17 Facts About Ali Shamkhani

Ali Shamkhani is an Iranian rear admiral upper half.

Ali Shamkhani served as the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran from 2013 to 2023.

Ali Shamkhani is currently member of the Expediency Discernment Council and political advisor of Supreme Leader of Iran since May 2023.

Ali Shamkhani studied engineering at Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz.

Ali Shamkhani served as the commander of the IRGC navy with the rank of rear admiral.

Ali Shamkhani was appointed the Minister of Revolutionary Guards in 1988.

Ali Shamkhani held the post of the minister of defense from August 1997 until August 2005 in the government of Mohammad Khatami.

Ali Shamkhani was the director of the Iranian Armed Forces' Center for Strategic Studies from 2005 to 2013.

Ali Shamkhani is military advisor to the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

On 10 September 2013, Ali Shamkhani was appointed to secretary of the Supreme National Security Council by president Hassan Rouhani.

Ali Shamkhani resigned as the country's top security official in May 2023.

In June 2023, a report by Iran International revealed that Ali Shamkhani was forced to resign after his involvement as a key member of the government circle linked to Naji Sharifi Zindashti, a cartel engaged in kidnapping and drug trafficking in collaboration with the IRGC, was made public.

Ali Shamkhani is the father of Hossein Shamkhani, said to successfully manage international oil trading operations despite US sanctions targeting Iranian oil.

In 2003, Ali Shamkhani received the Shoja'at Medal, the highest military medal from President Mohammad Khatami.

Ali Shamkhani was honored for his eight years service as minister of defense in 2005.

In 2004, Ali 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.

Ali Shamkhani is the first Iranian minister to receive the medal.