Iran appoints Mohsen Rezaei as Supreme National Security Council secretary
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Iran appointed Mohsen Rezaei, a former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander and close ally of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council on Monday. He replaces Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr, who was named political adviser to Khamenei. The appointment of the hardline figure comes more than five months into the conflict with the United States, according to Reuters.
The Appointment
Rezaei, 71, becomes second-in-command of the council chaired by President Masoud Pezeshkian, which coordinates Iran's security and foreign policy. The supreme leader announced the decision in a decree on Aug. 10, Cumhuriyet reported. Zolqadr moves to a political advisory role after previously serving as council secretary.
Revolutionary Guards Veteran
Rezaei joined the IRGC shortly after the 1979 Islamic Revolution and became its commander in 1981 at age 27, leading the force for 16 years, including most of the 1980–88 Iran-Iraq war. He oversaw the expansion of its ground, naval, and air capabilities, Reuters noted. He helped found the anti-Shah Mansuroun group and was arrested by the SAVAK in 1973, according to Cumhuriyet.
Hardline Views and War Record
Rezaei has expressed skepticism toward negotiations and made threats against Washington, opposing ceasefire extensions during the current U.S. conflict. His role in the 1986 Karbala-4 operation, where Iranian forces suffered heavy losses, has drawn criticism; he later claimed it was a diversion for the Karbala-5 offensive, Cumhuriyet reported. A multiple presidential candidate, he served as economic vice president under Ebrahim Raisi from 2021 to 2023.
What's Next
The council under Rezaei is expected to shape Iran's stance in the ongoing conflict with the United States. It remains unclear whether his hardline approach will escalate tensions or lead to a more rigid negotiating position.
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Iran appoints Mohsen Rezaei as Supreme National Security Council secretary
