Tehran: Iran's government maintained the flow of essential services and executive operations during the recent war as Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref coordinated closely with ministers and senior officials, overseeing efforts to secure vital supplies, sustain critical infrastructure, and keep public services running despite the extraordinary conditions.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, wartime governance required simultaneous attention to essential goods, fuel, medicine, energy, transportation, banking services, and other critical infrastructure. Aref had previously stated that the administration had prepared plans for managing the country under wartime conditions, emphasizing the need to maintain development while preparing for difficult scenarios.
During the conflict, Aref held phone discussions with several ministers and senior officials to review the latest situation and follow up on measures related to essential supplies, infrastructure stability, market conditions, and public services. His coordination also extended to transportation and infrastructure organizations. During visits to the Ports and Maritime Organization and the railway company, Aref highlighted the continued performance of these institutions and their role in preventing disruptions to people's daily lives.
The experience also underscored the complementary roles of President Masoud Pezeshkian and the first vice president. While the president remained the country's principal political and executive decision-maker, Aref focused on coordination and implementation across government bodies. Following the war, the government also turned its attention to reconstruction and addressing damage to infrastructure and affected areas.
Aref's wartime role can therefore be viewed across three stages: preparedness before the crisis, coordination during the conflict, and follow-up on reconstruction afterward.