Iran Appoints Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as SNSC Secretary After Larijani's Death

Iran has appointed Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as the new Secretary of its Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), replacing Ali Larijani who was killed in an Israeli airstrike on March 17, 2026.

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The announcement was made on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, by Seyyed Mehdi Tabatabaei, deputy for communications at the Iranian president's office.

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The appointment was confirmed with the approval of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and by decree of President Masoud Pezeshkian.

The Supreme National Security Council represents one of Iran's most powerful security bodies responsible for coordinating defense, nuclear, and foreign policy decisions.

The swift appointment comes amid significant leadership losses for Iran, with the SNSC playing a central role in shaping Tehran's military and strategic responses during the current crisis.

Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr brings extensive military and security credentials to the role, having served as a former commander in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) where he reached the rank of brigadier general.

Born in 1954 in Fasa city, Shiraz, Zolghadr fought in the Iran-Iraq war and held numerous senior positions.

Al Bawaba

He served as Deputy Interior Minister for Security Affairs under President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Deputy Judiciary Chief for strategic affairs from 2012 to 2020.

Most recently, he served as Secretary of Iran's Expediency Discernment Council since 2021, where he played a critical role in resolving legislative disputes.

His deep ties to Iran's security establishment and experience across military, judicial, and governmental institutions make him a seasoned figure capable of navigating complex security challenges.

The appointment comes amid unprecedented leadership losses for Iran during the ongoing war with the United States and Israel that began on February 28, 2026.

“- list 3 of 3Is the US talking to Iran’s Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and who is he”

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The conflict has resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking officials including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Other casualties include IRGC Commander-in-Chief Major General Mohammad Pakpour, Chief of the General Staff Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, and Minister of Defence Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh.

Ali Larijani, killed in the March 17 airstrike, was considered one of the most influential non-clerical figures in Iranian politics.

His death, alongside his son Morteza and security team, has created a significant void in Iran's leadership structure.

The situation has forced a rapid restructuring of the Iranian state under the new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

Zolghadr's appointment signals a significant shift toward a more security-driven leadership structure in Iran.

The selection of a hardline IRGC-linked figure suggests Tehran's priority is maintaining strong security leadership amid regional challenges.

Al Jazeera

Unlike his predecessor Larijani, who was often described as a pragmatic negotiator, Zolghadr brings a background rooted in the IRGC's military and internal security apparatus.

The SNSC, formally chaired by President Masoud Pezeshkian but tied to the Supreme Leader's office, coordinates security and foreign policy.

The council includes top military, intelligence, and government officials.

This strategic move is seen as essential for navigating Iran's current security landscape amid ongoing strikes and internal unrest.

The international community has responded to the leadership changes with mixed reactions, as Iran continues its retaliatory strikes.

“He notes that the nature of the post, directly linked to the Supreme Leader's institution and the upper decision-making centers, requires selecting a figure who blends security experience with the ability to manage strategic files, which explains the choice of a person from a solid military background”

Al-Jazeera Net

Zolghadr's appointment comes amid reports that US President Donald Trump has postponed further strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure.

Al-Jazeera Net

Trump claimed 'very good and productive talks' were held over the weekend.

However, Iranian officials have consistently denied direct negotiations with the United States.

The new security chief faces the challenge of coordinating Iran's military response while potentially overseeing diplomatic channels.

His experience in both military strategy and policy coordination positions him to handle these dual responsibilities.

However, his hardline background may complicate efforts toward de-escalation with Western powers.