The Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) is Iran’s highest authority for managing national defense, security, and foreign policy decisions. Created under Article 176 of the Iranian Constitution, the council plays a central role in shaping the country’s strategic direction, especially during times of military tension and international negotiations.
The SNSC is chaired by the President of Iran and includes several of the nation’s most influential officials. Key members of the council are the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Intelligence, Defense, Interior, the Head of the Judiciary, the Chief of the Armed Forces General Staff, and a representative of the Supreme Leader. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander and other high-ranking figures may also be involved depending on the topic discussed. Although the President leads the meetings, all major decisions must be approved by the Supreme Leader before they can be implemented. This gives Iran’s Supreme Leader, currently Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, ultimate authority over the SNSC’s policies and recommendations.
The council’s primary responsibility is to determine and coordinate policies in defense, intelligence, politics, economy, and foreign relations that are related to national security. It is tasked with mobilizing all resources to protect the country from internal and external threats. This includes managing crisis situations, military operations, and the security aspects of Iran’s nuclear program. The SNSC serves as the main platform where all key branches of the Iranian government come together to decide on unified actions in the interest of national stability.
The SNSC has also had a significant influence on Iran’s nuclear negotiations. Until 2013, it was directly responsible for handling talks with Western countries over Iran’s nuclear program. During this time, figures like Saeed Jalili led the negotiations on behalf of the council. Under President Hassan Rouhani, the responsibility for direct negotiations was transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but the SNSC continued to supervise and influence the direction of Iran’s nuclear policy from behind the scenes.
The Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council is one of the most critical roles within the Iranian leadership. Appointed by the President and approved by the Supreme Leader, the Secretary oversees the council’s daily operations and serves as the link between Iran’s political and military branches. The Secretary also provides strategic advice on matters related to national security. Notable past secretaries include Hassan Rouhani, who later became President, Saeed Jalili, and Ali Shamkhani, who served from 2013 to 2023.
Ali Shamkhani is a well-known military and political figure in Iran. He has served as Iran’s Navy chief and Defense Minister before becoming SNSC Secretary. During his time in the position, he played a key role in regional strategy, especially concerning Iraq, Syria, and Iran’s relationship with neighboring Gulf states. He also remained involved in key decisions on missile defense and intelligence coordination. Even after leaving his post as secretary, Shamkhani has continued to serve as a senior advisor to the Supreme Leader.
The Supreme National Security Council’s influence reaches into almost every area of Iranian governance. It determines the overall approach to war, peace, foreign alliances, and the country’s stance on global conflicts. While it does not always make its decisions public, its actions often shape Iran’s official responses to international incidents, such as military attacks, sanctions, or diplomatic efforts by other nations. When tensions rise between Iran and its adversaries, especially Israel or the United States, the SNSC becomes the key decision-making body in formulating Iran’s strategic response.
The council’s unique structure, bringing together military, political, and religious leadership, gives it unmatched authority in Iran’s political system. Although it does not legislate laws, the Supreme National Security Council’s role in guiding national policy makes it one of the most powerful institutions in the country.