Former IRGC Commander Named Head of Iran's Security Council

Mohsen Rezaei, the former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, now holds the position of secretary to the Supreme National Security Council. This role places him in charge of coordinating defense policies and national security decisions during an ongoing conflict. President Masud Pezeshkian appointed Rezaei to the post in late 2026, replacing Mohammad Bagher Zolqadr.

The appointment shifts diplomatic authority within Iran’s government. In late October, US Vice President JD Vance sent a letter regarding negotiations directly to Rezaei. This correspondence bypassed Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, the Parliament Speaker, who had previously served as the principal negotiator for the Iranian side.

Rezaei has also engaged in direct international outreach. On November 5, he traveled to Moscow to discuss regional security with Russian President Vladimir Putin. His position allows him to coordinate between the military and political leadership, creating a separate channel of authority from the parliament.

Rezaei’s return to power follows the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in strikes by the United States and Israel. Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father as supreme leader, named Rezaei as his military adviser in March. In August, Mojtaba appointed him as his representative on the security council before Pezeshkian confirmed the secretary role.

Born in 1954 in Masjed Soleyman, Rezaei served as IRGC commander from 1981 to 1997. He later headed the Expediency Discernment Council until 2021 and served as vice president for economic affairs from 2021 to 2023. His military career includes the 1986 Operation Karbala-4, a battle that drew criticism from veterans over heavy casualties.

International attention has focused on the 1994 AMIA bombing in Buenos Aires, which killed 85 people. Argentine prosecutors accused Rezaei of involvement, leading Interpol to issue a Red Notice in 2007. The notice remains in force, though Iranian authorities continue to deny the allegations.

Hamidreza Azizi of the Crisis Group stated that Rezaei was supported by figures seeking a coordinator who could unify various groups, particularly the military. While Qalibaf retains his role as parliament speaker, Rezaei now oversees the implementation of security policy during the ninth month of the war.