Iran
Islamic republic at war since February 2026; Supreme Leader killed, Hormuz blockaded.
Last refreshed: 1 April 2026 · Appears in 5 active topics
The IRGC ignored its own president's ceasefire; so who actually controls Iran's war?
Latest on Iran
- What started the Iran war in 2026?
- Joint US-Israeli strikes (Operation Roaring Lion / Epic Fury) hit five Iranian cities on 28 February 2026, killing Supreme Leader Khamenei and decapitating the military command.Source: event
- Who is Iran's new Supreme Leader?
- Mojtaba Khamenei, the late Supreme Leader's son, was appointed on 7 March 2026 by the Assembly of Experts under IRGC pressure. He has not appeared publicly since.
- Is the Strait of Hormuz closed?
- Iran declared a blockade and traffic fell 90% from pre-war levels. The IRGC installed a toll system. China-linked vessels transit under de facto exemption; 11.7 million barrels passed bound for China.Source: IEA / S&P Global
- How many people have died in the Iran war?
- At least 1,407 civilians confirmed dead (HRANA, Day 25), with total estimates including military at 4,300+ (Hengaw, Day 10). 181 children confirmed by UNICEF.Source: HRANA / Hengaw / UNICEF
- What is the IRGC doing in the Iran war?
- The IRGC operates largely independent of Iran's elected government, ignoring the president's Ceasefire order. It installed a Hormuz toll system, launched 48+ missile/drone waves, and pressured the Assembly of Experts to appoint Mojtaba Khamenei.Source: event
- Iran population 2026?
- Iran has a population of approximately 88 million. Tehran, the capital, has a city population of 9 million but has been largely emptied since strikes began.
- Who is President Pezeshkian?
- Masoud Pezeshkian is Iran's reformist president, elected in 2024. His authority has been systematically bypassed by the IRGC, which ignored his Ceasefire and de-escalation orders.
Background
An Islamic republic of 88 million people, Iran is governed by a Supreme Leader with constitutional authority over the military, judiciary and Foreign Policy. The IRGC operates as a parallel military and economic empire largely independent of the elected civilian government. Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed successor on 7 March under IRGC pressure, the first dynastic succession in the office's history. After 33 days of public absence, state media labelled him a "Janbaz" (disabled veteran), the first use of that designation for a sitting Supreme Leader. President Masoud Pezeshkian issued contradictory Ceasefire and escalation orders within 24 hours; the IRGC ignored both.
Iran has been at war since 28 February 2026, when joint US-Israeli strikes hit five cities in a single night, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and decapitating the senior military command. Iran declared a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz (traffic down 90%); the IRGC installed a toll system on remaining traffic , and Parliament is advancing legislation to make it permanent. At least 6,900 civilians have been killed.
Iran rejected Trump's unilateral war-won declaration. Foreign Minister Araghchi stated Iran is prepared for "at least six months" of war. The IRGC named 18 US technology companies it holds responsible for AI-assisted targeting , and Mobarakeh Steel in Isfahan was struck for the second time in a week. The IEA described the Hormuz disruption as the largest supply shock in oil market history, removing approximately 8 million bpd.
