Iran has appointed Mohamad Bagher Zolghadr as the new secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, replacing Alí Lariyani, assassinated last week in an attack attributed to Israel. The appointment, announced this Tuesday by the Iranian presidential office, has the approval of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution and President Masud Pezeshkian.
Former Commander of the Revolutionary Guard
Zolghadr, 72 years old, is a renowned Iranian political hawk and former commander of the Revolutionary Guard, in addition to having held key positions such as deputy interior minister for Security Affairs during the government of Mahmud Ahmadinejad and head of the Islamic militia Basij.
His appointment occurs in a context of serious losses for the Iranian military and political leadership, which includes the death of figures such as the commander-in-chief of the Revolutionary Guard, Mohammad Pakpur, and the chief of Staff, Abdorrahim Musaví.
Conversations with Trump
The change of command coincides with the statements of US President Donald Trump, who affirmed that he is negotiating with Iran to find a way out of the conflict that is already 25 days old. Iran, however, has confirmed that, although it has received messages from the US through intermediaries requesting negotiations, there are no active conversations underway.
The appointment of Zolghadr, with high-level military and political experience, could consolidate Iran's control over its security structures while keeping the door open for future talks with Washington. With the region plunged into a climate of tension after the American and Israeli bombings that began on February 28, the new leadership of Iranian National Security will be key to defining the military and diplomatic response of Tehran, at a time when the world is closely following the movements of both sides.