Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr Appointed as Iran’s Fresh Security Chief
Tehran – On March 24, 2026, Iran appointed Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr as the secretary of its Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), replacing Ali Larijani, who was killed last week in an Israeli strike . Zolqadr, a former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officer, assumes the role as Iran continues to engage in a full-scale war with the US and Israel .
A Hardline Figure with Deep Roots in Iran’s Security Apparatus
Zolqadr’s appointment signals a continuation of hardline policies within Iran’s national security framework. He brings decades of experience in security, military, and strategic affairs to the position . Like his predecessor, Zolqadr has held numerous positions within the Iranian government and military throughout his career.
He previously served as deputy commander of the IRGC, the organization responsible for launching missile attacks against Israel and Gulf countries . In 2007, he was appointed by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to work with the Basij, a paramilitary force used to suppress internal dissent.
Past Roles and Political Affiliations
Zolqadr’s political background includes a period as deputy interior minister under hardline former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, during which Iran faced a nuclear standoff with Western powers. He also held senior positions within Iran’s judiciary .
Most recently, in 2021, he was appointed as secretary of the Expediency Discernment Council, an advisory body to the supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei . Zolqadr is currently subject to sanctions by the UK, US, and European Union, with some listings citing his role on the council as influential in Iran’s nuclear program .
Implications for Regional Security
The appointment of Zolqadr, a hardline former Guards commander, comes at a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel . While rarely quoted publicly, Zolqadr expressed support for the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel, calling it a “turning point” for Palestinians.
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