National Security Council

American  

noun

U.S. Government.

1. the council, composed of the president, vice president, secretary of state, secretary of defense, director of the Central Intelligence Agency and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, that determines means by which domestic, foreign, and military policy can best be integrated for safeguarding the national security. NSC

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National Security Council Cultural  

1. A committee in the executive branch that advises the president on matters relating to domestic, military, and foreign security. The NSC also directs the operation of the Central Intelligence Agency.

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Example Sentences

Gorka’s formal title is deputy assistant to the president and senior director for counterterrorism at the National Security Council.

From Salon • Apr. 22, 2026

Then Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Seyed Abbas Araghchi said the country’s Supreme National Security Council agreed to cease attacks and allow “safe passage” of ships through the strait, in post on X External link.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

The secretary of State said he “terminated the legal status” of Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, daughter of former Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran Ali Larijani, and her husband, Seyed Kalantar Motamedi.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

The FBI, National Security Council, state department, Delta Force and the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service were in contact about her abduction, sources familiar told CBS.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

The Church Committee found notes from secret meetings of the National Security Council and President Eisenhower.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver