Iran appoints Mohsen Rezaei as representative to supreme national security council

09:47

By: Azzat Manal

Iran appoints Mohsen Rezaei as representative to supreme national security council

Iran has appointed senior political and military figure Mohsen Rezaei as the Supreme Leader’s representative to the Supreme National Security Council, while also naming him the council’s new secretary.

The appointment was announced on Sunday in two separate decrees. The first, issued by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, designated Rezaei as his representative on the country’s top national security body.

In the decree, Khamenei highlighted Rezaei’s extensive experience and his role during Iran’s eight-year war with Iraq, commonly referred to in Iran as the “Sacred Defense.” He also expressed his appreciation to Mohammad Bagher Zolqadr, who previously held the position.

In a separate decision, Khamenei appointed Zolqadr as a political adviser, thanking him for his work and wishing him success in his new responsibilities.

Rezaei’s appointment also followed Zolqadr’s resignation as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council. According to the Iranian presidency, President Masoud Pezeshkian subsequently appointed Rezaei to lead the council’s secretariat.

The Supreme National Security Council plays a central role in coordinating Iran’s security and foreign policy decisions. Its responsibilities include assessing major national security challenges and coordinating the positions of key state institutions.

Rezaei is a prominent figure in Iran’s political establishment. A former senior commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, he has held several influential positions and previously served as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council.

His return to a leading security position comes at a sensitive period for Iran, as the country faces significant regional tensions, international pressure and complex relations with Western powers.

The leadership change is therefore likely to attract close attention both inside Iran and abroad, particularly as Tehran continues to navigate security challenges and major foreign-policy decisions.