Iranian state media announced on Tuesday the appointment of Mohammad Baqer Zolghadr, a former commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, as secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council. This sensitive appointment follows the assassination last week of prominent official Ali Larijani in an Israeli airstrike, a move that sent shockwaves through Tehran's political and security circles.
Ali Larijani was a pivotal figure in Iranian politics, possessing extensive experience in managing complex issues. He played a crucial role in Iranian diplomacy and was widely regarded as a pragmatic and potential interlocutor in any future negotiations with the United States or Western powers. His assassination represents a significant blow to the relatively moderate faction within the decision-making circles and opens the door to radical changes in security policies.
Who is Muhammad Baqir Dhul-Qadr?
Mohammad Baqer Zolghadr has a long and deep history within Iran's military and security establishment. His prominent career began during the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, where he gained extensive field experience. He rose through the ranks of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), serving as Chief of the Joint Staff for eight years, followed by another eight years as Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC, making him a key figure in this powerful institution.
Zolghadr's influence was not limited to the military sphere; it extended to the political and executive arenas. In 2005, during the presidency of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, he was appointed Deputy Minister of the Interior for Security and Police. This move was seen at the time as a clear indication of the Revolutionary Guard's growing influence and its penetration into the core of domestic politics and civilian decision-making. Since 2023, Zolghadr has served as Secretary of the Expediency Discernment Council, a high-level and influential advisory body that mediates between the various branches of power in Iran and advises the Supreme Leader directly.
The importance of Iran's Supreme National Security Council
The Supreme National Security Council is the highest security and political body in Iran, responsible for formulating the country's defense and security policies in accordance with the general directives set by the Supreme Leader. The council's secretary plays a pivotal role in crisis management, coordinating efforts between military and civilian institutions, and leading sensitive international negotiations. Therefore, the selection of a figure with a hardline military background like Zolqadr to head this secretariat reflects a move toward tightening security control and unifying the visions of the Revolutionary Guard and the political leadership.
Regional and international repercussions of the appointment
Regionally, this appointment comes amid unprecedented escalation of tensions between Iran and Israel, particularly following a series of assassinations targeting Iranian and allied leaders. The appointment of Zolqadar sends a clear message that Tehran is prepared to escalate and adopt a more assertive stance in dealing with external threats, which could have implications for Tehran's regional strategy.
On the international level, replacing a political figure like Larijani with a military figure like Zolqadr could complicate the chances of resuming diplomatic negotiations with the West. This shift suggests that Iran may prioritize security and military considerations over diplomacy in the coming period, posing new challenges to the international community in its efforts to contain escalating tensions in the Middle East.
