Implicit Confirmation of Disagreement Among Intelligence Agencies of the Islamic Republic; Khamenei's Message for 'Creating Understanding' at the Mashhad Meeting

Iranian state media reported, with a week delay, on a joint meeting of two high intelligence bodies in the Islamic Republic, where the Supreme Leader implicitly acknowledged disagreements among intelligence agencies and called for 'creating understanding' to achieve a 'unified strategy' in confronting and suppressing future protests. This joint meeting between officials from the Ministry of Intelligence and the Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) took place on June 15, but media outlets published news of it on Thursday night. During this meeting held in Mashhad, a three-line message from Ali Khamenei was read by his chief of staff, addressing the intelligence officials of both agencies, stating, 'One of our weaknesses in relation to intelligence agencies is the lack of understanding between these entities.' He called for 'cooperation and understanding at all levels' from these two security agencies. Since the late 2000s, numerous reports have emerged about disagreements between the Ministry of Intelligence and the IRGC's Intelligence Organization. Even during Rouhani's presidency, these two agencies frequently took counteractions against each other. Although state news agencies published a joint text regarding this meeting, which seems to be derived from an official statement provided to them, notable points were included in the report. It appears that last week's meeting of these two agencies is the latest effort by the Islamic Republic after the widespread protests of the past nine months to make unified security decisions, a topic that is even reflected in the official report. Ali Akbar Ahmadian, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, emphasized that unity and integrity are more important than the outcome of unity, stating that two prerequisites are necessary for this: first, a unified strategy, and second, integrative and connecting systems. One of the requirements for achieving a unified strategy is a common understanding. We need a unified understanding to reach a unified strategy... We do not have the opportunity to address each other's potential errors. We must mobilize and, God willing, create a unified strategy. While this security official spoke of a 'unified strategy,' Mohammad Kazemi, head of the IRGC Intelligence Organization, explicitly stated that the goal of this meeting is to 'form joint headquarters' for security cases. Referring to the 'command of the Supreme Leader,' he said: 'Our view towards interaction and cooperation with each other is a religious duty. We must move beyond the realm of interaction and synergy; that is the floor of the work. We must reach the desired ceiling, which is joint action, joint missions, joint cases, and the formation of a joint operational headquarters.' In this context, security officials specifically mentioned efforts to prepare for confronting and suppressing future protests. Mohammad Shirazi, introduced as the 'Head of the Military Office of the Supreme Commander,' stated: 'Today, as the enemy has risen against the Islamic Republic with all its strength, tools, and alliances with other countries, we are also prepared with mobilization and the use of all our capabilities and organizational and public solidarity to prevent any enemy conspiracy and sedition. This prevention must be fully operationalized with intelligence oversight and necessary preparedness and timely action.'