command by merging the general staff with the operational headquarters and placing Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) affiliates in key positions. This centralization effort comes as Iran faces both internal economic stress and external military pressure. On the maritime front, the center highlights that despite U.S. Central Command assertions that the Strait of Hormuz has been cleared of mines and is under American naval control, commercial traffic has not recovered. Only six vessels transited the strait on Monday, compared to a pre-war average of 130–140 per day, indicating the blockade is effectively in place. The review notes that Iran and Oman continue negotiations for a safe shipping lane, while the Iranian parliament advances legislation restricting vessels with ties to the United States and Israel. The center also details ongoing domestic economic strains, including fuel queues in Bushehr and low water levels in Tehran's reservoirs, as Iran positions itself for a prolonged conflict.
- StrongJerusalem Center analysis: Iran approaches Hormuz opening via Omani talks
- StrongAssessment: Khamenei not seeking permanent Iran deal, leveraging talks for sanctions relief and Hormuz opening
- ConfirmedReport: Iran's deputy foreign minister discussed a joint center to manage Hormuz shipping with Oman
- StrongIranian chief of staff claims full control of Strait of Hormuz, threatens shipping
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