Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei names Bagher Zolghadr as political adviser

TEHRAN: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has reshuffled two key positions in the country’s security and political establishment, appointing Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as his political adviser and former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Mohsen Rezaei as his representative on the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC).

The appointments were announced through messages attributed to Khamenei on social media on Sunday, according to reports, placing two veteran figures with extensive military and political experience in prominent roles at a sensitive moment for Tehran.

In his message to Zolghadr, Khamenei cited his “valuable experience” while appointing him as a political adviser. Zolghadr has held several senior positions in Iran’s security establishment and previously served as secretary of the SNSC.

The move follows Zolghadr’s departure from the council’s top administrative position. Reports said Rezaei has been appointed to replace him as secretary of the powerful security body, while also serving as Khamenei’s representative on the council.

Rezaei is a veteran figure in Iran’s political and military establishment. He served as commander of the IRGC for much of the Iran-Iraq war era and has held a range of senior political positions. He has also previously run for Iran’s presidency.

The latest appointments are drawing attention because the SNSC plays a central role in coordinating Iran’s defence, security and foreign-policy decisions. Although the council is formally chaired by President Masoud Pezeshkian, its work brings together senior political, military and security institutions.

The timing of the reshuffle is particularly significant as Iran faces continuing pressure over regional security and negotiations surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. Recent diplomatic efforts have focused on arrangements for shipping through the strategically important waterway, making changes within Tehran’s security leadership especially closely watched.

Both Zolghadr and Rezaei are associated with Iran’s security establishment and have extensive experience in military affairs. Analysts are therefore likely to watch closely for any indication that the appointments could affect Tehran’s approach to negotiations, regional security or relations with the United States.

The reshuffle also strengthens the role of figures with longstanding links to the IRGC within the leadership structure. Rezaei had already served as a military adviser to Mojtaba Khamenei before taking on the latest assignment.

For Zolghadr, the new position keeps him within the senior leadership circle despite his exit from the SNSC secretaryship. His experience in security and political affairs could allow him to continue playing a role in shaping policy from the Supreme Leader’s office.

The appointments come at a critical time for Iran, with international attention focused on Tehran’s security posture and the future of the Strait of Hormuz.

Whether the changes represent a broader adjustment in Iran’s negotiating strategy remains to be seen, but the elevation of two experienced security figures is likely to keep Tehran’s next moves under close scrutiny.