Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr Appointed New Security Chief of Iran Following Larijani's Death
Synopsis
In a significant political shift, Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr has been appointed as the new Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council after the assassination of Ali Larijani. This change comes amidst escalating tensions in the region, as Israel intensifies its military actions.
Key Takeaways
New Leadership: Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr appointed as Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
Tragic Loss: Ali Larijani killed in an Israeli attack, marking a significant shift in Iran's political landscape.
Experience Matters: Zolqadr brings decades of experience in military and security roles.
Regional Tensions: His appointment comes amidst escalating tensions between Iran and Israel.
Support from Leadership: Zolqadr's appointment was sanctioned by both the Supreme Leader and the President.
Tehran, March 24 (NationPress) Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr has been named the new Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, succeeding Ali Larijani, who tragically lost his life in an Israeli strike last week, according to reports from Iranian media on Tuesday, citing a statement from Mehdi Tabatabai, the aide for Public Relations to the Iranian President.
It was confirmed that Zolqadr's appointment received the backing of Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Revolution, and was enacted through a decree from President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Zolqadr, a seasoned commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), previously held the position of Secretary of the Expediency Council.
Insiders have indicated that he brings with him a wealth of experience from various sectors within Iran's military, security, and judiciary at a pivotal moment. He has also served as the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces for Basij affairs and has held significant judicial positions for nearly ten years. Notably, in the late 1980s, Zolqadr was at the helm of the IRGC Joint Staff for eight years during the presidency of Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, followed by another eight years as Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC.
Just last week, Israel declared that it had executed an operation resulting in the death of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary, Ali Larijani.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) issued a statement on X, highlighting that Larijani was regarded as one of the most influential figures within the Iranian regime and a close ally of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In their post on X dated March 17, IDF stated, "Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and an effective leader of the regime, has been eliminated. Over the years, he was viewed as one of the most senior figures within the Iranian regime and maintained a close relationship with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei."
Furthermore, it was noted that Larijani played a crucial role in overseeing the violent suppression of the most recent protests against the Iranian regime, where many demonstrators were killed.
IDF also remarked that following Khamenei's passing, Larijani acted as the leader of the Iranian regime, spearheading actions against Israel and other nations in the region.
Point of View
The appointment of Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr as the new Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council marks a critical moment in Iranian governance. His extensive military and judicial background positions him uniquely to navigate the complex landscape of regional security and internal dissent.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr?
Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr is the newly appointed Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, previously serving in various high-ranking positions within the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps.
What happened to Ali Larijani?
Ali Larijani, the former Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, was killed in an Israeli attack last week.
What is the significance of Zolqadr's appointment?
Zolqadr's appointment comes at a critical time for Iran, as he is expected to bring his extensive military and security experience to address escalating tensions in the region.
How did Zolqadr rise to this position?
Zolqadr was appointed with the approval of Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei and a decree from President Masoud Pezeshkian, highlighting his trusted status within the regime.
What was Larijani's role in the Iranian regime?
Larijani was considered a senior figure within the Iranian leadership and played a significant role in the regime's military strategies and responses to internal protests.
