SAEDNEWS: The Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) has been one of the most important decision-making bodies in the country’s foreign policy, defense, and security sectors since its establishment in 1989.
According to the political service of SaedNews analytical news agency, quoting Tabnak, the Supreme National Security Council is chaired by the President and includes senior political, military, and intelligence officials; its resolutions become binding after approval by the Supreme Leader.
The secretary of the council, responsible for managing the secretariat and overseeing the implementation of resolutions, holds one of the most important positions within the council. The secretary is appointed by the President and is often also appointed as the Supreme Leader’s representative.
The council members include legal officials (such as the President, Speaker of Parliament, Chief Justice, and key ministers) as well as natural members (representatives appointed by the Supreme Leader).
The secretary of the council, responsible for managing the secretariat and overseeing the implementation of resolutions, holds one of the most important positions within the council. The secretary is appointed by the President and is often also appointed as the Supreme Leader’s representative.
Record Holders of Membership in the Supreme National Security Council
Based on an analysis of archived news, the record holders of membership in the Supreme National Security Council since its establishment are as follows:
Hassan Rouhani: 32 years (1989–2021)
Hassan Rouhani holds the longest tenure in the council with 32 years of membership. He entered the council as one of the Supreme Leader’s representatives from its inception in 1989 and simultaneously served as its secretary until 2005. During this period, he played a key role in nuclear negotiations and the implementation of Resolution 598 (which ended the Iran-Iraq war). After ending his secretariat in 2005, Rouhani remained in the council until 2021 as the Supreme Leader’s representative, later serving as President (2013–2021) and chairman of the council.
Rouhani’s long presence reflects the system’s sustained trust in him for major national decisions until 2021.
Ali Larijani: 25 years (1995–present)
Ali Larijani is another record holder with 25 years of membership. He joined the council as the Supreme Leader’s representative in 1995 and served as secretary from 2005 to 2007. During his secretariat, he led nuclear negotiations with the P5+1 group. Afterwards, he served as Parliament Speaker (2008–2020) and later returned as the Supreme Leader’s representative and secretary of the council (since 2025).
Saeed Jalili: 17 years (2007–present)
Saeed Jalili was appointed secretary of the Supreme National Security Council in 2007 and has been the Supreme Leader’s representative since 2008. With a total of 17 years of membership (18 years including one year of secretariat before representation), he ranks third among record holders. Jalili played a central role in nuclear negotiations (2007–2013) and is known for his hardline and radical stance during these talks.
Ali Shamkhani: 10 years (2013–2023)
Ali Shamkhani served as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and the Supreme Leader’s representative from 2013 to 2023. He played a significant role in coordinating security policies and negotiations related to the nuclear deal (JCPOA). Shamkhani was also responsible for the peace dossier with Saudi Arabia.
Ali Akbar Ahmadian: 2 years (2023–2025)
Ali Akbar Ahmadian, with two years of membership (2023–2025) as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, holds the shortest tenure among the record holders.
Previously head of the IRGC Strategic Center, he was appointed in 2023 by President Ebrahim Raisi. Ahmadian brought a new approach to the council secretariat, focusing on expanding security strategies in economic, cyber, and environmental domains.
Deceased and Martyr Members of the Supreme National Security Council
Throughout its history, the council has witnessed the presence of prominent figures, some of whom have passed away or were martyred. Besides the recent martyrs Salami and Baqzi, the list of deceased members includes:
Seyyed Ahmad Khomeini (deceased, 1994):
Son of the founder of the Islamic Revolution, he served as the Supreme Leader’s representative in the council from 1989 until his death in March 1994.
Major General Hassan Firouzabadi (deceased, 2021):
Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces from 1989 to 2016, he was a legal member of the council and passed away in 2021 due to illness.
Ayatollah Seyyed Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi (deceased, 2018):
Chief Justice (1999–2009) and member of the Expediency Discernment Council, he served as a legal member of the council before his death in 2018.
Major General Mohammad Salimi (deceased, 2015):
Chief of the General Staff (2000–2005), he was a legal member of the council known for coordinating the armed forces during and after the war. He died in 2015."
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