TEHRAN: Iran has appointed veteran military and political figure Mohsen Rezaei to a senior position within the country’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), replacing Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr and bringing one of the Islamic Republic’s most prominent former Revolutionary Guards commanders back into a central security role. The appointment was announced late Sunday by the office of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s deputy director of communications. No official explanation was immediately provided for the change, and it remains unclear whether Rezaei’s appointment will result in any significant shift in Iran’s security or foreign policy. Rezaei, 71, has extensive experience in Iran’s military, security and political institutions. He served as commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) from 1981 until 1997, a period that included most of the Iran-Iraq war. His return to a prominent security position comes at a particularly sensitive time for Iran, amid continuing tensions with the United States and Israel, as well as uncertainty surrounding the security of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The SNSC is one of Iran’s most important institutions for coordinating national security and foreign policy. Although the council is formally chaired by the elected president, it brings together senior military, intelligence and government officials, along with representatives of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. Major strategic decisions ultimately remain subject to the authority of the supreme leader. Zolqadr’s short tenure ends Zolqadr had been appointed secretary of the SNSC only in late March. He took over the position following the death of his predecessor, Ali Larijani, who was killed in an air strike during the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Unlike Zolqadr, Rezaei has maintained a considerably higher public profile over the course of his political career and has frequently spoken on major domestic, economic and foreign-policy issues. In a separate decree issued Sunday, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei appointed Rezaei as his representative to the SNSC. The decree referred to Rezaei’s extensive experience, including his service during the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war. Hardline politician Saeed Jalili also serves as the supreme leader’s representative on the council. The same decree appointed Zolqadr as Khamenei’s political adviser, suggesting that his departure from the SNSC leadership does not represent a complete withdrawal from the country’s senior political establishment. Rezaei’s long political career Rezaei’s career has extended well beyond the military. After leaving his post as IRGC commander, he served for more than two decades as secretary of Iran’s Expediency Discernment Council, an influential body involved in resolving disputes between state institutions and advising the supreme leadership. He later entered the executive branch, serving as vice president for economic affairs from 2021 to 2023 during the administration of former President Ebrahim Raisi. Rezaei also holds a doctorate in economics from the University of Tehran. Despite his academic background, much of his professional life has been spent within Iran’s military, security and political establishment. His appointment therefore places an experienced figure with a long history in Iran’s national security apparatus at the center of a council responsible for coordinating some of the country’s most consequential strategic decisions. Strait of Hormuz remains key issue The leadership change comes as Tehran continues discussions over the future of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical international energy route. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Saturday that Tehran and Oman were nearing an understanding on a possible new shipping route through the strait. The waterway has faced severe disruption during months of conflict and escalating regional tensions. However, Iranian officials have indicated that reopening the route would depend on broader conditions being met. These reportedly include demands related to US compensation for Iran and an end to what Tehran describes as American threats and aggression. Zolqadr had previously outlined several demands, including an end to US threats against Iran, the cessation of military action against Iran and its regional allies, the lifting of sanctions and blockade measures, and the release of Iranian assets. The demands highlight the wider diplomatic and security challenges facing Tehran as it attempts to manage relations with Washington while dealing with continuing regional instability. Policy direction remains uncertain The replacement of Zolqadr by Rezaei does not necessarily indicate an immediate change in Iran’s foreign-policy direction. The SNSC operates within a broader political system in which the supreme leader has ultimate authority over major matters of national security and international affairs. However, Rezaei’s extensive military background and long involvement in Iran’s senior political institutions could make his appointment significant, particularly as Tehran navigates negotiations, military tensions and economic pressure.

The United Nations General Assembly has approved a second four-year term for UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk. The decision was made despite strong opposition from the United States, Russia and Israel. The 193-member General Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favour of the extension. A total of 144 countries voted for the proposal. Ten opposed it, while 13 abstained. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had proposed Turk for another full term. His current term is due to end in October. The vote came amid growing tensions between Washington and the United Nations. The US administration has reduced funding for several UN agencies. It has also withdrawn from a number of UN bodies. Washington had asked the General Assembly to delay the vote. US officials said more time was needed for consultations and review. The United States also warned that it could reconsider its relationship with the UN if the proposal was approved. US Representative for UN Management and Reform Jeff Bartos criticised the process before the vote. He said the decision did not allow enough time for discussion and oversight by member states. Bartos warned that the US could reassess its engagement, participation and funding of the United Nations. Despite the warning, most member states supported Turk. The European Union backed the extension. Several African and Latin American countries also voted in favour. China supported the proposal as well. Russia strongly opposed Turk’s reappointment. Russian Deputy Ambassador to the UN Dmitry Chumakov accused the rights chief of bias against Moscow. He also criticised Turk for making what Russia described as unfounded allegations against the country. Russia had proposed a shorter extension for Turk. Its plan would have kept him in the position only until the end of 2026. The General Assembly rejected that proposal by a large majority. Israel also opposed the decision. The Israeli Foreign Ministry criticised Guterres’ proposal and said the decision should have been left to the next UN secretary-general. Turk has faced criticism from several powerful countries because of his strong position on human rights issues. He has criticised Russia’s war in Ukraine. He has also raised concerns about Israel’s actions in Gaza. Turk has further called for investigations into deaths involving people held in US immigration custody. Human rights organisations have defended his position. They say the UN human rights chief must be able to challenge powerful countries when fundamental freedoms are threatened. The position has become increasingly important as conflicts and restrictions on civil liberties continue in different parts of the world. Turk is an Austrian lawyer. He has worked with the United Nations for decades. His UN career has included senior positions in Geneva. He has also served in field locations, including Kosovo. With the General Assembly’s latest decision, Turk will become the first UN human rights chief to serve two complete four-year terms. His reappointment is likely to keep human rights at the centre of international debate. It may also further test relations between the United Nations and countries that have opposed his approach.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has urged North Korea to return to dialogue to establish a permanent peace regime and formally conclude the 1950–53 Korean War. Delivering a speech to mark the anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule, Lee emphasised the necessity of peaceful coexistence and proposed diplomatic discussions to address Pyongyang’s nuclear capabilities alongside regional security safeguards. The Korean War concluded with an armistice agreement rather than a formal peace treaty, leaving the peninsula in a technical state of conflict for decades. Lee affirmed that Seoul is prepared to implement pre-emptive measures to reduce military friction and prevent escalation, building upon earlier pledges to respect North Korea’s governance system. Diplomatic relations between the two nations remain strictly frozen, with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un officially abandoning reunification goals and designating South Korea as a primary adversary. Pyongyang has repeatedly rejected previous diplomatic overtures from Seoul while criticising joint US–South Korean military exercises. Additionally, Lee addressed regional affairs with Tokyo, advocating for an approach that confronts historical grievances while fostering future cooperation with Japan as a neighbouring state.