Iran establishes National Defence Council after war with Israel

Iran has approved the creation of a National Defence Council on Sunday (3 August), following June’s brief air conflict with Israel , the country’s most serious military confrontation since the 1980s war with Iraq.

State media reported that Iran’s top security body approved the new council, the Supreme National Security Council, and will serve to centralise military planning and enhance the readiness of Iran’s armed forces.

“The new defence body will review defence plans and enhance the capabilities of Iran’s armed forces in a centralised manner,” said a statement from the Council’s Secretariat.

President Masoud Pezeshkian will chair the council and include senior military commanders, the heads of Iran’s legislative, judicial, and executive branches, as well as key government ministries.

The move comes less than two months after a sharp escalation between Iran and Israel, which included cross-border missile and drone attacks. While both sides pulled back from prolonged conflict, the brief clash has prompted warnings within Iran about ongoing security threats.

On Sunday, Commander-in-Chief Amir Hatami said Israel remains a threat and should not be underestimated.

“The danger is not over,” he said.

The announcement is part of a broader post-conflict restructuring of Iran’s defence and security strategy, as Tehran seeks to avoid being caught off guard in future military escalations.

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