Iran has made a significant appointment concerning its security and defense policies. Mohsen Rezaei, former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has been appointed Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
In a statement shared on Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei’s social media account, emphasis was placed on Rezaei’s extensive military experience, particularly during the Iran-Iraq War.
The appointment came after Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, who had been serving as Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, was appointed as Khamenei’s political adviser. Rezaei was subsequently appointed to the position vacated by Zolghadr.
An experienced figure in Iran’s security establishment
Born in 1954 in Iran’s Khuzestan province, Mohsen Rezaei emerged as one of the senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps during the Iran-Iraq War.
Rezaei served as Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for approximately 16 years, from 1981 to 1997. Having played a significant role in Iran’s security policies during and after the war, Rezaei is regarded as one of the country’s most experienced security officials due to his extensive military background.
From 1997 to 2021, Rezaei also served as Secretary of the Expediency Discernment Council, giving him a long-standing role in both Iran’s military and political decision-making mechanisms.
Ran for president several times
Rezaei also entered the presidential race several times throughout his political career but failed to secure enough votes to win the elections.
During the administration of former President Ebrahim Raisi, Rezaei also served as a Vice President of Iran for a period.
With his new appointment, Rezaei has taken a key position in the Supreme National Security Council, which plays a critical role in shaping Iran’s national security policies.