Ali-Akbar Velayati, international affairs adviser to the Iranian supreme leader, has congratulated Mohsen Rezaei on his appointment as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), saying his strategic outlook and revolutionary spirit will help protect Iran’s security and national interests, IRNA reports.

In a post on social media, Velayati said appointing experienced figures with backgrounds in difficult management roles reflects foresight amid major geopolitical changes in the region and the world.

He said that he and Rezaei, whom he described as a longtime friend and colleague, had gained extensive experience during the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war while serving the country in different capacities but pursuing a shared objective.

Velayati said that, based on his longstanding friendship and familiarity with Rezaei, he was confident Rezaei’s strategic outlook and revolutionary spirit would effectively contribute to safeguarding Iran’s security and national interests.