Iran’s top security official has reportedly stepped down amid ongoing diplomatic negotiations aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Mohsen Rezaei, a key advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has replaced Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, reported the Financial Times on Monday, citing Iranian state media. Zolghadr, who assumed the position after Ali Larijani was killed in March, has been appointed as a political advisor to the supreme leader.
Rezaei led Iran’s Revolutionary Guards during the Iran-Iraq War and later held several senior government positions. He also unsuccessfully ran for president multiple times.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for a deal over the Strait of Hormuz, saying Iran’s current unity and strength make it an ideal time to reach an agreement. He stressed that the conflict must eventually end.
“We cannot fight forever. It has to be brought to an end at some point,” said Pezeshkian, as per the report.
Iran Shakeup Adds New Dimension To Hormuz Talks
The change in leadership comes at a time when Iran is engaged in crucial negotiations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The impact of the changes on Tehran’s position remains unclear, as both Rezaei and Zolghadr are hardliners and former IRGC commanders.
Over the weekend, Iran stated that an agreement with Oman on new shipping lanes through the strait was in its “final stages,” but reiterated that the waterway would not reopen unless the U.S. met several conditions. Zolghadr also called for an end to further U.S. aggression and the release of frozen Iranian assets.
At the same time, President Donald Trump said the U.S. is “only semi-negotiating” with Iran, while closely watching its worsening economic situation. He pointed to high inflation and a lack of money, saying Iran is in “very bad shape” economically.
Meanwhile, the U.S. military redirected 20 more commercial vessels away from Iranian ports under its naval blockade. CENTCOM said American forces had redirected 55 commercial vessels as of Sunday, up from 35 on Aug. 2. U.S. forces also disabled two ships and boarded two others to enforce compliance.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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