Iran has appointed senior military figure Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as the new Secretary of its Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), replacing Ali Larijani, in a key leadership shift amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
Zolghadr, a former commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), takes charge of one of Iran’s most powerful security bodies responsible for shaping defence, nuclear, and foreign policy decisions.
His appointment comes at a critical time for Tehran, following the death of Larijani in recent strikes, which has significantly reshaped Iran’s top leadership structure.
The Supreme National Security Council plays a central role in coordinating Iran’s military and strategic responses, particularly during times of conflict, making the position one of the most influential in the country’s power hierarchy.
The appointment of a hardline IRGC-linked figure signals a continued shift toward a more security-driven leadership structure in Iran, especially as tensions with the United States and Israel remain high.
The move is part of a broader reshuffle within Iran’s leadership amid ongoing military escalation, with several senior figures having been killed in recent weeks.
Zolghadr’s elevation is expected to further consolidate the influence of the Revolutionary Guards in Iran’s decision-making apparatus, as the country navigates one of its most volatile periods in recent history.
