Mohsen Rezaei has taken two senior roles in Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, becoming SNSC secretary and Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei’s representative. The former IRGC commander replaces Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr after his resignation from the key security post.
Mohsen Rezaei Named Supreme Leader’s SNSC Representative
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei appointed veteran military and political figure Mohsen Rezaei as his representative to the Supreme National Security Council, citing his long experience and role during the Iran-Iraq War. The appointment replaced Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, who left the position and was later named the Leader’s political adviser.
In the official decree, Khamenei praised Rezaei’s “valuable experiences” and referred to him as one of the pioneers of the eight-year conflict Iran calls the Sacred Defense. He also thanked Zolghadr for his service and expressed hope that Rezaei would succeed in carrying out the new responsibility.
Pezeshkian Appoints Rezaei as SNSC Secretary
In a separate move, President Masoud Pezeshkian appointed Rezaei as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council following Zolghadr’s resignation. Iran’s presidential office confirmed the appointment, making Rezaei both the council’s secretary and the Supreme Leader’s representative.
The distinction matters because the two roles come through different authorities. The Supreme Leader chooses his representative on the council, while the president issued the decree naming Rezaei as SNSC secretary. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf later congratulated Rezaei on holding both positions.
Former IRGC Commander Returns to Top Security Role
Rezaei is one of the most experienced figures from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard establishment. He commanded the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps from 1981 until 1997, covering most of the Iran-Iraq War and becoming one of the most prominent military figures of that period.
His career later shifted into politics and economic policy. Rezaei served as secretary of the Expediency Discernment Council and later became vice president for economic affairs under former President Ebrahim Raisi. He has also held senior positions linked to Iran’s economic coordination bodies.
Rezaei also made several attempts to win Iran’s presidency but never secured the office.
Also read more on: Pezeshkian met Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei
Iran Security Council Holds Major Strategic Influence
The Supreme National Security Council is one of Iran’s most influential institutions, coordinating major decisions involving defense, intelligence, foreign policy and national security. President Pezeshkian formally chairs the body, while senior military, intelligence and government officials participate alongside the Supreme Leader’s representative.
Rezaei’s simultaneous appointment as secretary and Leader’s representative therefore places a veteran IRGC figure at the center of Iran’s security decision-making structure.
His return to such a prominent role could strengthen coordination between Iran’s political leadership, military establishment and national security institutions at a sensitive time for regional security.
