Leadership Changes in Iran: Khamenei's Confidant Appointed to Key Position

Iranian media reported that Mohsen Rezaei, an adviser to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, has been appointed as the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council. Rezaei, a former commander of the Revolutionary Guards, is considered a hawk and supports holding the Strait of Hormuz. The report has not yet been officially confirmed.

Iranian media reported today (Thursday) that Mohsen Rezaei, an adviser to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, has been appointed as the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council. This is one of the most senior positions in the Iranian regime. If the reports are correct, Rezaei will replace Mohammad Bagher Dhu al-Qader, who took office following the assassination of Ali Larijani. However, Mehrdad Khalili, a court correspondent for the Iranian regime, stressed that the report of Rezaei's appointment is not yet an official confirmation. Rezaei, who previously served as commander of the Revolutionary Guards for 16 years, is considered one of the hawkish elements in the leadership. Last March, he was appointed as the military adviser to Khamenei's son, who was appointed as the new Supreme Leader. He is among the generals who believe that Iran should continue to maintain its grip on the Strait of Hormuz, and said on one occasion that "this strategic passage is more important than dozens of atomic bombs, and Iran will defend it." In the past, Rezaei tried to enter the top of Iranian politics and failed: in 2009 he received 1.7% of the votes in the presidential elections, and in 2013 about 10%. In addition, he is wanted on suspicion of involvement in the 1994 bombing of the Jewish community building in Buenos Aires.