Iran Moves Quickly to Replace Top Military Commanders After Strikes
After a series of Israeli strikes that claimed the lives of high-ranking Iranian military figures, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei swiftly named new commanders to steer the nation’s armed forces through this turbulent period.
Key Leadership Changes Announced
In formal orders, Mohammad Pakpour was appointed as the new commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), taking over from the late Hossein Salami. At the same time, Abdolrahim Mousavi succeeded Mohammad Bagheri as chief of the armed forces general staff. Additionally, General Ali Shadmani was named commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters.
Reflecting on the appointments, Khamenei highlighted Pakpour’s extensive experience and merits, emphasizing the significance of these new appointments following the death of Salami, who had led the IRGC since 2019.
Deadly Strikes Hit Military and Nuclear Sites
The strikes, reportedly carried out under "Operation Rising Lion," targeted critical military and nuclear installations across Iran. Among the most devastating blows was the attack on the IRGC headquarters in Tehran, which resulted in the deaths of several senior commanders.
- General Hossein Salami, commander-in-chief of the IRGC, was killed in the attack.
- Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s highest-ranking military official and chief of staff, also lost his life.
- General Gholam Ali Rashid, leader of Khatam al-Anbiya state headquarters, was among the fallen.
Injuries were reported to Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to Khamenei and former IRGC commander. The attacks extended beyond military personnel to Iran's nuclear program, with reports confirming the deaths of six prominent nuclear scientists, including Abdolhamid Minouchehr and Fereydoun Abbasi.
Rising Tensions and Regional Preparedness
Following the strikes, Israeli authorities declared a state of emergency and mobilized their armed forces in anticipation of potential retaliatory actions from Iran. The blasts at the uranium enrichment site in Natanz and other key facilities underscore the escalating tensions in the region.
As Iran restructures its military leadership in the wake of these losses, the situation remains fragile, with both nations on alert for any further developments.
