Rouhani Appointed National Security Council Head — What Lies Behind the Change?

In a move reflecting Iran's leadership efforts to tighten control over national security and foreign policy, senior official Mohsen Rezaei was appointed head of the Supreme National Security Council, succeeding Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr just months after his appointment.

The Hebrew newspaper Yedioth Ahronot reported that the change comes at a time when Tehran faces mounting pressures due to its confrontation with the United States, the nuclear dossier, and tensions linked to the Strait of Hormuz, raising questions about the motives behind the reshuffle and its implications for Iran's future trajectory.

The Supreme National Security Council is one of the highest institutions in Iran's system, responsible for coordinating matters related to national security and foreign policy, and includes top military, intelligence, and government leaders, alongside representatives from the Supreme Leader, who holds final authority on state affairs.

On Sunday, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei announced Mohsen Rezaei's appointment as his representative on the council, and named Mohammad Zolghadr a political advisor.

Rezaei is a central figure in Iran's leadership, having served as commander of the Revolutionary Guard for 16 years. In recent months, he has emerged as one of the most frequently cited figures in regime-aligned media, often issuing sharply worded statements.

Last week, Rezaei stated: "If the United States does not change its behavior, Iranian forces will not remain idle while the maritime blockade against Iran continues."

Background and Implications of the Appointment

Danny Strinovitz, former head of Iran research at the Intelligence and Research Division and senior fellow at the Iran and Shia Axis Program at the Institute for National Security Studies, believes Rezaei's appointment may reflect Khamenei's desire to consolidate his grip on the council.

Yedioth Ahronot quoted Strinovitz as saying the council "has lost some of its luster," and that there is an effort to revitalize it, driven by recognition of its importance as a body assisting the Supreme Leader in decision-making.

He added that there may be disappointment with Zolghadr’s performance, who "failed to establish a body that supports the Supreme Leader," suggesting the change could result from misalignment with current leadership priorities.

Yet he questioned whether this would lead to a shift in Iran’s stance toward negotiations with the United States, noting that strengthening the council is more likely.

Revolutionary Guard’s Relationship with the Council

Strinovitz emphasized that Rezaei’s background in the Revolutionary Guard will maintain the close ties between the Guard and the council, noting that Rezaei also served as an advisor to Ali Khamenei and was "essentially prepared" for Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

Regarding rumors of Zolghadr’s resignation, Strinovitz said what is happening behind the scenes remains unclear, with possibilities including dissatisfaction with current policy or personal disagreements.

The System Under Control

Despite internal tensions, Strinovitz stated the system "is not out of control," and that leadership successfully reaches consensus on sensitive issues such as the Strait of Hormuz.

He explained that keeping Zolghadr close to Seyyed Ali Khamenei through his role as advisor reflects a strategy previously used by Ali Khamenei—keeping key figures within the system, preventing them from drifting away or making mistakes, and reminding them they remain part of the structure.