Who is Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr? Meet Iran's New Security Chief Following Larijani's Assassination

New Leadership in Iran's Security Council

Tehran: Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr has been appointed as the new Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, taking over from Ali Larijani, who was killed in an Israeli strike last week, according to reports from Iranian media citing a statement from Mehdi Tabatabai, the Public Relations aide to the Iranian President.

The appointment of Zolqadr has received the endorsement of Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Revolution, and was formalized by President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Zolqadr, a seasoned commander within the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), previously held the position of Secretary of the Expediency Council.

Sources indicate that he brings extensive experience from various military, security, and judicial sectors in Iran, making him a fitting choice during this pivotal time. His past roles include Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces for Basij affairs and significant judicial positions spanning nearly ten years. Notably, he led the IRGC Joint Staff for eight years during Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani's presidency and served as Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC for another eight years.

Last week, Israel confirmed the assassination of Ali Larijani, the former Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.

In a statement on X, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) described Larijani as a key figure in the Iranian regime and a close ally of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The IDF stated, "Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and the regime’s effective leader, has been eliminated. He was regarded as one of the most senior figures within the Iranian leadership and played a significant role in overseeing the crackdown on protestors during recent unrest in Iran."

The IDF also noted that following Khamenei's death, Larijani assumed leadership of the Iranian regime and directed efforts against Israel and regional nations.