Iran Appoints Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr to Lead Supreme National Security Council

Iran appoints Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr as Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, replacing Ali Larijani who was killed in a strike last week.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 24, 2026, 8:03 AM EDT

Rapid Succession in a Time of War

The announcement of Zolqadr’s appointment was made public via social media by the Iranian president’s deputy of communications. The speed of the replacement underscores the urgency within the Iranian leadership to maintain a functional and decisive security apparatus. As the SNSC is the highest body responsible for defining Iran's defense and national security policies, the position of Secretary is critical for coordinating the nation’s response to the ongoing conflict with U.S. and Israeli forces.

The Legacy of Ali Larijani

Zolqadr succeeds Ali Larijani, a veteran politician and influential figure who had long navigated the complexities of Iranian foreign and domestic policy. Larijani’s death in a strike last week represented a significant blow to the Iranian political establishment and served as a catalyst for the current restructuring of the security council. The transition highlights the increasing volatility of the regional theater, where high-ranking officials have become direct targets in the escalating hostilities.

A Hardline Military and Political Background

Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr brings a significant military and administrative pedigree to the SNSC. A former senior commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and an ex-deputy interior minister for security affairs, Zolqadr is widely regarded as a hardline figure with deep ties to the country's defense core. His appointment is seen as a signal that Tehran intends to maintain a rigid and uncompromising security posture as the war in the region continues to expand.