Iran's new leadership consolidates power, vows prolonged standoff with U.S.

Iran’s leadership has coalesced around a tight circle of hard-line generals and clerics, signaling a readiness for a potentially prolonged standoff with the United States and a determined effort to quell domestic unrest. The reshuffled command, approved by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, includes Mohsen Rezaei as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and Hossein Taeb heading the Basij, underscoring a preference for internal cohesion and a tougher approach to protesters and sanctions pressure. Officials show little faith in any deal with current President Trump after being attacked during talks and warn of possible renewed U.S. strikes as Washington replenishes its interceptors and tightens sanctions threaten to choke Iran’s economy. Prominent leaders warn that if the economic war continues, Iran could halt oil exports from the Persian Gulf, signaling a dramatic escalation. The shifts suggest a deliberate move away from engagement rhetoric toward a strategy of endurance and deterrence, even as Iran’s comparatively moderate president grows increasingly sidelined in shaping policy. These developments come amid mounting economic strain at home and a continued resolve to deter both external pressure and internal dissent, as Tehran aims to preserve regime stability while projecting strength abroad.