TEHRAN – Former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Mohsen Rezaei has been appointed as the Supreme Leader’s representative to Iran’s top national security body, the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC).
The appointment was announced following the resignation of Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr from the position. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s spokesman, Mehdi Tabatabaei, said Zolghadr would take up a new role as political adviser to the Supreme Leader.
The changes come as Iran continues to face heightened regional and international security pressures, particularly amid tensions with the United States and growing attention on the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Rezaei, 71, served as commander-in-chief of the IRGC from 1981 to 1997, overseeing the force during most of the Iran-Iraq War. He later held several senior political positions and served as a military adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.
In a notification issued by Khamenei, Rezaei’s appointment was attributed to his extensive experience and his record during Iran’s eight-year “Sacred Defence” period, referring to the Iran-Iraq War.
“Given your valuable experience and your distinguished achievements during the eight years of Sacred Defence, I appoint you as my representative to the Supreme National Security Council,” the notification said, expressing hope that Rezaei would successfully carry out the important responsibility.
Rezaei has in recent months highlighted the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, saying control over the vital waterway was “more important than dozens of atomic bombs.” His remarks came amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States.
Zolghadr, a former IRGC official, will now serve as the Supreme Leader’s political adviser, according to the announcement.
