TEHRAN – Ali Bagheri Kani, a seasoned Iranian diplomat, has been named deputy for international affairs at Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC). The pick was made by Ali Larijani, the new head of the SNSC, signaling that Iran is doubling down on experience when it comes to international security.

Just days after getting the job, Bagheri sat in on a meeting in Tehran between Larijani and Armen Grigoryan, who runs Armenia's Security Council. Larijani was appointed as Iran’s senior security official after the 12-day war with Israel. 

Bagheri, like Larijani, isn't new to high-pressure situations. He served as Iran’s acting foreign minister for several months after Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian lost his life last year in a helicopter crash. 

Amir Abdollahian had chosen Bagheri as his Deputy Foreign Minister for political affairs. During his tenure as the deputy foreign minister, Bagheri led the Iranian team in negotiations that aimed to revive the JCPOA. 

The diplomat also has legal experience. He previously served as the top international official within Iran's Judiciary and as the head of the Human Rights Headquarters. Prior to his appointment at the SNSC, he was the secretary of the Strategic Council for Foreign Relations, an advisory body working closely with the president and the Leader.