# Iran security and paramilitary leadership reshuffle > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/iran-security-and-paramilitary-leadership-reshuffle > Updated: 2026-08-13T08:33:33.000Z. Sources: 101. Developments: 3. Iran has undergone a significant reshuffle of its top security and military leadership. Mohsen Rezaei, a veteran commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) from 1981 to 1997, has been appointed as the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) by President Masoud Pezeshkian. Rezaei also serves as the personal representative of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei to the council, replacing Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, who has transitioned to the role of political adviser to the Supreme Leader. In a parallel series of military appointments ordered by Mojtaba Khamenei, several senior commanders were named to key positions following significant leadership losses during recent military conflicts with the United States and Israel. These losses include the deaths of high-ranking officials such as Mohammad Pakpour and Alireza Tangsiri. Major General Ahmad Vahidi has been confirmed as the commander-in-chief of the IRGC, succeeding Pakpour, with Mostafa Izadi serving as his deputy. Major General Ali Abdollahi has been appointed as the chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, with Kioumars Heidari serving as his deputy. Additionally, Rear Admiral Ali Azmaei was named commander of the IRGC Navy, and Hossein Taeb was appointed as the head of the Basij Organization. Recent developments indicate a further consolidation of leadership through the reinstatement of veteran figures to stabilize the security apparatus. This restructuring includes merging the General Staff of the Armed Forces with the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters under the command of Major General Ali Abdollahi. Analysts suggest these rapid changes aim to fill command vacuums and prevent internal fragmentation following the death of Ali Khamenei and the subsequent rise of Mojtaba Khamenei. ## Claims - Mohsen Rezaei was appointed as the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council by President Masoud Pezeshkian. (disputed by 21 sources) - Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei appointed Mohsen Rezaei as his representative to the Supreme National Security Council. (disputed by 14 sources) - Mohsen Rezaei commanded the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps from 1981 to 1997. (corroborated by 23 sources) - Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr resigned from the position of Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council. (corroborated by 18 sources) - Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr was appointed as a political adviser to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. (corroborated by 13 sources) - Mohsen Rezaei was appointed secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and representative of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. (corroborated by 11 sources) - President Masoud Pezeshkian met with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei for seven hours. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei recommended maintaining national unity and cohesion among political forces. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Mohsen Rezaei has served as a member and secretary of the Expediency Discernment Council. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei appointed six senior commanders to the General Staff, IRGC, and Basij. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Ahmad Vahidi was confirmed as commander-in-chief of the IRGC, succeeding Mohammad Pakpour. (corroborated by 8 sources) - Hossein Taeb was appointed head of the Basij. (corroborated by 8 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-13: Mojtaba Khamenei appoints six new senior military commanders Mojtaba Khamenei has appointed six new senior military commanders, including Ahmed Vahidi to lead the IRGC, to restructure Iran's security forces following recent military losses and leadership changes. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mojtaba-khamenei-appoints-six-new-senior-military-commanders ### 2026-08-10: Mojtaba Khamenei appoints veteran military leaders in Iran Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has appointed veteran military and security officials, including Ahmad Vahedi and Hossein Taeb, to key leadership roles to consolidate control within Iran. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hossein-taeb-appointed-head-of-basij-organization ### 2026-08-09: Iran reshuffles military leadership and security council Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has reshuffled Iran's military leadership, appointing Ahmad Vahidi as IRGC commander and Mohsen Rezaei as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council. 96 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iran-appoints-veteran-commander-mohsen-rezaei-to-top-security-post --- Cite as: Iran security and paramilitary leadership reshuffle. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/iran-security-and-paramilitary-leadership-reshuffle