Iran Appoints Larijani’s Successor As UK , France Build Coalition For Hormuz

Iranian outlets have reported that Mohammad Bagher Zolghar has been appointed the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), according to an official in Iran’s presidential office, following the killing of the previous top security official Ali Larijani on 17 March by US-Israeli forces.

Zolghadr has held numerous senior positions, including IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) deputy commander, deputy interior minister for security affairs, deputy head of the judiciary and secretary of the powerful Expediency Council.

Meanwhile defence officials have said that the UK, with France, is helping build a coalition of countries to help secure the Strait of Hormuz – “once conditions allow.”

The UK has offered to host a security conference on the key channel for global oil shipments in either Portsmouth or London in the near future to develop plans.

Officials said that any mission will require a coalition of Navies to provide reassurance to merchant shipping, but emphasised that any plans to escort tankers would be dictated by the threat – which is currently too high.

Officials said it will require a multinational solution involving crewed and autonomous vessels to help clear a path for safe passage and to deal with the threat of mines.

One defence official said he believes reports that some mines had been laid “to be true,” but adds that shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz were still open and being used by a small number of tankers.