Leader makes new appointments to top military posts; Vahidi named IRGC commander

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei has made new appointments to six top military posts, including the head of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).

In six separate decrees issued on Monday, Major General Ali Abdollahi was appointed Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, with Brigadier General Kioumars Heidari as his deputy. Major General Ahmad Vahidi, promoted to the rank of Major General, was appointed commander-in-chief of the IRGC, with Major General Mostafa Izadi as his deputy.

Rear Admiral Ali Ozamaei was appointed IRGC Navy commander, and Hojjatoleslam Hossein Taeb was named head of the Basij Organization.

Gen. Abdollahi appointed Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces

In another decree, the Leader appointed Major General Ali Abdollahi as Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, following the martyrdom of his predecessor, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, in a US-Israeli airstrike.

Ayatollah Khamenei said the appointment was made in view of Mousavi’s “glorious and honorable martyrdom” at the hands of the Zionist-American enemy and in appreciation of Abdollahi’s worthy services and valuable experience.

The Leader outlined three key priorities for the new chief of staff, emphasizing the need to enhance the comprehensive and up-to-date defense and security capabilities of the Armed Forces and the Basij volunteer forces.

The Leader also called for preparing the ground for timely, revolutionary, and effective responses to all levels and types of conventional and emerging threats, including military, cognitive, and hybrid threats targeting the Islamic Republic.

Ayatollah Khamenei stressed the importance of completing the integration process between the Armed Forces General Staff and the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, in line with guidelines issued by the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

General Vahidi appointed IRGC commander

In a decree, Ayatollah Khamenei, who serves as Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces, appointed Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi as IRGC commander and promoted him to the rank of major general.

The Leader said the appointment came in view of former IRGC commander Major General Mohammad Pakpour's “honorable and proud martyrdom” at the hands of the Zionist-American enemy, and in recognition of Vahidi’s valuable experience and distinguished service.

Ayatollah Khamenei tasked Vahidi with leading the IRGC “under the circumstances that the Islamic establishment is engaged in a strategic and decisive confrontation with global arrogance.”

The decree called on Vahidi to enhance Iran’s military capabilities to achieve maximum deterrence and maintain smart readiness for powerful offensive operations against enemies.

It also stressed the need to strengthen cultural development within the IRGC by promoting piety, insight, and revolutionary spirit among commanders and personnel, as well as expanding management and command structures equipped with strong spiritual and scientific foundations and modern skills.

The Leader expressed hope that Iran’s armed forces would achieve greater successes and further victories under the new command.

Vahidi holds a bachelor's degree in electronic engineering and advanced degrees in strategic studies. He began his career as deputy of intelligence in the IRGC between 1985 and 1988 and has also served as Iran's interior minister.

Kioumars Heidari named deputy Chief of Staff of Armed Forces

In a separate decree, Ayatollah Khamenei appointed Brigadier General Kioumars Heidari as Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, citing his commitment, competence, and valuable experience.

The Leader said the appointment was made upon the recommendation of the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces.

Ayatollah Khamenei outlined key expectations for Heydari's new position, including contributing to the enhancement of the Armed Forces' defense and security capabilities, strengthening their spiritual foundations and jihadi spirit, and addressing the welfare and livelihood needs of military personnel.

Mostafa Izadi appointed deputy IRGC commander

Ayatollah Khamenei appointed Major General Mostafa Izadi as deputy commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, following a recommendation by the IRGC commander-in-chief.

The Leader praised Izadi’s dedication, competence and extensive experience and said he is expected to play an active role in promoting organizational preparedness.

Rear Admiral Ali Ozamaei will lead IRGC Navy

The Leader appointed Rear Admiral Ali Ozamaei as commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Navy following the martyrdom of Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri in the US-Israeli unprovoked war.

The decree stated that the appointment followed a recommendation by the commander-in-chief of the IRGC.

Ayatollah Khamenei outlined a series of priorities for the new naval commander, including the enhancement of training programs, professional skills, naval equipment and operational capabilities.

The Leader also stressed the importance of strengthening intelligence command along with improving combat readiness and operational preparedness.

Ayatollah Khamenei also urged effective and synergistic cooperation between the IRGC Navy and other branches of the elite force, the Basij and the Iranian Army Navy.

Hossein Taeb appointed to head Basij forces

In a separate decree, Ayatollah Khamenei appointed Hojjatoleslam Hossein Taeb as head of the Basij Organization, succeeding General Gholamreza Soleimani, who was martyred in a US-Israeli airstrike.

The Leader emphasized the need to further strengthen the Basij's role and capabilities given the country's current conditions and emerging requirements.

Ayatollah Khamenei tasked Taeb with deepening and expanding the culture of Basij and resistance in line with a strong and united Iran and the protection of the Islamic Revolution.

The decree also called for reinforcing the popular intelligence network and increasing skills and training through the use of modern technologies to counter enemy threats.

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