Iran denies security chief's resignation as succession dispute emerges

TEHRAN, Iran — Uncertainty surrounding the post of Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council continued, as Mohammad Baqer Zolghadr publicly rejected reports that he had stepped down. In a message released through the official IRNA news agency, Zolghadr identified himself as the council's secretary, signaling that he remains in the role. Earlier reports had claimed that Zolghadr had resigned and that former Revolutionary Guards commander Mohsen Rezaei had been appointed to replace him. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian was also reported to have refused to accept the resignation and urged Zolghadr to remain in office. In his statement, Zolghadr reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz would not be opened to the United States. He set out conditions including an end to what Iran describes as U.S. threats and war against Iran and its allies, the lifting of a maritime blockade, the withdrawal of American forces from the region and the removal of sanctions. He said the council would not step back in war or negotiations. The dispute follows a period of senior-level changes in Iran's administration since the war that began in February.