Kathmandu— Iran’s supreme leader’s office announced a series of high-level appointments this week, signaling a consolidation of power within the country’s hardline establishment as it navigates an escalating conflict with the United States and Israel. Mohsen Rezaee, who served as commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for 16 years, was named secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) on Sunday, becoming the supreme leader’s representative in the top decision-making body. The appointments also included new leadership roles within Iran's armed forces and IRGC, following the death of several commanders earlier this year.

IRGC Veteran Takes Control

Mohsen Rezaee brings decades of experience to his new role as secretary of the SNSC, having commanded the IRGC during the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s. He also previously served as the secretary of the Expediency Council and held high-level economic coordination authorities during the previous presidency. Despite never holding elected office, Rezaee has remained a prominent political figure, unsuccessfully running for president four times. Since becoming military advisor to the supreme leader earlier this year, he has consistently advocated for resistance against the United States.

Shift in Security Strategy

Analysts suggest these appointments signal a rejection of any softening in negotiations with the US. Sina Azodi, assistant professor of Middle East Politics at George Washington University, stated that Khamenei, Rezaee and IRGC leadership all believe continued resistance to the US is strategically necessary. The move appears intended to strengthen internal cohesion within Iran’s security apparatus and reinforce the leadership’s control over the organization, drawing on Rezaee's extensive experience.

Internal Resistance To Appointments

The transition wasn’t without some initial friction; reports indicated President Masoud Pezeshkian initially resisted replacing former security chief Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr. However, Zolghadr was ultimately appointed as a political advisor to the supreme leader, who has remained out of public view since the start of the conflict. State-linked outlets reported that 12 of 13 voting members of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council supported the appointment of Rezaee, with only one dissenting voice.

Regional Reactions and Accusations

Israel reacted strongly to Rezaee's appointment, citing his status on an Interpol Red Notice related to the 1994 bombing of a Jewish center in Buenos Aires. Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Iran of “worshipping terror” by promoting individuals allegedly involved in such attacks. Meanwhile, some Iranian users online resurfaced past comments made by Rezaee, including a claim from 2015 that Iran was prepared to capture American soldiers if attacked.

Strategic Restructuring Underway

According to an editorial published by Nournews, an outlet affiliated with the national security council, Rezaee’s appointment marks the beginning of a broader “strategic restructuring” designed for Iran's new wartime circumstances. The editorial argued that this change will allow for better integration of military, diplomatic, economic and energy policy, overcoming what it described as previously ‘siloed management.’

The appointments are expected to solidify hardline control within Iran’s security establishment and signal a continued commitment to resistance against external pressures, particularly from the United States and Israel.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.