Iran International
Calls for systemic reform and restructuring of Iran’s political and security institutions have intensified after a 12-day war with Israel in June, accompanied by some signs of change but also many signs of continuity.
The Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) is already undergoing structural changes, according to semi-official Fars News, which reported on Friday that former hardline ex-nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani could be appointed as the SNSC’s new chief.
The report also suggested that a new Defense Council may be formed to guide the country’s strategic defense agenda.
Larijani, a longtime conservative figure with moderate tendencies, was closely associated with former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani—widely recognized as the architect of pragmatism in Iranian politics.
His return to a senior security role could signal a shift toward a more flexible approach to domestic and foreign policy, though his recent postwar remarks have closely aligned with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s positions.
Establishment hints at change
Nour News, closely linked to the SNSC, also signaled these impending changes in a July 30 post. More notably, it criticized the state broadcaster for airing interviews with individuals hostile to Western values, warning that such programming “may even lead to undesirable outcomes.”
The call for reform—long associated with Iran’s reformist factions—is now being echoed by conservative figures, reflecting shifting perceptions within the political establishment. Some have warned that failure to adapt after the war could lead to public unrest and new security challenges.
Ayatollah Mohsen Gharavian, a lecturer at the Qom Seminary, said in a July 31 interview with Khabar Online that “the Islamic Republic must revise its mode of governance in light of the war.” He specifically urged an end to government pressure on Iranian women regarding compulsory hijab rules.
He also called for major reforms in both domestic and foreign policy, asserting that Iran’s leadership now recognizes “the tremendous power of patriotism” and is exploring ways to ease the pressure on the weary citizenry.
‘Making up with people’
Ali Akbar Velayati, a former foreign minister and senior advisor to Khamenei, likewise advocated “some social changes to meet public demands,” drawing harsh backlash from ultraconservative media outlets.
Amid rising pressure, President Massoud Pezeshkian withdrew a controversial bill he had previously submitted to parliament that would have further restricted media freedom and access to information.
The conservative daily Farhikhtegan published a July 31 commentary titled “The Next Steps After the War,” urging a deeper understanding of Iran’s sociopolitical conditions to better anticipate future challenges.
While acknowledging Iranian claims of victory, the commentary emphasized credible counterarguments and criticized state television’s complacency.
It called for an assessment of public resilience amid postwar challenges—including energy shortages and the potential return of UN sanctions—which the editorial warned could provoke industrial action or even widespread protests.
