Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council
Senior national security official in Iran
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SSNSC) is an official in the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, responsible for coordinating the country's highest decision-making body, the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), on matters of defense, intelligence, and foreign policy. The secretary manages the day-to-day affairs of the SNSC, oversees policy planning, and serves as the principal intermediary between the council and key institutions, including the Iranian Armed Forces, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and the Office of the Supreme Leader. In this capacity, the secretary plays a significant role in Iran's national security doctrine and implementing decisions approved by the council and the Supreme Leader.
Supreme Leader
| Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council | |
|---|---|
| دبیر شورای عالی امنیت ملی | |
| |
| Supreme National Security Council | |
| Member of | Supreme National Security Council |
| Reports to | Supreme National Security Council Supreme Leader |
| Appointer | President |
| Formation | 14 October 1989 |
| First holder | Hassan Rouhani |
Although formally appointed by the president of Iran, the position operates at the intersection of Iran's civilian government, military establishment, and clerical leadership.
Role and responsibilities
The secretary of the Supreme National Security Council functions as the executive head and administrative coordinator of the council.[3][4] While the president of Iran formally chairs the SNSC, the secretary is responsible for organizing its work, preparing policy proposals, and ensuring that decisions are implemented across the state apparatus.[5]
Institutional context
The Supreme National Security Council itself was established under Article 176 of the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The council is responsible for safeguarding national interests, protecting the Islamic Revolution, and coordinating policies related to defense and foreign affairs.[6] Its membership includes senior political and military officials such as; the president of Iran (chair), the speaker of the parliament, the Chief Justice, senior commanders of the Armed Forces and IRGC, Foreign affairs ministry, intelligence, and interior, representatives appointed by the Supreme Leader.[7][5]
Political importance
Over time, the office of secretary has evolved into a powerful platform within Iran's political system. Several holders of the position have become key figures in national politics or diplomacy, using the role to influence strategic policy and international negotiations. During sensitive diplomatic processes such as negotiations over Iran's nuclear program, the secretary has often served as Iran's chief negotiator or senior coordinator, suggesting the office's strategic significance other than administrative duties.[3]
List of officeholders
| No. | SNSC | Term[4] | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | Name | Took office | Left office | Term length | |
| Secretaries of the Supreme National Security Council | |||||
| 1 | Hassan Rouhani (born 1948) | 14 October 1989 | 15 August 2005 | 15 years, 305 days | |
| 2 | Ali Larijani (1958–2026) | 15 August 2005 | 20 October 2007 | 2 years, 66 days | |
| 3 | Saeed Jalili (born 1965) | 20 October 2007 | 12 September 2013 | 5 years, 327 days | |
| 4 | Ali Shamkhani (1955–2026) | 10 September 2013 | 22 May 2023 | 9 years, 254 days | |
| 5 | Ali Akbar Ahmadian (born 1961) | 22 May 2023 | 5 August 2025 | 2 years, 75 days | |
| 6 | Ali Larijani (1958–2026) | 5 August 2025 | 17 March 2026 † | 224 days | |
| 7 | Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr (born 1954 or 1955) | 24 March 2026 | Incumbent | 53 days | |
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