Shift in Iranian Strategy: Marandi explains that Iran is transitioning from a policy of "strategic patience" to a more assertive, offensive posture, notably following the appointment of Major General Mohsen Rezaei to lead the Supreme National Security Council ( - ). Marandi explains that Iran is transitioning from a policy of "strategic patience" to a more assertive, offensive posture, notably following the appointment of Major General Mohsen Rezaei to lead the Supreme National Security Council ( - ). Marandi posits that US "soft power" has been severely damaged by its actions in Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen, while Iran's regional and global status has been enhanced despite economic hardships ( - ).