Bagher Zolghadr replaces slain Ali Larijani as Iran’s top security chief

March 24, 2026

Iran has named Brigadier General Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, a former senior commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as the new Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC).

The appointment was approved by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and formally decreed by President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday.

Zolghadr replaces Ali Larijani, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike last week.

Zolghadr’s appointment comes amid a severe leadership crisis in Iran triggered by a joint US-Israeli military campaign that began on February 28, 2026. The strikes, which continued through March, have resulted in the deaths of numerous high-ranking Iranian officials

These losses have forced a rapid restructuring of Iran’s security and political apparatus under the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.

Who is Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr?

Zolghadr is a veteran IRGC commander who previously held senior security positions, including deputy interior minister for security affairs.

He has also served in key roles within Iran’s armed forces command structure and was recently secretary of the Expediency Council. Iranian state media and officials describe him as a hardline figure with deep experience in security matters.

The  leadership shake-up occurs against a backdrop of continued military and diplomatic tension. On Monday, US President Donald Trump announced a five-day pause in planned strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure to allow space for diplomatic talks aimed at a “complete and total resolution” of the conflict.Trump described the ongoing meetings as “very good and productive,” but Iranian officials have publicly dismissed the claim of constructive negotiations.