Iran has appointed Mohammad Bagher Zolqadr as Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, according to the Tasnim news agency, following the assassination of Ali Larijani last week.

The announcement was made official by Mehdi Tabatabaei, deputy head of public relations for the Iranian presidency.

Zolqadr, born in 1955, is a retired commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and currently serves as secretary and member of the Expediency Discernment Council. Over the course of his long career, he has held a series of high-ranking state positions, gaining experience in strategic and internal security matters.

In the past, he served as deputy head of the judiciary for strategic affairs, social security, and crime prevention, and also held the position of Deputy Interior Minister for security during the presidency of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Officials believe that his experience in both military and governmental roles makes him well-suited to coordinate the country’s national security policy at a time of heightened instability in the wider region.

The appointment comes amid increased tensions between Iran and Israel, with both sides engaged in a broader confrontation that includes missile attacks and strategic military operations.

The Supreme National Security Council is a key body responsible for shaping and coordinating the country’s defense and strategic policy, while the secretary plays a central role in advising the president and acting as a link between military, intelligence, and government institutions.

Zolqadr’s assumption of duties is seen as a continuation of a leadership line based on figures with strong military and strategic backgrounds. According to the same sources, the transfer of responsibilities from Larijani to Zolqadr takes effect immediately, with the Iranian presidency confirming the appointment through official announcements and state media.

Analysts note that this choice highlights Tehran’s commitment to managing regional crises through experienced figures in the security sector, while Zolqadr’s background in the Revolutionary Guards and the judiciary is expected to influence the strategic approach to defense and security policy planning.