As diplomatic talks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz reached a critical stage, Iran’s supreme leader Mujtaba appointed Zolghadr as his political adviser and named Rezaei secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and the leader’s representative on that council. Rezaei led the IRGC from 1981–1997 and has served as secretary of the Expediency Council. Both men are hardliners and former IRGC commanders; it is unclear how the changes will alter Tehran’s negotiating stance. Political sources sa

As diplomatic talks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz reached a critical stage, Iran’s supreme leader Mujtaba appointed Zolghadr as his political adviser and named Rezaei secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and the leader’s representative on that council. Rezaei led the IRGC from 1981–1997 and has served as secretary of the Expediency Council. Both men are hardliners and former IRGC commanders; it is unclear how the changes will alter Tehran’s negotiating stance. Political sources said Zolghadr’s resignation was unrelated to security and that his conditions for reopening the strait align with Mujtaba’s views and must be met for talks to proceed. Officials link Iran’s tougher posture to recent U.S. military activity in the region, U.S.-Israel cooperation and Israeli readiness to assist strikes on Iran; internal differences over the strait are described as normal but final decisions rest with Mujtaba.