General Seyyed Abdolrahim Mousavi Appointed as New Army Chief of Iran

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appointed General Seyyed Abdolrahim Mousavi as new army chief on Friday following Israeli attacks which killed three senior Iranian commanders. The reorganization is Iran’s explicit response to what officials refer to as the “honorable martyrdoms” of Generals Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, Gholamali Rashid, and Hossein Salami.

The move by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei indicates a swift shift towards closer military coordination, heightened readiness, and ideological determination in the wake of escalating tensions with Israel.

General Mousavi Named New Chief of Staff

Khamenei named Major General Seyyed Abdolrahim Mousavi as Iran’s new Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces. Khamenei commended Mousavi’s background in his decree and said he was qualified to hold the position. He emphasized the army, Revolutionary Guard, and Basij militia must all be readied to their fullest extent. He demanded “revolutionary action” to protect Iran’s sovereignty and against foreign aggression.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described the murder of General Bagheri as “honorable martyrdom at the hands of the ill-willed Zionist regime.” He also prayed for the soul of the commander and requested his elevation in the afterlife along with Imam Ali.

Strategic Coordination To Be Strengthened

In addition to appointing Mousavi, Khamenei appointed Major General Ali Shadmani as Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters Commander. The position had been held by martyred General Gholamali Rashid. Shadmani will focus primarily on increasing strategic coordination between the General Staff and combat units.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei underscored the importance of continuously reviewing combat readiness and commanding in unison within military commands. Khamenei provided prayers for Rashid’s elevation and lauded his efforts.

IRGC Leadership Redrawn

In order to fill the leadership gap within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Khamenei named Major General Mohammad Pakpour as the new Commander-in-Chief. Pakpour already had prior service in the IRGC Ground Forces.

Khamenei emphasized the twin role of the IRGC to be militarily powerful as well as spiritually and ideologically devoted. He honored late General Hossein Salami and offered his prayers for his company with saints in the hereafter.

Iran Doubles Down After Losses

These top-level appointments underscore Tehran’s intent to maintain strength and ideological focus despite high-profile losses. Khamenei’s immediate restructuring and religious framing of the commanders’ deaths aim to solidify morale within Iran’s armed forces while preparing for further confrontation.

As tensions escalate, Iran’s leadership appears determined to blend military response with spiritual resolve.