Iranian parliament's National Security Committee
The primary legislative body within the Iranian Majlis responsible for oversight of Iran's defense, intelligence, and foreign policy, often serving as a platform for hardline rhetoric and domestic mobilization.
The National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of the Iranian Parliament (Majlis) is a critical institutional component of the Islamic Republic's governance, bridging the gap between the legislative branch and the security establishment. While the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) remains the ultimate decision-making body under the Supreme Leader, this committee plays a vital role in drafting security-related legislation, approving international treaties, and overseeing the budgets of the Ministry of Defense and the Intelligence Ministry.
For Israel and the broader Middle East, the committee serves as a barometer for the political climate in Tehran. Its members and spokespersons frequently issue high-profile threats against Israel and the United States, often signaling shifts in the regime's strategic posture. In recent years, the committee has been dominated by hardline factions aligned with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), leading to a more confrontational legislative agenda regarding the nuclear program and regional proxy activities.
Beyond external defense, the committee is increasingly involved in domestic stability. Recent statements from its members indicate a growing concern with national resilience, specifically regarding infrastructure vulnerabilities and the potential for civil unrest. By managing the narrative around resource shortages—such as electricity and fuel—the committee attempts to frame economic hardships as a matter of national security, demanding public 'patience' and 'withstanding' in the face of external pressure. This dual role makes the committee a central actor in both Iran's regional aggression and its internal survival strategies.