IRGC Emerges as Dominant Force After US‑Israel Strike Kills Iran's Supreme Leader

On 28 February 2026 US and Israeli airstrikes killed Iran’s long‑standing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and severely wounded his son Mojtaba. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters that the leader was "severely wounded and likely has serious facial burns." The loss created a power vacuum at the top of the Iranian state.

Analysts say the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is now the decisive power behind the scenes. The IRGC, a 200,000‑strong organization with its own army, navy, air force and intelligence service, already controls major parts of Iran’s military and economy. After Khamenei’s death, its influence over the succession process and economic assets is expected to grow, positioning it as a "state within a state" that will shape Iran’s future direction.

The strike and its aftermath have heightened tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel, raising concerns about regional stability and the potential for further conflict.