The IRGC has reportedly assumed control over key state functions in Iran, blocking presidential appointments and decisions while tightening its grip on the country’s core centres of power, as cited by Iran International.The move has effectively sidelined the government and pushed President Masoud Pezeshkian into a “complete political deadlock”, amid rising tensions between his administration and Iran’s military leadership.Efforts by Pezeshkian to appoint a new intelligence minister last Thursday reportedly failed after IRGC chief commander Ahmad Vahidi intervened, sources familiar with the developments told Iran International.All proposed candidates, including Hossein Dehghan, were rejected. Vahidi is said to have maintained that, given the wartime situation, all critical and sensitive leadership positions should be chosen and overseen directly by the IRGC until further notice.Under Iran’s political system, presidents typically nominate intelligence ministers only after obtaining the Supreme Leader’s approval, as the office holds ultimate authority over key security portfolios.However, with the condition and whereabouts of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei remaining unclear in recent weeks, the IRGC is effectively preventing the president from advancing his preferred candidate, further tightening its hold over Iran’s security apparatus.Reports note that Khamenei has not appeared in public since assuming office, fuelling speculation about his condition and leaving uncertainty over decision-making at the top of Iran’s leadership.