Iran: Mohsen Rezaei takes top position in National Security Council

Mohsen Rezaei, a former commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, has been appointed as the new secretary of the country's Supreme National Security Council, the presidency announced. Rezaei, 71, takes over from Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, who held the position in the top security body.

The appointment was made by President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to a statement on social media platform X by the presidential office spokesperson, Mehdi Tabatabai. Rezaei led the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iran's ideological army, from 1981 to 1997. He has since held significant roles within the political system.

Prior to this appointment, Rezaei served as a military advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei starting in March. In July, he commented on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil transit and a focal point of tensions with the United States, stating it was more important than "atomic bombs," referring to Iran's nuclear program.

Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr will transition to a role as a political advisor to the Supreme Leader, according to an announcement from Ayatollah Khamenei's office. The Supreme National Security Council plays a key role in shaping Iran's foreign and defense policies.