Iran appoints former IRGC chief to lead top security body replacing Ali Larijani
On March 24, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad named veteran Revolutionary Guards commander Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as the new head of Iran's highest national-security council (MJC). The appointment follows last week’s assassination and subsequent burial ceremony for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Larijani at Tehran Airport.
Key Points
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1Iran has appointed Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as its new chief of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC).
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2Zolghadr is a 72-year-old former commander and strategist with ties to Iran's Revolutionary Guards.
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3He replaced Ali Larijani, who was assassinated in an attack on his residence earlier that year.
Developments
Perspectives
Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr is being described as 'a pure product of the Islamic Republic', highlighting his deep roots within Iran's political and security establishment.
— [Mar 24, 15:39] Un pur produit de la République islamique : qui est Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr ? (Bfmtv)The appointment is characterized as a move to 'harden' or intensify Iran's nuclear program following the assassination of Ali Larijani.
— [Mar 24, 14:23] Irán endurece su núcleo con un ex jefe de la Guardia Revolucionaria tras el asesinato de Alí Larijaní (Rionegro.com.ar)Zolghadr is identified as a 'powerful IRGC veteran' who will replace the slain Ali Larijani in his role overseeing Iran's security and foreign policy.
— [Mar 24, 15:39] Who Is Mohammad Baqer Zolkadur? Former Revolutionary Guards Commander Appointed Top Security Official (Livemint)'A question of image' suggests that the selection process for this high-ranking security position is driven by considerations regarding public perception and political symbolism.
— [Mar 24, 15:39] Une question d'image : qui est Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr ? (Le Parisien)The appointment was officially announced on Tuesday through state television via news agency AFP to the world's media outlets and public audiences.
— [Mar 24, 15:39] Who is Mohammad Baqer Zolkadur? Iran picks powerful IRGC veteran (Livemint)Iran has appointed veteran military commander Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr to replace Ali Larijani, who was reportedly killed in an Israeli-American strike on August 25th (or the current date). This appointment comes through a presidential decree endorsed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and marks his transition from roles within Iran's judiciary and IRGC leadership.