Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has appointed Ali Larijani as his representative to the Supreme National Security Council, state media reported Tuesday.
President Masoud Pezeshkian simultaneously named Larijani secretary of the council, replacing Ali Akbar Ahmadian.
Khamenei also appointed Ahmadian and Ali Shamkhani as representatives to a newly created Defense Council focused on military planning.
The Supreme National Security Council handles Iran’s major foreign policy, domestic security, and nuclear negotiation decisions.
Larijani previously led nuclear talks with the European Union that ended without agreement.
He has served as parliament speaker, state broadcaster chief, and culture minister, but was barred from Iran’s 2021 and 2024 presidential elections by the Guardian Council.
The appointments come as Iran faces mounting regional tensions and international pressure.
Recent speculation about leadership changes in the council preceded Larijani’s diplomatic meetings, including one with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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