(MENAFN) Former head of parliament Ali Larijani has been designated as the new chief of Iran’s most senior security institution, the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), as reported on Tuesday.

In an official directive, President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that Larijani is expected to “exercise wise and thorough oversight over the proper implementation of secretariat affairs and enhance coordination among related institutions.”

The directive instructs him to supervise and prioritize pressing national safety matters, with a particular emphasis on “emerging and technological threats.”

Larijani is also tasked with “redefining strategic concepts” and fostering a “people-based approach” that aligns with the broader security strategy.

The declaration comes in the wake of organizational modifications within the SNSC, including the creation of a fresh “defense council,” which will operate under its jurisdiction, according to reports from local outlets.

Larijani takes over from Ali-Akbar Ahmadian, who had been the SNSC’s secretary-general since May 2023.

Ahmadian, initially appointed by the late President Ebrahim Raisi, is now reportedly transitioning into a new role as one of Pezeshkian’s deputies.

Further accounts from local media indicate that Larijani is anticipated to be selected as one of the two appointees representing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the SNSC.

A staunch conservative known to occasionally take reformist stances, Larijani was among the notable candidates for the presidency last year.

However, his bid was disqualified by the Guardian Council, the authority responsible for reviewing and approving political contenders.

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