Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei has appointed former IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaei as his representative to the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC).
Khamenei announced the appointment through a decree on Sunday. He cited Rezaei’s extensive military experience, particularly his role during Iran’s eight-year war with Iraq.
Following the decree, President Masoud Pezeshkian appointed Rezaei as SNSC secretary. Presidential office spokesperson Mehdi Tabatabaei said Mohammad Bagher Zolqadr resigned as secretary to assume another responsibility.
Khamenei also praised Zolqadr for his dedicated efforts during his tenure. In a separate decree, he appointed Zolqadr as his political adviser.
Rising US-Iran Tensions
Zolqadr, a veteran military commander, had served as SNSC secretary since March. He assumed the position after Ali Larijani was killed in a US-Israeli attack.
Meanwhile, Rezaei brings extensive political and military experience to the security body. He previously served as IRGC commander, Expediency Discernment Council secretary and a member of the council.
He also served as vice president for economic affairs under former President Ebrahim Raisi. More recently, Khamenei appointed him as a senior military adviser.
Rezaei’s appointment comes amid growing tensions between Tehran and Washington. Iran has accused the United States of violating the Islamabad memorandum aimed at ending their conflict.
Meanwhile, Iran and Oman continue negotiations over maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran demands an end to US interference in the strategic waterway.
Rezaei recently warned that continued US blockade efforts could expose American forces to serious risks and casualties.
