Iran reshapes top command after martyrdom of top generals
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After the martyrdom of senior commanders, Iran reinforces its military ranks, affirming that resistance will continue with greater strength and unity.
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A collage featuring Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Brigadier General Mohammad Pakpour, and Brigadier General Ali Shadmani (Al Mayadeen English)
Following the assassination of several senior Iranian military leaders in Friday’s Israeli aggression, Iranian Leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei has issued new appointments to key command positions within Iran’s Armed Forces and the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC).
Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, who previously served as Commander of Iran’s Army, has been appointed as the new Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces. He succeeds the late Major General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, who was martyred in the early hours of Friday’s aggression.
In view of the martyrdom of Lieutenant General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri at the hands of the evil Zionist regime, & in light of Major General Sayyid Abdolrahim Mousavi's meritorious services & valuable experience, I appoint him as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces. pic.twitter.com/e6LUdb4elG
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) June 13, 2025
In a major shift within the IRGC, Brigadier General Mohammad Pakpour, former Commander of the IRGC Ground Forces, has been appointed as the new Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC, following the martyrdom of Major General Hossein Salami during the Israeli strike.
In view of the martyrdom of Lieutenant General Hossein Salami at the hands of the vile Zionist regime, and in light of Major General Mohammad Pakpour's meritorious services and valuable experience, I appoint him as Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. pic.twitter.com/gGlEUZTOFa
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) June 13, 2025
Sayyed Khamenei also announced the promotion of Brigadier General Ali Shadmani to the rank of Major General and appointed him as the new head of Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, replacing Major General Gholam Ali Rashid, who was also martyred in the same Israeli aggression, along with his son.
In view of Lt. Gen. Gholamali Rashid’s martyrdom at the hands of the vile Zionist regime, and in light of Major General Ali Shadmani's meritorious services & valuable experience, I confer the rank of Major Gen. & appoint him Commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya (pbuh) Central HQ. pic.twitter.com/4dTDCKx66P
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) June 13, 2025
As the constitutionally appointed Commander-in-Chief of all Iranian armed forces, the Iranian leader issued the appointments immediately following the unprecedented act of aggression.
Earlier today, Sayyed Khamenei emphasized continuity and resilience in a message addressed to the Iranian people, stressing that despite the losses, “their successors and colleagues will take up their duties immediately.”
These leadership changes reflect the Islamic Republic’s commitment to continuity, resilience, and operational readiness in the face of foreign aggression.
Political, military Iranian figures vow revenge, slam US complicity
Senior Iranian political figures have pledged a decisive response following the Israeli aggression on Iranian territory. Officials also directly blamed the United States for enabling the aggression, warning that accountability will extend beyond the battlefield.
On his part, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf issued a stark warning, declaring that the Islamic Republic will respond forcefully to the Israeli aggression.
“The time has come for decisive retaliation, through any means and by every available tool,” Ghalibaf declared in a televised address. “The Zionist regime will not escape the consequences. What they have begun, we will bring to an end.”
He further stressed that “they should brace for a severe response that will make them regret their actions,” underscoring Iran’s resolve to respond beyond symbolic gestures.
Ali Larijani, senior advisor to the Iranian Leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei, condemned both “Israel” and the United States for the escalation, framing it as a coordinated attempt to destabilize the region.
'The blood of our martyrs will not go in vain': Mousavi
In a similar vein, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Commander of the Iranian Army, assured the nation that a retaliatory response to the Israeli aggression is imminent. “The blood of our martyrs will not go in vain,” he declared in a televised interview, adding that “Israel has yet to comprehend the strength of the Iranian people.”
Mousavi stressed that Iran possesses “vast capabilities to respond” to any threat posed against its sovereignty.
He also confirmed that Iranian Leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei has issued direct orders for retaliation, signaling that the Islamic Republic will not allow the attack to go unanswered.
It is worth noting that Iran has reiterated that its response will be guided by both strategic calculation and its legal right under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
