Who is Mohsen Rezaei, Iran’s new security chief with an Interpol Red Notice?
Who is Mohsen Rezaei Iran's New Security Chief?
Poinews.com – Who is Mohsen Rezaei Iran's new security chief? The Supreme National Security Council has appointed Mohsen Rezaei as its secretary, marking a significant shift in Tehran's strategic leadership. A founding member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Rezaei now holds formal control over one of Iran's most powerful bodies. President Masoud Pezeshkian formalized the appointment through a presidential decree on Sunday. Shortly before this announcement, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei named Rezaei as his personal representative on the council.
At 71 years old, Rezaei brings nearly five decades of experience within the Islamic Republic's military and security apparatus. He succeeds Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, an experienced IRGC commander who stepped down after roughly four months in office and received a political advisory position under Khamenei.
Maritime Policy and Diplomatic Stance
Following his appointment, Rezaei outlined Iran's position on maritime routes and international relations. He stated that Tehran would not create an additional shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz. The new security chief also warned that American warships operating in the strait could become targets. Additionally, Rezaei emphasized that any resolution to ongoing conflicts must involve the release of Iran's frozen international assets before the Hormuz corridor might reopen.
Revolutionary Background and Early Career
Born Sabzvar in 1954 in Khuzestan province, Rezaei grew up in a Bakhtiari tribal family. During the early 1970s, he became a prominent political activist against Shah Reza Pahlavi's regime. His opposition resulted in arrest by SAVAK, the shah's intelligence service, and imprisonment in Ahvaz. Rezaei co-founded the Mansouroun militant organization, which played a key role in establishing the Mojahedin of the Islamic Revolution Organisation.
After the 1979 revolution, Rezaei joined the Islamic Republic's central council. He also served on a twelve-member committee tasked with drafting the IRGC's foundational constitution.
Military Command and Civilian Governance
In September 1981, at age twenty-seven, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini appointed Rezaei as commander-in-chief of the Revolutionary Guards. He held this position for sixteen years, becoming one of the longest-serving military leaders in the Islamic Republic's history, before stepping down in September 1997.
Following his military service, Rezaei moved into civilian governance, serving as secretary of the Expediency Discernment Council for nearly twenty-four years. This body resolves conflicts between parliament and the Guardian Council while shaping broad state policies. In 2021, President Ebrahim Raisi named him deputy president for economy, a role he held until June 2023.
Electoral History and International Standing
Despite his extensive institutional career, Rezaei has run for president four times without success. His latest attempt came in the 2021 election, where he received 3.4 million votes—fewer than the number of invalid ballots cast in that same contest.
Rezaei's international profile has been shaped significantly by the 1994 AMIA bombing in Buenos Aires. The attack killed eighty-five people and injured hundreds, making it Argentina's deadliest terrorist incident. In 2007, Argentine authorities sought arrest warrants for nine individuals linked to the explosion, including Rezaei, who was then IRGC commander. Interpol issued a Red Notice against him, which remains active today.
Both Tehran and Rezaei have consistently denied any connection to the AMIA bombing, calling the accusations politically motivated.
These allegations have produced real diplomatic consequences. Argentina formally protested Rezaei's 2021 appointment as deputy economic president. The country also raised objections when Rezaei attended Nicaraguan presidential inaugurations. Qatar received a request to detain and extradite Rezaei during a visit to Doha, though this demand was not fulfilled.
Domestic Military Record
Within Iran, Rezaei's military career has faced criticism, particularly regarding Operation Karbala-4. This December 1986 assault during the Iraq-Iran war sought to reclaim parts of the Faw region but was detected and repelled by Iraqi forces, resulting in significant Iranian losses, including entire frogmen units. In 2015, investigators uncovered the remains of missing soldiers from this operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mohsen Rezaei Iran currently serving as?
Mohsen Rezaei is currently serving as the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, appointed by President Masoud Pezeshkian in August 2026.
Why does Mohsen Rezaei have an Interpol Red Notice?
Rezaei has an Interpol Red Notice due to his alleged involvement in the 1994 AMIA bombing in Buenos Aires, Argentina, which killed eighty-five people. Argentine authorities issued arrest warrants for him in 2007.
How long did Mohsen Rezaei serve as IRGC commander?
Rezaei served as commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for sixteen years, from September 1981 until September 1997.
What is Mohsen Rezaei's political background?
Born in 1954 in Khuzestan province, Rezaei was a political activist against the Shah's regime in the 1970s. He co-founded the Mansouroun militant organization and later served in various military and civilian government positions, including deputy president for economy from 2021 to 2023.