Iran has appointed Mohsen Rezaei, the former commander of the Revolutionary Guards, as the head of its highest national security body. The announcement was made by the presidency on Sunday. Rezaei, who previously led the Guards from 1981 to 1997, has held several high-ranking political positions and most recently served as a military adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.
Rezaei's appointment comes after Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr resigned from his position as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council. Zolghadr, also a former Guards commander, will transition to a role as a political adviser to Ayatollah Khamenei.
President Masoud Pezeshkian named Rezaei to the role in a statement by the presidency spokesman, Mehdi Tabatabaei. Tabatabaei noted that Rezaei's extensive experience in national security and his leadership during critical periods, including the Iran-Iraq war, made him an ideal candidate for the position.
Rezaei has previously stated that control of the Strait of Hormuz is of paramount importance, describing it as more crucial than possessing numerous atomic bombs. This strategic waterway has been a focal point of tension between Iran and the United States in recent years.
Zolghadr's new role as a political adviser to the Supreme Leader is seen as a significant move within Iran's political landscape. The transition in leadership at the Supreme National Security Council is expected to influence Iran's approach to both domestic and international security issues.
