Iran Appoints Mohsen Rezaei to Key National Security Council Roles

On July 17, 2026, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian appointed Mohsen Rezaei as Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, a critical position in Iran's decision-making apparatus. Concurrently, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei named Rezaei as his representative on the council, consolidating two influential roles in shaping Tehran's security and foreign policies. These appointments followed the resignation of Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr, who was reassigned as Khamenei's political advisor.

Rezaei, a former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps during the Iran-Iraq War, has held various political and economic roles, including Secretary of the Council for Determining the Interests of the Regime. He also serves as Khamenei's military advisor, a role assigned after Mojtaba succeeded his father, Ali Khamenei, as Supreme Leader in March. The dual appointments mark an expansion of Rezaei's influence within Khamenei's inner circle.

The official announcements resolved earlier conflicting reports about the leadership changes within the Supreme National Security Council. Initial uncertainty surrounded whether Rezaei would replace Zolqadr as secretary or as the Supreme Leader's representative. Separate decrees confirmed both appointments, clarifying the council's leadership structure. Khamenei's decree praised Zolqadr for his "tireless efforts" while emphasizing Rezaei's valuable experience, particularly his role during the "glorious eight years of the Sacred Defense."