Iran has appointed Brigadier General Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, a former Revolutionary Guards commander, as the new Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) on Tuesday (March 24). The appointment, approved by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and decreed by President Masoud Pezeshkian, follows the death of his predecessor, Ali Larijani, in a targeted airstrike last week.&nbsp;Zolghadr's appointment comes after a joint US-Israeli bombing campaign launched on February 28 and subsequent precision strikes throughout March, which resulted in the most significant decapitation of Iranian leadership in the history of the Islamic Republic.&nbsp;The most prominent casualty was Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the opening salvo alongside his immediate family during a strike on his residence in Tehran. The offensive simultaneously eliminated the core of Iran’s military and security command, including the Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC, Major General Mohammad Pakpour; the Chief of the General Staff, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi; and the Minister of Defence, Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/recession-fears-in-europe-as-eurozone-business-activity-slows-amid-iran-war-1774349069173">Recession fears in Europe as Eurozone business activity slows amid Iran war</a>&nbsp;As the campaign expanded into mid-March, further strikes targeted transitional and secondary leadership, leading to the deaths of Ali Larijani, the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, and Gholamreza Soleimani, the head of the paramilitary Basij forces. These losses have forced a rapid and radical restructuring of the Iranian state under the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.&nbsp;Meanwhile, confusion over a potential deal between Iran and the United States regarding the ongoing war persists. On Monday, Donald Trump announced in a social media post a five-day postponement of all planned military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure. The pause is intended to provide a window for ongoing diplomatic talks aimed at reaching a “complete and total resolution” of hostilities in the region.&nbsp;Notably, the US President underlined that the instruction to the Department of Defence is contingent upon the continued success of these detailed and constructive meetings, which are scheduled to continue throughout the week.However, Iran officially dismissed Donald Trump’s assertion that the two countries are engaged in “very good and productive” conversations to resolve the war.&nbsp;&nbsp;(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

Zolghadr's appointment comes after a joint US-Israeli bombing campaign launched on February 28 and subsequent precision strikes throughout March, which resulted in the most significant decapitation of Iranian leadership in the history of the Islamic Republic.

Iran has appointed Brigadier General Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, a former Revolutionary Guards commander, as the new Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) on Tuesday (March 24). The appointment, approved by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and decreed by President Masoud Pezeshkian, follows the death of his predecessor, Ali Larijani, in a targeted airstrike last week. Zolghadr's appointment comes after a joint US-Israeli bombing campaign launched on February 28 and subsequent precision strikes throughout March, which resulted in the most significant decapitation of Iranian leadership in the history of the Islamic Republic. The most prominent casualty was Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the opening salvo alongside his immediate family during a strike on his residence in Tehran. The offensive simultaneously eliminated the core of Iran’s military and security command, including the Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC, Major General Mohammad Pakpour; the Chief of the General Staff, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi; and the Minister of Defence, Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh. Also Read: Recession fears in Europe as Eurozone business activity slows amid Iran war As the campaign expanded into mid-March, further strikes targeted transitional and secondary leadership, leading to the deaths of Ali Larijani, the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, and Gholamreza Soleimani, the head of the paramilitary Basij forces. These losses have forced a rapid and radical restructuring of the Iranian state under the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. Meanwhile, confusion over a potential deal between Iran and the United States regarding the ongoing war persists. On Monday, Donald Trump announced in a social media post a five-day postponement of all planned military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure. The pause is intended to provide a window for ongoing diplomatic talks aimed at reaching a “complete and total resolution” of hostilities in the region. Notably, the US President underlined that the instruction to the Department of Defence is contingent upon the continued success of these detailed and constructive meetings, which are scheduled to continue throughout the week. However, Iran officially dismissed Donald Trump’s assertion that the two countries are engaged in “very good and productive” conversations to resolve the war. (Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)

Zolghadr's appointment comes after a joint US-Israeli bombing campaign launched on February 28 and subsequent precision strikes throughout March, which resulted in the most significant decapitation of Iranian leadership in the history of the Islamic Republic.

Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr replaces slain Ali Larijani as Iran’s top security chief; all you need to know

Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Wednesday (Mar 18) issued a defiant blood oath following the assassination of national security kingpin Ali Larijani. In a written message released during Larijani’s funeral, Mojtaba warned that the "criminal murderers," and apparent reference to Israel and the US—will "soon have to pay" for the strike that killed the regime's most vital wartime strategist. The Iran supreme leader's warning comes on day 19 of the US-Israel-Iran war. This comes on the heels of Israel announcing that it has authorised the IDF to "thwart and hunt down" any senior Iranian official without requiring further approval.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-we-re-watching-from-above-amid-ai-and-death-rumours-netanyahu-emerges-in-war-room-to-prove-he-s-alive-after-eliminating-larijani-soleimani-1773789460421">Real or deepfake? Netanyahu mocks death rumours with Kirya war room video after wiping out Iran's top 'terror chieftains'</a><h2>'Every Drop of Blood': What Mojtaba Khamenei’s Message Means for the War</h2>In a message published on his official Telegram channel, Iranain Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said that "Every drop of spilled blood comes at a price." He vowed that "the criminal murderers of these martyrs will soon have to pay it".The assassination of figures like security chief Ali Larijani "attest" to his importance and "to the hatred that the enemies of Islam harbour toward him," added Mojtaba on the of Larijani's funeral in Tehran.<h2>Why Ali Larijani’s Death is the Biggest Blow to Iran Since February 28</h2>Larijani, a powerful political figure, rose in influence after Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a joint US-Israel strike at the start of the Iran war. Khamenei's death was confirmed on March 1.A former speaker of parliament and long-time adviser within Iran’s leadership, Larijani played a central role in shaping policy, particularly on nuclear negotiations. Following the death of Ali Khamenei, Larijani was the senior most Iranian official to be assassinated during the ongoing Iran war.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-we-re-watching-from-above-amid-ai-and-death-rumours-netanyahu-emerges-in-war-room-to-prove-he-s-alive-after-eliminating-larijani-soleimani-1773789460421">Real or deepfake? Netanyahu mocks death rumours with Kirya war room video after wiping out Iran's top 'terror chieftains'</a><h2>Schrödinger's Leader: Is Mojtaba Khamenei Injured or Just Underground?</h2>Mojtaba Khamenei was recently appointed as the supreme leader, having succeeded his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on the war's first day. The cleric is yet to make a single public appearance, fueling intense global speculation about his health, and safety.Last week, the US claimed that he was injured in a "chaotic environment" and is "likely disfigured". During a press briefing on Friday &nbsp;(Mar 13), US Defence Secretary noted that a statement released by Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on Thursday had "no voice and there was no video. It was a written statement."This, he said, was because the "new so-called, not so supreme, leader is wounded and likely disfigured." Hegseth said Khamenei lacks "legitimacy" and was running scared. Before that Yousef Pezeshkian, the son of President Masoud Pezeshkian, had confirmed that the newly appointed Supreme Leader had sustained injuries in the Iran war, but insisted that he was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/breaking-news-iran-s-new-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei-safe-and-sound-despite-war-injuries-says-president-pezeshkian-s-son-1773210931273">"safe and sound"</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Mojtaba Khamenei takes “blood oath” after security chief's assassination. Iran’s Supreme Leader has vowed revenge, warning the “murderers” US and Israel will soon “pay” for the assassination of Ali Larijani. Here's all you need to know.

Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Wednesday (Mar 18) issued a defiant blood oath following the assassination of national security kingpin Ali Larijani. In a written message released during Larijani’s funeral, Mojtaba warned that the "criminal murderers," and apparent reference to Israel and the US—will "soon have to pay" for the strike that killed the regime's most vital wartime strategist. The Iran supreme leader's warning comes on day 19 of the US-Israel-Iran war. This comes on the heels of Israel announcing that it has authorised the IDF to "thwart and hunt down" any senior Iranian official without requiring further approval. Also read | Real or deepfake? Netanyahu mocks death rumours with Kirya war room video after wiping out Iran's top 'terror chieftains' 'Every Drop of Blood': What Mojtaba Khamenei’s Message Means for the War In a message published on his official Telegram channel, Iranain Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said that "Every drop of spilled blood comes at a price." He vowed that "the criminal murderers of these martyrs will soon have to pay it". The assassination of figures like security chief Ali Larijani "attest" to his importance and "to the hatred that the enemies of Islam harbour toward him," added Mojtaba on the of Larijani's funeral in Tehran. Why Ali Larijani’s Death is the Biggest Blow to Iran Since February 28 Larijani, a powerful political figure, rose in influence after Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a joint US-Israel strike at the start of the Iran war. Khamenei's death was confirmed on March 1. A former speaker of parliament and long-time adviser within Iran’s leadership, Larijani played a central role in shaping policy, particularly on nuclear negotiations. Following the death of Ali Khamenei, Larijani was the senior most Iranian official to be assassinated during the ongoing Iran war. Also read | Real or deepfake? Netanyahu mocks death rumours with Kirya war room video after wiping out Iran's top 'terror chieftains' Schrödinger's Leader: Is Mojtaba Khamenei Injured or Just Underground? Mojtaba Khamenei was recently appointed as the supreme leader, having succeeded his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on the war's first day. The cleric is yet to make a single public appearance, fueling intense global speculation about his health, and safety. Last week, the US claimed that he was injured in a "chaotic environment" and is "likely disfigured". During a press briefing on Friday (Mar 13), US Defence Secretary noted that a statement released by Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on Thursday had "no voice and there was no video. It was a written statement." This, he said, was because the "new so-called, not so supreme, leader is wounded and likely disfigured." Hegseth said Khamenei lacks "legitimacy" and was running scared. Before that Yousef Pezeshkian, the son of President Masoud Pezeshkian, had confirmed that the newly appointed Supreme Leader had sustained injuries in the Iran war, but insisted that he was "safe and sound". Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Mojtaba Khamenei takes “blood oath” after security chief's assassination. Iran’s Supreme Leader has vowed revenge, warning the “murderers” US and Israel will soon “pay” for the assassination of Ali Larijani. Here's all you need to know.

'Every drop of spilled blood has a price': Mojtaba Khamenei issues chilling warning to US and Israel, as slain security chief Ali Larijani buried

Iran's top security body on Tuesday (Mar 17) confirmed the death of its security chief Ali Larijani, one of the country's most influential figures, following an Israeli airstrike. This comes after Iran's Revolutionary Guards confirmed the assassination of Gholamreza Soleimani, head of the Revolutionary Guard’s Basij force.<h2>Ali Larijani confirmed dead</h2>In a statement on Tuesday, Iran's Supreme National Security Council said Larijani was killed along with his son and bodyguards."The pure souls of the martyrs embraced the purified soul of God’s righteous servant," the council said, describing his death as martyrdom after "a lifetime of struggle" for the Islamic Republic.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-10-million-bounty-amid-iran-war-us-offers-massive-reward-for-information-on-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei-and-9-top-iranian-leaders-who-are-they-1773463778740">US puts $10M bounty on Mojtaba Khamenei, IRGC top leaders it claims ‘plan, organise and execute terror worldwide’. Who are they?</a>"After a lifetime of struggle for the advancement of Iran and of the Islamic Revolution, he ultimately attained his long-held aspiration, answered the divine call, and honourably achieved the sweet grace of martyrdom in the trench of service," it said.Larijani, a powerful political figure, rose in influence after Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a joint US-Israel strike at the start of the Iran war. Khamenei's death was confirmed on March 1.A former speaker of parliament and long-time adviser within Iran’s leadership, Larijani played a central role in shaping policy, particularly on nuclear negotiations. Israel had earlier announced that Larijani was killed in an overnight operation. Defence Minister Israel Katz said the strike also "eliminated" Gholamreza Soleimani, a senior commander of Iran’s Basij force.<h2>Iran confirms Gholamreza Soleimani killed</h2>The killing of Gholamreza Soleimani was confirmed by Iran's Revolutionary Guards on Tuesday. "Commander Gholamreza Soleimani, head of the Basij Organization, has been martyred," the Guards said on their Sepah News website.<h2>Sanctions and a controversial legacy</h2>Both Larijani and Soleimani had faced international scrutiny. The US Treasury had sanctioned Ali Larijani for allegedly "coordinating" the suppression of protests, while Soleimani was similarly targeted by sanctions from the United States and European Union over his role in internal crackdowns.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-stay-away-from-dxb-dubai-shuts-airspace-massive-flight-chaos-as-1-900-iranian-missiles-drones-rain-down-on-uae-1773713487478">Do not 'proceed to DXB unless...': Dubai shuts airspace; massive flight chaos as 1,900 Iranian missiles, drones rain down on UAE</a><h2>Israel signals broader objective</h2>Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes were part of a wider effort to weaken Iran’s leadership."We are undermining this regime to give the Iranian people the opportunity to remove it," he said.The killings mark another escalation in the conflict, as Israel continues to target senior figures within Iran’s political and military hierarchy.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran has confirmed the death of security chief Ali Larijani in an Israeli strike, along with senior Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani. What role did Larijani play in Iran’s leadership and what does his assassination signal for the US-Israel-Iran war? Scroll down to find out.

Iran's top security body on Tuesday (Mar 17) confirmed the death of its security chief Ali Larijani, one of the country's most influential figures, following an Israeli airstrike. This comes after Iran's Revolutionary Guards confirmed the assassination of Gholamreza Soleimani, head of the Revolutionary Guard’s Basij force. Ali Larijani confirmed dead In a statement on Tuesday, Iran's Supreme National Security Council said Larijani was killed along with his son and bodyguards. "The pure souls of the martyrs embraced the purified soul of God’s righteous servant," the council said, describing his death as martyrdom after "a lifetime of struggle" for the Islamic Republic. Also read | US puts $10M bounty on Mojtaba Khamenei, IRGC top leaders it claims ‘plan, organise and execute terror worldwide’. Who are they? "After a lifetime of struggle for the advancement of Iran and of the Islamic Revolution, he ultimately attained his long-held aspiration, answered the divine call, and honourably achieved the sweet grace of martyrdom in the trench of service," it said. Larijani, a powerful political figure, rose in influence after Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a joint US-Israel strike at the start of the Iran war. Khamenei's death was confirmed on March 1. A former speaker of parliament and long-time adviser within Iran’s leadership, Larijani played a central role in shaping policy, particularly on nuclear negotiations. Israel had earlier announced that Larijani was killed in an overnight operation. Defence Minister Israel Katz said the strike also "eliminated" Gholamreza Soleimani, a senior commander of Iran’s Basij force. Iran confirms Gholamreza Soleimani killed The killing of Gholamreza Soleimani was confirmed by Iran's Revolutionary Guards on Tuesday. "Commander Gholamreza Soleimani, head of the Basij Organization, has been martyred," the Guards said on their Sepah News website. Sanctions and a controversial legacy Both Larijani and Soleimani had faced international scrutiny. The US Treasury had sanctioned Ali Larijani for allegedly "coordinating" the suppression of protests, while Soleimani was similarly targeted by sanctions from the United States and European Union over his role in internal crackdowns. Also read | Do not 'proceed to DXB unless...': Dubai shuts airspace; massive flight chaos as 1,900 Iranian missiles, drones rain down on UAE Israel signals broader objective Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes were part of a wider effort to weaken Iran’s leadership. "We are undermining this regime to give the Iranian people the opportunity to remove it," he said. The killings mark another escalation in the conflict, as Israel continues to target senior figures within Iran’s political and military hierarchy. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran has confirmed the death of security chief Ali Larijani in an Israeli strike, along with senior Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani. What role did Larijani play in Iran’s leadership and what does his assassination signal for the US-Israel-Iran war? Scroll down to find out.

'Sweet grace of martyrdom': Ali Larijani, Gholamreza Soleimani killed in Israeli strike, confirms Iran; highest-level deaths since Khamenei

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Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr replaces slain Ali Larijani as Iran’s top security chief; all you need to know

'Every drop of spilled blood has a price': Mojtaba Khamenei warns US and Israel

Iran confirms Ali Larijani, Gholamreza Soleimani killed in Israeli strike