Iran Names New Security Chief Amidst Escalating Regional Tensions
Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr has been appointed as the new Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, effective March 24, 2026, as regional conflicts continue to escalate. The appointment comes as tensions remain high following a series of exchanges between Iran and Israel.
Zolghadr, a retired commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, succeeds Ali Larijani in the role. He previously served as the deputy for strategic, societal–security and crime prevention affairs in the Iranian judicial system, and as Deputy Interior Minister for Security Affairs under Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Details of his career present a long history within Iran’s security apparatus.
The move follows a period of heightened conflict. According to early reports, Israeli strikes targeted Beirut, while Iran reportedly launched attacks on Haifa and Tel Aviv, with some accounts alleging the use of cluster munitions. iDNES.tv reported on these exchanges.
Recent days have also seen a reported Iranian rocket impact in Tel Aviv, alongside continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon. České noviny covered the developments.
Zolghadr was born in Fasa, Iran, around 1954 or 1955 and holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Tehran. Iran Watch identifies him as having been involved in Iran’s weapons program. He is also the father-in-law of Kazem Gharibabadi.
The appointment of a hardline figure like Zolghadr to this key position underscores growing regional tensions and could influence future diplomatic efforts. Reuters details the appointment and its potential implications.
