Post by The Soufan Center (TSC)

#IntelBrief: Iran’s Leadership Transition in the Shadow of War with the U.S. and Israel https://lnkd.in/e7Q9Ap3w Bottom Line Up Front: 🔹 U.S. President Donald Trump stated earlier today that, what he described as “the new Iranian leadership,” has expressed interest in negotiations. 🔹 The operational authority over the security and military apparatus has reportedly become more concentrated within figures closely aligned with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the former Supreme Leader’s inner circle. 🔹 At present, it is unclear who the next Supreme Leader will be, but the Assembly of Experts is expected to meet in the next days to appoint the new leader. 🔹 There are multiple contenders for the position of Supreme Leader, all with varying ideological views; however, until one is chosen, negotiations with the U.S. and Israel will most likely be tactical positioning to bridge the period between Supreme Leaders rather than a strategic shift by Tehran. Colin P. Clarke, Ph.D., Nikkie Lyubarsky, Gabriella Tejeda, Clara Broekaert