Iran Appoints Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as New National Security Chief After Larijani’s Killing

The Iranian government has appointed Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as the new head of the Supreme National Security Council, the country’s top security decision‑making body. He takes over the position following the death of Ali Larijani, who was killed in an airstrike last week amid heightened conflict involving Israel and the United States.

Zolghadr is a retired military commander who previously served in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including roles such as deputy commander and senior staff positions during the Iran–Iraq War. Before his new appointment, he held the post of secretary of Iran’s Expediency Discernment Council, a key advisory body that resolves disputes between major state institutions.

The Supreme National Security Council, chaired by Iran’s president, is responsible for shaping and coordinating national defense and security policy, including responses to foreign threats and military strategy. As secretary, Zolghadr will be responsible for organizing the council’s activities, preparing security policy proposals, and ensuring their implementation.

Zolghadr’s appointment comes at a critical time as Iran remains engaged in ongoing hostilities following attacks earlier this month. The leadership change places a figure with a deep military background and IRGC ties in charge of one of the most influential security positions in the country.