In a post on his X account, Velayati said the appointment of experienced figures who have been trained in the school of the Leaders of the Islamic Revolution and through challenging managerial responsibilities demonstrates Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei’s prudence and foresight amid profound geopolitical transformations in the region and the world.
Velayati said his longstanding friendship and shared experience with Rezaei during the Sacred Defense in the 1980s had given him confidence that Rezaei’s strategic outlook and revolutionary spirit would serve as an effective support for safeguarding Iran’s security and national interests.
Velayati also wished success to Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr, who previously held the SNSC secretaryship, saying that Zolqadr had gained valuable experience in various fields during different periods in the past and praying for his continued success in his new and important responsibility.
Rezaei’s appointment came after Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei appointed him as his representative to the Supreme National Security Council.
In a decree issued on Sunday, the Leader appointed Rezaei, a former commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), citing his valuable experience and role as one of the pioneers of the eight-year Sacred Defense.
Ayatollah Khamenei also thanked Zolqadr for his round-the-clock efforts during his tenure.
Later on Sunday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian appointed Rezaei as the new secretary of the SNSC. Presidential office spokesman Mehdi Tabatabaei said Zolqadr had stepped down from the post to take up a new responsibility.