Iran Appoints Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr as New Security Chief After Larijani’s Death

Tehran, March 2026: Iran has appointed Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr as the new Secretary of its Supreme National Security Council, replacing Ali Larijani, who was reportedly killed in an Israeli attack last week. The development was confirmed by Iranian media on Tuesday, citing a statement from Mehdi Tabatabai, an aide in the President’s Public Relations office.

According to the statement, Zolqadr’s appointment was made with the approval of the leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei, and formalised through a decree issued by President Masoud Pezeshkian. The move comes at a critical time for Iran, amid heightened tensions in the region and ongoing security challenges.

Zolqadr brings decades of experience in Iran’s military and administrative structures. A veteran commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), he has held several key positions across the country’s security, military, and judicial institutions. Prior to this appointment, he served as Secretary of the Expediency Council, a body tasked with resolving legislative disputes and advising the leadership.

Over the years, Zolqadr has played a significant role in shaping Iran’s defence and internal security strategies. He previously served as Deputy Chief of the Armed Forces General Staff for Basij affairs and spent nearly a decade in senior roles within the judiciary. His career also includes a tenure as head of the IRGC Joint Staff during the late 1980s, followed by eight years as Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC.

The appointment follows the reported killing of Ali Larijani, a senior figure in Iran’s political and security establishment. Israel had earlier claimed responsibility for the strike that allegedly resulted in Larijani’s death, describing him as a key leader within Iran’s power structure.

In a statement posted on social media, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described Larijani as one of the most influential figures in Iran’s leadership and a close associate of the country’s supreme leadership. The statement also alleged his involvement in internal security actions during periods of unrest, as well as in directing Iran’s regional military posture.

Iran has not publicly detailed the circumstances surrounding Larijani’s death, but his replacement underscores the urgency with which the country is reorganising its top security leadership.

Zolqadr’s elevation to this crucial post signals continuity in Iran’s security framework, with an emphasis on experienced leadership during a period marked by geopolitical uncertainty. His appointment is expected to play a key role in shaping Iran’s response to both internal and external challenges in the coming months.