Ali Shamkhani

Ali Shamkhani (علی شمخانی in Persian, born 29 September 1955) is an Iranian rear admiral. He is the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran.

Early life and education
Shamkhani was born on 29 September 1955 in Ahvaz, Khuzestan. His family are of Iranian Arab origin. He studied engineering at Ahvaz University.

Career
Shamkhani served as the commander of the IRGC navy with the rank of rear admiral. Later he also commanded the Artesh navy in addition to the IRGC navy.

Then he held the post of the minister of defense from August 1997 until August 2005 in the government of Mohammad Khatami. Shamkani was replaced by Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar in the post. In the 2001 presidential elections Shamkhani run for office.

He was the director of the Iranian Armed Forces' Center for Strategic Studies from 2005 to 2013. He is also military advisor to the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

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

Awards and honors
In 2003, Shamkhani received Shojaat Medal, highest military medal from President Mohammad Khatami. He was also honored for his eight years service as minister of defence in 2005. In 2004, Shamkhani received Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud, highest Medal 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 Iranian minister to received the medal.