Summary
Iran appointed Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, a former military officer, to lead the Supreme National Security Council after Ali Larijani was killed in a U.S.-Israeli air strike. This council manages security and foreign affairs in Iran, and Zolghadr's new role increases the influence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Iran’s government.
Key Facts
- Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr is the new head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
- Ali Larijani, the previous head, was killed in a U.S.-Israeli air strike.
- The Supreme National Security Council includes top military and government officials.
- Zolghadr has a long history with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
- He previously served as deputy commander-in-chief of the IRGC.
- Zolghadr’s appointment increases the IRGC’s power in Iran.
- Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has not been seen publicly since March.
- President Trump mentioned speaking to a “top person” but extended a deadline in U.S. actions against Iran by 5 days.
