Iran to activate Supreme Defense Council amid SNSC structural overhaul

Iran is set to activate a long-dormant constitutional body, the Supreme Defense Council, as part of significant structural reforms within the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), according to reports from Iranian news agencies. 

The newly formed council is expected to play a crucial role in shaping Iran’s strategic defense policies. Fars News cited “informed sources” confirming the Defense Council’s establishment following the completion of structural changes within the SNSC. The agency described the council as carrying “strategic missions in the field of the country’s defense policies” and indicated that its organizational framework “will be finalized soon,” forming a core part of the revamped governance structure in defense and security sectors, Caliber.Az reports, citing Iranian media. 

Tasnim News provided additional details, referencing Article 176 of Iran’s Constitution, which authorizes the SNSC to create subordinate councils, including a Defense Council and a National Security Council, aligned with its responsibilities. According to Tasnim, the Defense Council’s structure was officially approved “a few days ago” under this constitutional mandate.

The council will be chaired by the president, with a military official appointed as secretary, reportedly selected by the president. Its primary objectives include enhancing the country’s defense capabilities, accelerating decision-making within the defense sector, and broadening military leadership participation beyond the existing Chief of the Armed Forces General Staff, who is already a member of the SNSC.

Potential members outlined in the reports include the heads of Iran’s three branches of government, two representatives of the Supreme Leader within the SNSC, the Minister of Intelligence, the Chief of the Armed Forces General Staff, commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the regular Army (Artesh), and the Central Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters.

Historically, a Supreme Defense Council functioned during the Iran-Iraq War under Article 110 of the Constitution. However, many of its duties were transferred to the SNSC following constitutional revisions under Article 176.

By Sabina Mammadli