Iran: Ali Shamkhani

Roles

Political advisor to the supreme leader

Expediency Discernment Council member

With a career at the top of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp (IRGC) and Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), Shamkhani was seen as a rising star in Iranian politics and foreign policy before his abrupt dismissal as head of national security in 2023 (GSN 1,170/5). However, he remains an influential advisor to Rahbar (Supreme Leader) Ali Khamenei as one of Iran’s most renowned strategists.

Social Media

Twitter: @alishamkhani_ir

Instagram: @shamkhani_ir

Sanctions

United States

Family background

Login or subscribe to view content.

Education

Login or subscribe to view content.

Career

Login or subscribe to view content.

Politics

Login or subscribe to view content.

Subscribe to Gulf States Newsletter

View subscription options

Don't have an account?

Register for access to our free content

An account also allows you to view selected free articles and set up news alerts.

Officers and allies consolidate the IRGC’s hold over Iranian politics, security and business

Issue 1184 - 08 February 2024

The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp (IRGC)’s influence over Iranian politics and business has become an integral element of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s domination and the organisation may well provide a successor to the supreme leader. A new series of GSN profiles shows the extent that military and political leaders...

Pin Iran

Iran presses Baghdad to clamp down Kurdish militants

Issue 1176 - 15 September 2023

A senior Iranian security official has threatened to resume bombing of targets in northern Iraq if Baghdad fails to meet a 19 September deadline to halt cross-border attacks by exiled Iranian Kurdish opposition groups.

Pin Iran, Iraq

Issue 1170 - 31 May 2023