Iran names hardliner to head SNSC

Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Monday appointed former head of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Broadcasting Ali Larijani as new Secretary of Supreme National Security Council (SNSC). Ahmadinejad, in a decree, said the appointment was made based on Article 178 of the Constitution and with regards to Mr. Larijani's "valuable executive experience and years of membership in the SNSC." According to IRNA, Mr. Larijani, who was one of the eight hopefuls in the first round of presidential election in June, replaces Hassan Rowhani who has so far led negotiations with Europe over the country's nuclear program. Mr. Larijani is a trusted aide of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.