The story: The intelligence and internal security arms of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) are undergoing key leadership changes, with new appointments in top jobs. 

The overhaul comes amid an escalating shadow war with Israel and as the Islamic Republic prepares for a leadership transition. While some observers posit that security lapses have triggered sackings, media and pundits close to the IRGC maintain that the changes are merely routine—and possibly indicating the elevation of one spy chief in particular.

The coverage: Hossein Taeb, the head of the IRGC’s Intelligence Organization (IRGC-IO) since its founding in 2009, was removed on June 23...