Iran has officially appointed Mohsen Rezaei, founder of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as the new secretary general of its Supreme National Security Council, marking a significant leadership change amid ongoing tensions with the United States.

This succession was confirmed on Sunday, August 12, 2026, when Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei named Rezaei his representative to the council and appointed Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as his political adviser. Pezeshkian’s spokesperson separately announced Rezaei’s new role as secretary general.

Iran has lacked a figure with uncontested authority since March 17, when an Israeli strike killed Ali Larijani, then the council’s secretary and widely regarded as the regime’s de facto leader. Larijani’s death removed the last credible link between Iran’s clerics, military establishment, and government.

The appointment comes as U.S. President Donald Trump shifts from a potential return to major combat operations against Iran to a strategy emphasizing economic pressure. In a Sunday interview with Axios, Trump described the approach as “low keying it” and “only semi-negotiating” with Iran, citing the country’s economic struggles including high inflation and lack of funds.

On August 10, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, then still secretary of the council, outlined six conditions for reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, including an end to U.S. threats and insults, cessation of attacks on Iran-aligned groups in the region, lifting of sanctions, and release of Iran’s frozen assets.

Reports from Iran International suggest that Foreign Minister Araghchi, who had been involved in earlier diplomatic efforts, was told he has no right to intervene in ongoing talks, indicating that the diplomatic track may be subordinated to the security establishment.

The installation of a former IRGC commander at the helm of the council, especially following maximalist demands from the outgoing secretary, signals a hardening stance rather than a conciliatory gesture.

Sources