Tehran, Iran – The office of Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei announced a series of new appointments in key positions, including the naming of former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Mohsen Rezaee as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC).
Military Leadership Overhaul and New Appointments
The sweeping changes filled six key military positions on Monday, including the appointment of Ali Abdollahi, head of Iran’s joint war command, as the new chief of staff of the armed forces and Ali Ozmaei as head of the IRGC Navy. Major General Ahmad Vahidi officially took over as the new IRGC commander-in-chief, stepping into the role previously held by Mohammad Pakpour, who lost his life at the start of the US-Israel conflict with Iran during late February. Sina Azodi, assistant professor of Middle East Politics at the George Washington University, told Al Jazeera that the appointments signal no softening in negotiations with the United States. “There is little question that Khamenei, Vahidi and the IRGC leadership all share the view that continued resistance to the US is strategically necessary,” Azodi said.
Rezaee’s Return to Military and Security Leadership
Mohsen Rezaee served as commander-in-chief of the IRGC for 16 years, including during years of war with Iraq in the 1980s, before transitioning to political and economic roles. He used to be the secretary of the Expediency Council and was given high-level economic coordination authorities during the Ebrahim Raisi presidency from 2021 to 2024. Having previously made four unsuccessful bids for the presidency, Rezaee assumed the role of military adviser to the supreme leader and donned his uniform once again a little over a week after Mojtaba Khamenei succeeded his slain father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on day one of the war. According to Nournews, an outlet affiliated with the national security council, Rezaee’s appointment signaled the beginning of a broader “strategic restructuring” suited to Iran’s new wartime circumstances, aiming to better integrate military, diplomatic, economic and energy policy.
Strait of Hormuz and Stalled Diplomacy
Rezaee has maintained a hardline stance on regional diplomacy, previously expressing opposition to the memorandum of understanding signed with the US in June that temporarily lifted a naval blockade and suspended oil sanctions to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. State-linked outlets reported that 12 out of 13 voting members of the SNSC favored the MoU, with ultraconservative Saeed Jalili standing as the only opposing member. Rezaee stated in July that the US must change its behavior or face serious risks and casualties to its forces, adding that Iran would never permit the opening of a second corridor in the strait. In the wake of the appointment, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the move, pointing out that both Vahidi and Rezaee are wanted under Interpol Red Notices over their suspected involvement in the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, which claimed 85 lives.
Did you know? Comprising Iran’s armed forces, security services, intelligence agencies, presidency, and foreign ministry, the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) also acts as the primary liaison to the supreme leader’s office, which holds ultimate authority over its determinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council?
Former IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaee was named secretary of the SNSC and Khamenei’s representative in the top decision-making body on Sunday.
Who did Ahmad Vahidi succeed as IRGC commander-in-chief?
Following the death of Mohammad Pakpour—who was killed in late February during the opening strikes of the US-Israel war on Iran—Ahmad Vahidi stepped into the role of commander-in-chief.
What institutions make up the SNSC in Iran?
The country’s presidency, foreign ministry, armed forces, alongside security and intelligence bodies, make up the council, which additionally manages communications with the supreme leader’s headquarters.
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