With the approach of #Iran's presidential elections, there is increased discussion in Iran concerning the possibility of a “military president” from the #IRGC who could channel his military skills to the severe domestic and external challenges facing the Islamic Republic.

While the standing of the IRGC has strengthened in recent decades, any discussion of the “militarization” of the Iranian state must, inter alia, distinguish between direct intervention in politics by the Revolutionary Guards and the integration of former commanders in politics.

The chances of IRGC taking over Iran's political system seem slim as long as Khamenei holds the reins of power. His death could accelerate the process of militarization of the Iranian state and perhaps even prepare the ground for an alternative model of governance.

Read more in my recent piece for INSS Strategic Assessment, here:
https://strategicassessment.inss.org.il/en/articles/is-iran-really-turning-from-islamic-theocracy-to-military-autocracy/