Tehran, Iran – Iran appointed Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr, a former Revolutionary Guards commander, as the new head of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) on Tuesday. Zolqadr replaces Ali Larijani, who was killed in recent U.S.-Israeli airstrikes.
Zolqadr’s Appointment and Role
Zolqadr, a prominent figure in the hardline political faction, was named as the new secretary of the SNSC, according to a post from the Iranian president’s deputy of communications on X (formerly Twitter).
The SNSC is an important body that coordinates Iran’s security and foreign policy. It is formally chaired by the elected president of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, but includes top military, intelligence, and government officials. The supreme leader, who has the final say on state matters, also has representatives in the council.
Zolqadr’s Background
Zolqadr is a former commander in the Revolutionary Guards, Iran’s elite military force. He has held various high-ranking security positions, including deputy for security at the Interior Ministry, deputy at the armed forces’ general staff, and advisor to the judiciary chief for crime prevention.
In the political realm, Zolqadr has led the electoral headquarters of the Popular Front of Islamic Revolutionary Forces, a hardline political faction. Since 2022, he has served as secretary of the Expediency Discernment Council, which resolves differences between the parliament and the Guardian Council (a group of Shiite clerics and jurists who have the authority to veto laws and supervise elections).
The Impact of Larijani’s Death
Ali Larijani, the former head of the SNSC, was killed during recent U.S.-Israeli strikes, which have drawn significant attention and increased tensions. Larijani’s death left a void in the SNSC, and Zolqadr’s appointment is seen as a step to solidify control in the council.
