#Tehran

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps has reportedly expanded control over key state functions, blocking presidential appointments and tightening its grip on core power centres, according to media reports.

The move has effectively sidelined the civilian government, pushing President Masoud Pezeshkian into a "complete political deadlock" amid tensions with military leadership, Iran International reported.

Pezeshkian's attempt to appoint a new intelligence minister last week failed after IRGC commander Ahmad Vahidi intervened, sources said. All proposed candidates, including Hossein Dehghan, were rejected. Vahidi reportedly said critical positions must remain under IRGC during wartime.

Under Iran's political system, presidents nominate intelligence ministers only after obtaining the Supreme Leader's approval, as the office holds ultimate authority over key security portfolios. However, with the whereabouts of Mojtaba Khamenei unclear in recent weeks, the IRGC is preventing the president from advancing his preferred candidate, further tightening its hold over Iran's security apparatus. Agencies