During national crises, which actors coordinate to manage the situation and direct policy?

• A. Security services coordinate to manage the situation and direct policy, under the Leader's authority.
• B. The President's office and the judiciary.
• C. Provinces independently manage crises without central direction.
• D. The parliament leads the crisis response committee.

Answer: (A)

In Iran, national crises are managed through centralized coordination by the security apparatus under the Supreme Leader. The Leader acts as the commander-in-chief and has ultimate authority over security services, including intelligence agencies and the Revolutionary Guards, and directs policy through top security bodies like the Supreme National Security Council. This setup creates a unified, top-down response across the security and policy-making landscape, rather than leaving crisis management to regional actors, the judiciary, or parliament. The President’s office and judiciary operate within the system, but they do not independently coordinate national crisis response. Provinces may implement directives, but central direction is essential for a coordinated national effort.