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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 States and Saudi Arabia have signed a major civil nuclear cooperation agreement, opening a new chapter in their strategic partnership and expanding cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The agreement was signed by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. Along with the civil nuclear cooperation pact, both countries also signed a bilateral safeguards agreement to ensure that nuclear technology is used only for peaceful and civilian purposes. The agreement establishes the legal framework for long-term cooperation in the civil nuclear sector. It is expected to support multi-billion-dollar investments, strengthen commercial ties, and create opportunities for collaboration on future nuclear energy projects. US officials said the partnership will allow American companies to participate in Saudi Arabia’s growing civil nuclear programme. The agreement is also expected to increase exports of US nuclear technology, equipment, and services while creating new employment opportunities and strengthening industrial supply chains in the United States. The two governments said the agreement reflects their shared commitment to expanding economic cooperation while maintaining the highest international standards for nuclear safety, security, and non-proliferation. Officials stressed that the partnership is designed to ensure that nuclear technology is used exclusively for peaceful purposes and remains under strict international safeguards. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright described the agreement as an important step toward strengthening relations between Washington and Riyadh. He said the partnership would promote economic growth, improve energy cooperation, and enhance security for both countries and their regional allies. He added that the agreement relies on advanced American nuclear technology and scientific expertise while fully complying with international nuclear safety and non-proliferation requirements. Officials also believe the agreement will strengthen the United States’ position in the global civil nuclear industry by expanding overseas markets for American technology and reinforcing its leadership in peaceful nuclear development. For Saudi Arabia, the agreement supports the country’s long-term energy strategy, which aims to diversify energy sources and reduce dependence on oil by developing a civilian nuclear power programme alongside renewable energy projects. The agreement will now be submitted to the US Congress for review before it can enter into force. Following congressional approval, both countries are expected to begin implementing the framework and advance cooperation on future civil nuclear projects.