Now, Vahidi is tasked with the responsibility of leading Iran’s military in a full-blown war. “Iranian commentary is already highlighting this as an unusually explicit articulation of offensive operations as part of the IRGC’s mission.” In doing so, Iran’s supreme leader – who succeeded his slain father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in March – is “beginning to put his own architecture around Iran’s wartime state”. The appointment of Rezaee as Iran’s security chief also points to shifting power balance within Iran. “Vahidi was explicitly tasked with maximum deterrence and readiness for powerful offensive operations, but it is largely declaratory, designed for bargaining leverage,” Seloom said.