Khaberni - Iranian media reported that President Masoud Bazshkyan has issued a decision appointing Admiral Ali Shamkhani as the Secretary of the Defense Council.
The Fars Agency mentioned that the council is dedicated to "enhancing defensive preparedness and addressing emerging threats as well as improving coordination in making defense decisions."
In addition to this position, Shamkhani serves as a political advisor to the Iranian leader Ali Khamenei, has previously held the position of Secretary-General of the National Security Council for ten years, and was the Minister of Defense in the government of former President Mohammad Khatami.
The Iranian Nournews site stated that this appointment came as part of "new structural and administrative decisions in the defense sector of the country."
The site clarified that the responsibilities of the Secretary of the Defense Council include establishing and managing the secretariat of the council and overseeing its specialized programs, which encompasses "enhancing comprehensive defensive readiness, developing mechanisms to confront emerging threats, achieving integration among the pillars of power in the Islamic Republic in the defense sector, organizing frameworks for defense diplomacy, and coordinating activities in strategic communications and cognitive warfare."
Iran established the Defense Council - chaired by Bazshkyan - following the 12-day war waged by Israel on the country in June 2025, and entrusted it with "promoting coordination, coherence, and efficiency in making defense decisions and enhancing deterrence at higher levels." Shamkhani has participated in the council since its establishment as a representative of the Iranian leader.
Shamkhani, an Iranian Arab born in Ahwaz, is among the prominent leaders in the Iranian Armed Forces, having held several positions, including commanding the Revolutionary Guards in Khuzestan province, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Revolutionary Guards, commander of the Ground Forces of the Guard, Deputy for Intelligence and Operations at the General Staff of the Armed Forces, commander of the Naval Forces in the Army and the Revolutionary Guard, Minister of Defense, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, in addition to being a political advisor to the leader.
