In a significant shift, the office of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has appointed Mohsen Rezaee, a former commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC). This move comes amidst escalating tensions and speculations of Phase II of the potential war with Iran. The appointments, which also include Ali Abdollahi as the new chief of staff of the armed forces and Ali Ozmaei as the head of the IRGC Navy, are seen as a consolidation of power within the Iranian hierarchy. These strategic decisions, made on the 30th day of the ongoing conflict, are perceived to reinforce internal cohesion and strengthen the leadership's control over the organization. Analysts suggest that the appointments signify no softening in negotiations with the United States, with Mohsen Rezaee bringing deep institutional experience and considerable authority among senior IRGC commanders and rank-and-file members. The appointments are expected to have far-reaching implications for Iran's strategic stance and its approach towards regional and international actors.