Iran appoints ex-IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaei as top security secretary amid Hormuz crisis

Published Aug 11, 02:08 PM UTC

Iran replaced the head of its Supreme National Security Council on August 10, 2026, appointing Mohsen Rezaei as secretary. Rezaei, a former Revolutionary Guards commander and hardliner, succeeds Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, who lasted less than five months. The change comes as the dispute over the Strait of Hormuz intensifies, with Iran's leadership split over negotiating with Washington. Zolghadr's exit followed his publication of sweeping demands for reopening the strait, which regional diplomats viewed as infighting. The article highlights three factions: the Revolutionary Guards willing to talk but not cede control, President Pezeshkian's camp seeking a diplomatic framework, and the Paydari Front opposing any negotiations with the U.S. The analysis argues that Washington's strategy of treating Iran as a unified negotiating partner is flawed.