Kathmandu— Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei recently appointed six senior commanders to critical positions across Iran’s military structure, including roles within the General Staff of the Armed Forces, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and the Basij Resistance Force. The appointments were announced through separate decrees detailing the responsibilities and missions of each commander, signaling a strategic realignment within Iran's armed forces. These changes come amid reports confirming Khamenei’s health and recent leadership shifts in other key security positions.

New Leadership Appointments

Ali Abdollahi was appointed as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, while Kioumars Heydari will serve as Deputy Chief of Staff. Ahmad Vahidi has been named Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC with the rank of lieutenant general, and Mostafa Izadi assumes the role of Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the same organization.

The appointments also include Ali Azmaei as Commander of the IRGC Navy and Hossein Taeb as Head of the Basij Resistance Force. These individuals will oversee significant aspects of Iran’s military capabilities, ranging from conventional forces to specialized units like the IRGC's naval arm and the volunteer-based Basij force.

Recent Leadership Changes

These appointments follow closely on the heels of Mojtaba Khamenei appointing Mohsen Rezaee as his representative to the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), replacing Mohammad Baqir Zolghadr. The SNSC is a key body responsible for formulating Iran’s national security policy.

The position previously held by Rezaee was formerly occupied by Ali Larijani, who reports indicate was killed in March.

The appointments reflect ongoing efforts to consolidate leadership within Iran's military and security apparatus. Further developments regarding the implementation of these changes and their impact on regional dynamics are anticipated.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.