History of Ali Shamkhani in Timeline

Ali Shamkhani is an Iranian naval officer and politician. He held the key position of secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran from 2013 to 2023. Prior to that, he commanded both the IRGC Navy and the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy. He currently serves on the Expediency Discernment Council and as a political advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader since 2023. Shamkhani also played a role in the Iran–United States negotiations related to the nuclear agreement.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

September 1955: Born in Ahvaz, Khuzestan, Iran

On September 1955, Ali Shamkhani was born in Ahvaz, Khuzestan, Iran. His family has Iranian Arab roots.

Others born on this day/year

January 1978: Assassination Accusation by Mehrzad Boroujerdi

In January 1978, Malek Mohammad Boroujerdi was assassinated in Ahvaz, and Mehrzad Boroujerdi accused Ali Shamkhani of being involved in the assassination. Note that the month is based on allegation, and it is possible that the assassination occured in December.

December 1978: Murder of Malek Boroujerdi

In December 1978, Malek Boroujerdi, director of the state-owned Iranian National Oil Company, was murdered by gunmen in Ahvaz. Allegations later surfaced in 2025, tying the murder to Ali Shamkhani.

1988: Appointed Minister of Revolutionary Guards

In 1988, Ali Shamkhani was appointed as the Minister of Revolutionary Guards, marking an important milestone in his military and political career.

August 1997: Appointed Minister of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics

In August 1997, Ali Shamkhani assumed the position of Minister of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics in the government of Mohammad Khatami.

2001: Ran for Iranian Presidential Elections

In 2001, Ali Shamkhani participated in the Iranian presidential elections, finishing in third place.

2003: Received Shoja'at Medal

In 2003, Ali Shamkhani was awarded the Shoja'at Medal, which is the highest military medal, by President Mohammad Khatami.

February 2004: Received Medals from Presidents of Syria and Lebanon

In February 2004, Ali Shamkhani received medals from the presidents of Syria and Lebanon, recognizing his contributions and service.

August 2005: Replaced as Minister of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics

In August 2005, Ali Shamkhani was replaced by Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar as the Minister of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics.

2005: Director of Iranian Think Tank Center for Strategic Studies

In 2005, Ali Shamkhani became the director of the Iranian think tank Center for Strategic Studies.

2005: Honored for Service as Minister of Defense

In 2005, Ali Shamkhani was honored for his eight years of service as the minister of defense.

2011: Publication of Help Us

In 2011, "Help Us", a collection of Ali Shamkhani's letters and interviews from the Iran–Iraq War, was published. The book was compiled by Ahad Gudarziani and published by Sureh Mehr Publication.

September 2013: Appointed Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) of Iran

On September 2013, Ali Shamkhani was appointed secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) of Iran by president Hassan Rouhani.

2013: End of tenure as director of Iranian Think Tank Center for Strategic Studies

In 2013, Ali Shamkhani ended his tenure as the director of the Iranian think tank Center for Strategic Studies.

2013: Appointed Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran

In 2013, Ali Shamkhani was appointed as the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran.

January 2020: Response to US airstrike killing Qasem Soleimani

In January 2020, following the US airstrike that killed Qasem Soleimani, Ali Shamkhani said that Iran's response would be a "historic nightmare" for the US. He stated that the entirety of the resistance forces would retaliate.

January 2020: US State Department Extends Sanctions to Shamkhani

In January 2020, the US State Department extended its sanctions to Ali Shamkhani and others under Executive Order 13876 for their involvement in ballistic missile strikes. The sanctions will continue until Iran ends its terrorist support.

February 2020: US Treasury Department Extends Sanctions to Shamkhani

In February 2020, the US Treasury Department extended its sanctions to Ali Shamkhani and others following the disqualification of electoral candidates by Iran's Guardian Council.

March 2020: Accusations Against Zionists

In March 2020, Ali Shamkhani stated at a Baghdad news conference that "Zionists are against regional security."

July 2020: US Treasury Announces Sanctions Against Admiral Global Shipping Network

In July 2020, the US Department of the Treasury announced sanctions targeting the Admiral global shipping network, believed to have been founded by Ali Shamkhani and controlled by his sons. This network allegedly assisted in moving Iranian and Russian petroleum and other cargo, generating substantial profits for the Iranian regime and the Shamkhani family. The shipments also allegedly included Iranian missiles, drone parts and other military goods, sent to Russia in exchange for petroleum.

2020: Blocked revival of the nuclear agreement

In 2020, Ali Shamkhani was reported to have blocked the revival of the nuclear agreement.

2022: Cracking Down on Hijab Protests

In 2022, Ali Shamkhani was criticised for violently cracking down on the Hijab protests, while at the same time his daughter was seen wearing revealing dresses at her wedding.

May 2023: Resignation as Top Security Official

In May 2023, Ali Shamkhani resigned as the country's top security official. Reports suggest this followed scrutiny over his ties with a British spy and alleged involvement with a cartel engaged in kidnapping and drug trafficking.

2023: Stepped down as secretary of Supreme National Security Council

In 2023, Ali Shamkhani's tenure as the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran came to an end, marking a transition in his career. Afterwards, he assumed the role of political advisor to the supreme leader of Iran.

June 2025: Injured in Israeli Airstrike

In June 2025, during the Iran–Israel war, Ali Shamkhani was severely injured in an Israeli airstrike. Initially, reports falsely indicated his death, but he later appeared in public, confirming his survival.

June 2025: Reported Airstrike and Survival

On June 2025, during the Iran–Israel war, Ali Shamkhani was reportedly targeted in an airstrike by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Initial reports claimed he was killed, but on June 20, 2025, it was confirmed that he survived with severe injuries and was later seen at a funeral ceremony.

October 2025: Wedding Video Leak

In October 2025, a leaked wedding video of Ali Shamkhani's daughter Setayesh (Fatemeh) caused controversy and criticism due to perceived hypocrisy and ostentation, given Shamkhani's history of enforcing Islamic rules on women and cracking down on Hijab protests. The event was reportedly a $20,000 affair.

October 2025: Allegations Regarding Murder of Malek Boroujerdi

In October 2025, allegations surfaced regarding Ali Shamkhani's involvement in the December 1978 murder of Malek Boroujerdi, director of the state-owned Iranian National Oil Company. Boroujerdi's son, Mehrzad, accused Shamkhani and Mohsen Razaei of the assassination.