Iran names Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council

Iran has appointed Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as the new secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, replacing Ali Larijani who was killed in an Israeli airstrike last week.

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The appointment was officially announced with the approval of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei and by decree of President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to Iranian state media.

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Zolghadr, who previously served as secretary of Iran's Expediency Council, was confirmed for the position following the death of his predecessor in what Iranian officials described as a targeted Israeli attack.

The Supreme National Security Council is Iran's top security body responsible for coordinating national defense and security policy, making this appointment highly significant during the ongoing regional conflict.

Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr brings extensive military and governmental experience to his new role, having reached the rank of brigadier general in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) during his career.

His background includes serving as Chief of Staff and Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC, as well as holding positions in Iran's judiciary and Ministry of Interior.

Al Bawaba

Prior to his current appointment, Zolghadr served as Secretary of the Expediency Discernment Council, a position he held since 2021.

His career spans decades of service across Iran's security and political institutions, making him a well-established figure in the country's power structure amid the current leadership vacuum caused by recent losses.

The appointment comes in the wake of significant leadership losses for Iran, including the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes on February 28, along with numerous other high-ranking military commanders.

“ISTANBUL Iran appointed Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, succeeding Ali Larijani who was killed in an Israeli-US attack, the presidential office said Tuesday”

Anadolu Agency

Ali Larijani, who was killed in the March 17 Israeli airstrike, was widely regarded as a central decision-maker and a calm, experienced figure who had served as Iran's chief nuclear negotiator.

His death, along with that of his son Morteza in the same attack, represents a major blow to Iran's wartime leadership structure.

Larijani was known for his ability to operate between Iran's different power centers and his skills negotiating with the outside world, making his loss particularly significant during the current crisis.

The broader regional conflict has entered its fourth week, with Iran's Supreme National Security Council playing a crucial role in coordinating the country's military response.

Iran has retaliated against Israeli and US assets across several Gulf countries, causing disruptions to the waterway and impacting international energy markets.

Caspian Post

The conflict has severely disrupted trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran targeting countries hosting US military assets including Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf nations.

These attacks have resulted in casualties and damage to infrastructure while creating significant economic instability.

The security situation remains highly volatile with continued missile and drone exchanges between the opposing forces.

International reactions to the appointment and ongoing conflict remain mixed, with US President Donald Trump claiming productive talks with Tehran while Iranian officials deny any negotiations.

“In a significant shift within Iran's security apparatus, the country has announced the appointment of Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as the new secretary of the Supreme National Security Council”

Devdiscourse

Trump recently extended his deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, stating that the US will hold off striking Iranian power plants for five more days to allow 'constructive conversations.'

Devdiscourse

However, Iranian parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf dismissed these claims as 'fake news,' stating that no negotiations have been held with the US.

Iranian officials maintain a stance of skepticism toward US intentions, with the Iranian Parliament's national security and foreign policy committee urging caution amid external pressures and ongoing hostilities.