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Iran Appoints Baqer Zolqadr as New Security Chief Amid Regional Strikes

Iran has appointed veteran military commander Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr as the new Secretary of its Supreme National Security Council, replacing the assassinated Ali Larijani. The appointment was made by presidential decree with the endorsement of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei. Concurrently, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps announced a new wave of missile and drone strikes targeting sensitive Israeli locations, including Dimona, Tel Aviv, and Eilat. The IRGC described the operation as a significant escalation, with missiles raining down on enemy targets as domestic rallies showed support for the Republic.

Key Points: Iran Names Baqer Zolqadr New Security Chief, Replaces Larijani

  • New security chief appointed by presidential decree
  • Replaces Ali Larijani assassinated in strike
  • Zolqadr brings decades of military & judicial experience
  • IRGC launches 78th wave of retaliatory strikes
  • Targets include Dimona nuclear site & US bases
2 min read

Iran names Baqer Zolqadar new Security Chief to replace Ali Larijani

Veteran commander Baqer Zolqadr replaces assassinated Ali Larijani as Iran's top security official as IRGC launches new missile strikes on Israel.

"targeting highly sensitive Israeli targets as Dimona, Tel Aviv, and Eilat - IRGC statement"

Tehran, March 24

Tehran has announced the appointment of Veteran military commander and strategist Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr as the new Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.

Seyyed Mehdi Tabatabai, the Deputy for Communications and Information at the Iranian President's Office, announced it in a post on X on Tuesday.

Zolqadr has been appointed to the top security chair by a direct presidential decree and with the endorsement of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei.

He replaces Ali Larijani, who was assassinated in the Israeli-American strike last week. Larijani had served in the position since August 2025.

According to Iranian media, Zolqadr 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.

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.

Earlier, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announced staging the 78th wave of its retaliatory Operation True Promise 4. IRGC claimed it was targeting highly sensitive Israeli targets as Dimona, Tel Aviv, and Eilat as well as several US military bases in the region.

In a statement on Tuesday, the IRGC described the latest phase of the operation as a significant development featuring missiles raining down on enemy targets as the nation was levelling momentous support behind the Islamic Republic by attending millions-strong rallies with "clenched fists."

According to the statement, targets in the occupied port of Eilat, Dimona, a heavily fortified city that hosts the Israel's nuclear reactor in its vicinity, and northern Tel Aviv were struck using Emad and multi-warhead Qadr missile systems along with attack drones.

This was the second time the IRGC was hitting Dimona.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The mention of strikes on Dimona is deeply concerning. Any conflict that risks a nuclear site is a threat to global security. I hope cooler heads prevail and diplomatic channels are prioritized over military escalation.
R
Rohit P
From an Indian perspective, our energy security and the safety of our diaspora in the Gulf are paramount. Every new missile launch in the Strait of Hormuz makes our oil imports more expensive and risky. We need a stable Middle East for our own growth. 🙏
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Priya S
The internal power dynamics are fascinating. Zolqadr has deep roots in both the IRGC and the judiciary. This isn't just a security appointment; it's a consolidation of hardline control. Larijani's assassination has really reshuffled the deck.
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Aman W
While I understand Iran's stance, the cycle of retaliation is terrifying for ordinary people. The article mentions "millions-strong rallies," but what about the silent majority who just want peace? War rhetoric benefits no one in the long run. A respectful criticism of the path being taken.
K
Karthik V
This directly impacts Chabahar Port. India has strategic interests there. A hawkish security chief in Tehran could complicate our development projects. Our foreign ministry must be engaging with all sides quietly. Jai Hind.

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