Known for being a “hard-liner”, Zolqadr takes command of the country’s main defense body after the death of Ali Larijani in attacks attributed to the USA and Israel
The government of Iran appointed, this Tuesday (24.mar.2026), the former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Mohammad Baqer Zolqadras the new secretary of the (Supreme National Security Council), one of the most powerful bodies in the country’s political structure.
Zolqadr will replace a central figure in Iranian politics who died last week in attacks attributed to USA ea Israel.
The Supreme National Security Council coordinates the country’s defense, internal security and foreign relations policies. Although it is formally presided over by the Iranian president, its strategic decisions depend on the approval of the supreme leader, who has the final say on matters of state.
The body brings together representatives of the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies and the government, as well as delegates linked to the supreme leader. In practice, it serves as the main forum for formulating Iran’s security strategy.
Throughout his career, Zolqadr held positions linked to security and public administration, such as deputy secretary of security at the Ministry of the Interior and deputy chief of staff of the Armed Forces.
Since 2022, he has served as secretary of the , responsible for mediating legislative disputes between Parliament and the Council of Guardians — a body composed of clergy and jurists that supervises elections and can veto laws.
CLIMBING IN TENSION
The event was held after weeks of tension between the 2 countries. On February 19, the president Donald Trump stated that, within 10 days, he would know whether he should take “a step forward” in relation to a possible attack against the country.
Afterwards, the Republican declared that military authorities, including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces, Dan Caine, considered that a possible war against Iran would result in one.
On February 24, Trump said the US had not yet heard Iran declare that “will never have a nuclear weapon“. According to him, the country “has already developed missiles that can threaten Europe and bases abroad and is working to reach North American territory”.
The statements were made while the US with Iran, without an agreement so far.
An Iranian official told Reuters What if the US recognized its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes and lifted economic sanctions.
