Iran Appoints New Security Chief After Israeli Strike Kills Larijani

Iran has appointed Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr as the new Secretary of its Supreme National Security Council, succeeding Ali Larijani who was killed in an Israeli attack last week. The appointment was made with the approval of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian. Zolqadr is a veteran commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps with decades of experience in military, security, and judicial roles. Israel's military stated that Larijani was a senior regime figure who oversaw the crackdown on protesters and led combat against Israel.

Key Points: Iran Appoints Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr as New Security Chief

  • Zolqadr appointed as new security council chief
  • Replaces Ali Larijani killed in Israeli attack
  • Appointment approved by Khamenei and Pezeshkian
  • Veteran IRGC commander with extensive background
2 min read

Iran gets new security chief: Zolqadr appointed as Larijani's successor

Veteran IRGC commander Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr replaces Ali Larijani, killed by Israel, as Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.

"he brings decades of experience across Iran's military, security, and judicial institutions to the post at a critical juncture - PressTV"

Tehran, March 24

Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr has been appointed as the new Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, replacing Ali Larijani who was killed in an Israeli attack last week, the Iranian media reported on Tuesday quoting a statement issued by Mehdi Tabatabai, the Iranian President's Public Relations aide.

It was stated that Zolqadr has been appointed with the approval and consent of leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei and by the decree of President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Zolqadr, a veteran commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), used to serve as the Secretary of the Expediency Council.

"According to insiders, he brings decades of experience across Iran's military, security, and judicial institutions to the post at a critical juncture. He previously served as Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces for Basij affairs, and held senior positions in the judiciary for nearly a decade," leading Iranian network PressTV reported adding that in the late 1980s, Zolqadr served for eight years as head of the IRGC Joint Staff during the presidency of Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani. He then spent another eight years as Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC.

Last week, Israel announced that it has killed Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani.

In a statement shared on X, Israel Defence Forces (IDF) stated that Larjiani was considered one of the most senior figures in the Iranian regime leadership and a close associate of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

"Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council and the regime's effective leader, has been eliminated. Throughout the years, Larijani was considered one of the most veteran and senior figures within the Iranian regime leadership, and was a close associate of the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei," IDF posted on X on March 17.

"During the most recent wave of protests against the Iranian terror regime, Larijani personally oversaw the massacre that was carried out against Iranian protestors," it added.

IDF mentioned that, after Khamenei's death, Larijani functioned as the leader of the Iranian regime and led the combat against Israel and countries in the region.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
The Middle East situation is getting more volatile by the day. As an Indian, my primary concern is the safety of our diaspora there and the impact on oil prices. Our foreign policy needs to be very deft in navigating these waters.
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Aman W
Another military man in a top security post. It shows where Iran's priorities lie. While I understand the need for strong security, I hope this doesn't lead to further escalation. The common people in the region suffer the most in these conflicts.
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Sarah B
Reading about the protests mentioned in the article is heartbreaking. Regardless of politics, the loss of civilian life is always a tragedy. India has always stood for dialogue and peaceful resolution. That should be the way forward.
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Vikram M
India has important relationships with multiple players in this conflict. We buy oil from Iran and have strong ties with Israel and Arab nations. Our diplomacy is truly being tested. We need a balanced approach that protects our national interest without getting drawn into their fight.
K
Karthik V
With a veteran commander taking over, Iran's response to the killing of Larijani will be crucial. Hope cooler heads prevail. An all-out war in the Gulf would be a disaster for the global economy, and India would not be spared. Jai Hind.

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