Story perspectives

Iran Names IRGC Veteran Rezaei SNSC Secretary, Tightens Hormuz Grip

8/11/2026

Summary

Rezaei Appointed SNSC

On August 9, 2026, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei appointed IRGC veteran Mohsen Rezaei as secretary and council representative of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC).
Former SNSC chief Zolghadr resigned to become political adviser to Khamenei.
President Masoud Pezeshkian chairs the SNSC, which coordinates Iran’s security and foreign policy after the February 28 airstrikes.
Rezaei, who led the IRGC, said control of the Strait of Hormuz outweighs “dozens of atomic bombs.”

Summary

Rezaei Tightens Strait

Analysts warn Rezaei’s appointment could tighten Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz, risking oil prices could push Kenya’s pump-price ceiling beyond KES 217 per litre and strain African economies.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington is taking a “low-key” stance toward Tehran and will not launch strikes.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Oman traffic-map talks are separate from reopening Strait and the waterway will stay closed while blockade persists.

History

Historical Context

October 1973 OAPEC’s oil embargo after the Yom Kippur War cut Arab exports and pushed world oil prices up nearly 300% by early 1974, shifting power to Gulf producers such as Saudi Arabia and Iran and highlighting the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s 2024 appointment of IRGC veteran Mohsen Rezaei to lead the Supreme National Security Council revives that power shift, tightening Tehran’s grip on Hormuz.

1 of 3

Rezaei Appointed SNSC

On August 9, 2026, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei appointed IRGC veteran Mohsen Rezaei as secretary and council representative of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC).
Former SNSC chief Zolghadr resigned to become political adviser to Khamenei.
President Masoud Pezeshkian chairs the SNSC, which coordinates Iran’s security and foreign policy after the February 28 airstrikes.
Rezaei, who led the IRGC, said control of the Strait of Hormuz outweighs “dozens of atomic bombs.”

1 / 3