Why it matters:
The establishment of the Defense Council is a strategic move to strengthen the country's defense and security posture. It aims to address new security challenges and ensure that the nation is prepared to respond effectively to various threats.
What the Defense Council does:
The Defense Council is formed to coordinate and make decisions on the country's defense and security matters. Its responsibilities include analyzing security threats and challenges, providing appropriate solutions, and making necessary decisions. The council aims to enhance the country's defense capabilities and maintain its independence and territorial integrity. Key functions include:
- Coordination and Cohesion in Defense Matters: Establishing a unified structure for decision-making prevents fragmentation and promotes better coordination among the armed forces and related institutions.
- Response to Security Threats: In light of various threats, including military, cyber, and terrorist challenges, a robust defense council is essential for analyzing and evaluating these threats and providing suitable solutions.
- Preservation of Independence and Territorial Integrity: One of the primary goals of any country is to maintain its independence and territorial integrity. The council aids in achieving this through appropriate defense and security decisions.
- Planning and Development of Defense Capabilities: The council is tasked with precise planning and development of the country's defense capabilities, including military technology and training of armed forces, to enhance readiness against threats.
- Protection of National Interests: The council considers national interests in its decision-making, focusing on the long-term benefits for the country.
The approval of the Defense Council is a significant step in strengthening the defense and security framework of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Historical Background:
Following the constitutional revision in 1989, the title "Supreme National Defense Council" was changed to "Supreme National Security Council." This council is not a new structure; a similar body was established at the onset of the Iran-Iraq imposed war. After the Islamic Revolution, in response to internal and external threats, the Ministry of National Defense proposed the formation of a council named "Supreme National Defense Council" to address and make decisions on these issues. The council is chaired by the president and includes leaders of the branches of government, military commanders, and relevant ministries.
In Other Countries:
Comparative analysis with similar institutions worldwide reveals that many countries have established bodies for defense and national security decision-making:
- In the United States, the National Security Council (NSC) operates under the president's leadership, including key officials such as the Secretaries of Defense and State, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Director of National Intelligence. This council plays a coordinating role in national security and defense policy, with its decisions binding for military and intelligence agencies.
- In France, the Defense and National Security Council is chaired by the president and includes the prime minister, ministers of defense and foreign affairs, and military leaders. This council not only formulates overarching policies but also plays a crucial role in crisis management.
- In Russia, the Security Council of Russia is an institution under the president's leadership that coordinates strategic and security matters, determining the country's defense, military, and intelligence policies.
Given the new security challenges and the complexity of regional and global threats, the revival of the Defense Council could lead to more agile and focused defense decision-making in the country.
Go deeper:
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- Hossein Vaez
