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🇪🇬 Egypt /Conflict & Security

The veteran IRGC commander who’s now Iran’s top security official

From Egypt Independent · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Mohsen Rezaei, a veteran commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), has been appointed as the new national security chief.
  • Rezaei, an advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has a history of skepticism towards negotiations with the United States.
  • He previously served as IRGC commander and held positions on the Expediency Council and as vice president.

Iran's Supreme National Security Council has a new secretary: Mohsen Rezaei, a veteran commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and a prominent figure within the regime. The 71-year-old Rezaei, who previously served as a military advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, steps into one of the country's most influential security roles, replacing Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr.

has far more authority

— NasrDescribing Mohsen Rezaei's influence within the IRGC.

Rezaei's long career spans over five decades within Iran's political, security, and military establishment. He was appointed IRGC commander-in-chief during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s and is credited with helping to shape the IRGC into a powerful institution. According to analysts, Rezaei holds significantly more influence within the IRGC than his predecessor.

argued for perpetual conflict in the region and with the United States

— NasrDescribing Rezaei's post-Iran-Iraq war stance.

His background includes fighting with Islamist guerrilla groups during the 1979 Islamic Revolution and drafting the IRGC's founding charter. Following the Iran-Iraq war, Rezaei advocated for "perpetual conflict in the region and with the United States," according to one analysis. He later joined the Expediency Council, which advises the supreme leader, and served as vice president under former President Ebrahim Raisi, though his four presidential bids were unsuccessful.

a lack of wisdom and prudence.

— RezaeiDescribing former President Trump.

Rezaei has consistently expressed skepticism about engaging in negotiations with the U.S. He recently described former President Trump as lacking "wisdom and prudence" and claimed Iran's counterattacks during recent escalations forced the relocation of American forces. He has also issued warnings regarding the Strait of Hormuz, stating that "American vessels and forces will face serious risks and casualties" if U.S. blockades of Iranian ports continue. Rezaei declared negotiations with the U.S. "over" last month, viewing them as a temporary measure rather than a lasting commitment. He has also indicated Iran's readiness for a potential U.S. invasion, stating that "the world will understand Iran’s true capabilities" should such an event occur.

American vessels and forces will face serious risks and casualties

— RezaeiWarning about potential consequences of U.S. blockades of Iranian ports.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Egypt Independent. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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