Iran’s Supreme Leader office announced on Sunday the appointment of Mohsen Rezaee to serve as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and the leader’s representative on the body. Rezaee, a 71-year-old former commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps who led the organization for 16 years including during the 1980s war with Iraq, brings extensive military and political experience to the role.
The appointments came as part of a broader restructuring of Iran’s security apparatus. Ali Abdollahi was named chief of staff of the armed forces, Ali Ozmaei became head of the IRGC Navy, and Ahmad Vahidi was confirmed as commander-in-chief of the IRGC with the rank of major general, replacing Mohammad Pakpour who was killed in late February. Rezaee’s predecessor as security chief, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, was reassigned to serve as political adviser to the Supreme Leader.
Analysts characterized the move as intended to strengthen institutional cohesion and reinforce leadership control. Rezaee previously served as secretary of the Expediency Council and held economic coordination roles during Ebrahim Raisi’s presidency between 2021 and 2024, though he has never held elected office despite four unsuccessful presidential campaigns. Since becoming military adviser to the Supreme Leader early in the current conflict, Rezaee has advocated for continued resistance to the United States and expressed skepticism about diplomatic negotiations.
State-aligned outlets described the restructuring as part of a broader “strategic realignment” designed to integrate military, diplomatic, and economic policy. However, the appointment drew sharp criticism from Israel, noting that Rezaee and Vahidi are subject to Interpol Red Notices related to alleged involvement in a 1994 bombing in Buenos Aires. Hardline figures within Iran’s government expressed approval of the appointment, viewing it as strengthening the country’s security posture during the ongoing conflict.
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