Pezeshkian Urges Iran’s Intelligence Chiefs: Winning Public Support is Crucial!

The Iranian president recently convened a significant meeting with senior officials from the Ministry of Intelligence, emphasizing the critical role of public support in addressing foreign adversaries. During the meeting, President Masoud Pezeshkian articulated, “If we have the people with us, no power can ground us, and we will not encounter problems. We must have the people on our side and consider the people’s problems as our own and have solutions for them.” This meeting coincided with the fortieth anniversary of the establishment of the Ministry of Intelligence, underscoring its importance in Iran’s security landscape.

Iran’s intelligence framework is quite intricate, comprising various parallel agencies that operate under different state authorities. The Ministry of Intelligence, founded shortly after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, was the first of its kind. Over the years, its role has evolved, and it has been joined by several other intelligence organizations, including:

• Intelligence organizations within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
• Intelligence units within the police force
• A newly established intelligence department by the Judiciary in 2023

President Pezeshkian stressed the importance of nurturing optimism within the Iranian populace, stating, “We must do something so that people become hopeful about the government and about the future of the country.” This call for hope reflects the government’s awareness of the need for public trust and engagement.

In addition to fostering hope, Pezeshkian urged a thorough evaluation of officials’ performance, saying, “We must assess whether those entrusted with responsibility have performed effectively. We must address why problems remain despite our capabilities and entrust the country to capable and expert managers.” This highlights a push for accountability and better governance within the intelligence apparatus.

Amid growing public dissatisfaction due to power outages and energy shortages that are significantly impacting both businesses and daily life in Iran, the Judiciary has taken steps to prevent unrest similar to that seen during the protests in 2019 and 2022. Provincial prosecutors have been instructed to collaborate closely with various intelligence, security, and law enforcement agencies to maintain order.

The United Nations fact-finding mission, which was established in the wake of the 2022 nationwide protests, has accused Iran’s intelligence apparatus, including the Ministry of Intelligence, of serious human rights violations. These allegations include the coercive extraction of confessions from political prisoners, raising concerns about the treatment of dissenters in Iran.

The Iranian security apparatus, which encompasses a network of both major and minor intelligence entities, operates under a framework known as the Council for Intelligence Coordination. This council includes at least 13 to 16 distinct intelligence agencies. Key points regarding this structure include:

• Many of these agencies maintain strong connections with the IRGC and the judiciary.
• The office of the Supreme Leader is also involved in this intelligence network.
• Members of the council include the intelligence minister, interior minister, foreign minister, and the chief justice.

Among the other participants are the Intelligence Organization of the IRGC, its Intelligence Protection Organization, and various units from both the traditional Army and Police forces, as well as cyber police units. This extensive network underscores the complexity and depth of Iran’s intelligence operations.

As President Pezeshkian and other officials navigate these challenges, the emphasis on aligning government actions with public sentiment is paramount. The ongoing dialogue about governance, accountability, and the need for a responsive intelligence community will likely shape the future dynamics of Iran’s internal and external relations.