Geopolitical Briefing: Iran
— 10 August 2025
- Iran is preparing to host a high-level IAEA official for talks—though inspections of nuclear sites remain suspended.
- A Supreme National Defense Council has been inaugurated, revamping Iran’s defense command structure post-conflict.
- Iran’s military leader warns Israeli threats remain credible and that Iran’s missile and drone assets are fully operational.
- Tehran has arrested 20 individuals accused of Mossad espionage, enforcing newly passed stricter espionage legislation.
On 10 August 2025, Iran announced that a senior official from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will visit for diplomatic discussions—but notably, no inspections of Iran’s nuclear sites are planned. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that any future site access must be approved through Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, a move that maintains tight domestic control over nuclear scrutiny.(Reuters, AP News, ایران اینترنشنال | Iran International, New York Post)
In response to the destabilizing 12-day air war in June, Iran has formally established a Supreme National Defense Council, chaired by President Masoud Pezeshkian. The new body consolidates decision-making by bringing together the heads of government, military commanders, and key ministry leaders to coordinate defense strategies under unified civilian leadership.(AP News)
General Amir Hatami, commander‑in‑chief of the Iranian military, reiterated that Israeli threats “must not be underestimated,” declaring Iran’s missile and drone capabilities remain “standing and ready for operations.” This reflects Iran’s posture of vigilant deterrence and defense preparedness in the face of external hostility.(Reuters)
Tehran also arrested 20 individuals accused of working for Israel’s intelligence service, Mossad, signaling a crackdown under a newly enacted espionage law permitting the death penalty in such cases. This action highlights Iran's efforts to clamp down on internal foreign influence and reinforce national security resilience.(New York Post)
