Ali Shamkhani who is secretary of the National Security Council


In 2004, Shamkhani received the Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud, the highest award in Saudi Arabia from King Fahd for his prominent role in the design and implementation in developing relations with Arabic countries in the Persian Gulf.He is the first  minister to receive the medal. He is seen as pragmatic by many analysts — in contrast with more ideological hard-liners — though of course within the framework of the Islamic Republic’s system.

His long tenure and service across administrations suggests he has been adept at staying relevant through shifting political tides At the same time, his family’s business involvement and scrutiny make him a figure of controversy; some see him as part of  entrenched elite with mixed accountability. Although he left the SNSC secretary post, Shamkhani’s appointment to the Expediency Council and as an adviser suggests he will continue to influence policy from behind the scenes.

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