Amir Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force, touted Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei as the ultimate winner in Iran’s recent presidential election.

The assertion, made in an article for the IRGC-affiliated Javan newspaper Thursday, underscores the entrenchment of Khamenei's influence over Iran’s political machinery. Hajizadeh’s words were unequivocal: "Today, the Islamic system, the Iranian nation, and above all, Khamenei are the victors, and the president's vote should not be questioned."

This statement comes in the wake of the election of Masoud Pezeshkian, following the sudden death of President Ebrahim Raisi. The transition of power, which appeared smooth and controlled, reinforces the perception of political stability under Khamenei's system, as well as his tight control over the electoral process through the Guardian Council.

Its un-elected members play a pivotal role in vetting and approving presidential candidates, ensuring that Pezeshkian’s presidency would align with Khamenei’s broader strategic objectives.

Hajizadeh also urged supporters of Saeed Jalili, the defeated candidate in the election, to "refrain from any comments about the election and any statements that could be interpreted as undermining Masoud Pezeshkian's vote."

He stated that Masoud Pezeshkian is the president of "the entire nation and every single person in Iran and is supported by revolutionary forces."

He added that support for a particular candidate and competition are relevant only before the election.

Critics argue that the recent elections simply reflect a consolidation of power within pro-Khamenei factions, effectively continuing his vision across critical domains such as foreign and military policy, economic strategy, and internal governance.

Lawmaker Mehrdad Goodarzi suggested that the voter turnout was a testament to Khamenei's leadership, despite it being nearly 40% in the first round, the lowest in presidential elections in the history of the Islamic Republic.

The low turnout barely reached 50% in the runoff according to official figures that cannot be independently verified. "The people's participation in the elections was the result of Khamenei's measures and the people's trust in the country, the homeland, and the governmental structures," Goodarzi said.

The narrative positioning Khamenei as the principal victor not only bolsters his legitimacy among his followers but also portrays the electoral process as a direct manifestation of his authoritarian command. It signals that any political transition or policy continuity is merely an extension of his influence.

The US openly said the elections are "not free or fair" in spite of allowing remote polling booths across America.

Amid the tightly controlled campaign, Khamenei's office issued a warning against the 'misquoting’ of the Supreme Leader and his officials by presidential candidates.

The office criticized what it called "incomplete or incorrect references" made by presidential candidates and their associates, insisting that all quotes must be verified through official documents.

Patrick Clawson from the Washington Institute said Khamenei has historically kept senior IRGC figures outside the presidency in order to retain a firm control over his number two. The IRGC, designated a terror group by countries such as the US, remains deeply entrenched in the country's political and economic machinery. It is closely under Khamenei's watch but its leaders are kept out of the presidential field.

"Most famously, he [Khamenei] refuses to allow talk about who will succeed him and has not named a deputy," Clawson said. "In addition, he has created a multitude of competing institutions with overlapping responsibilities and has moved previously powerful figures into shadowy positions at those institutions or made them into one of many advisors."

It means that over the years, Iran's presidents have ultimately lacked true power. "Khatami complained openly that he had no authority over some of his most important cabinet members, including the minister of intelligence, who had been chosen by Khamenei," added Clawson.

In addition, when Raisi took office in 2021, though it was believed he would wield more power and widely felt to be being groomed as Khamenei's successor, "that did not prove decisive ... and he was not particularly consequential in decision making."