Iran has named Brigadier General Majid Khadami as the new commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) Intelligence Division. The statement, issued on Thursday, June 19, comes just a day or two following an Israeli airstrike that assassinated the previous intelligence chief, Mohammad Kazemi, and two top officers, Hassan Mohaghegh and Mohsen Bagheri, in Tehran.
Khadami Takes Over from Kazemi After Fatal Israeli Strike
Khadami, who has been in charge of the Intelligence Protection Organisation at Iran’s Defence Ministry since 2022, assumes one of the most powerful posts within Iran’s military hierarchy. His predecessor, Kazemi, was murdered on Sunday, June 15, when Israeli troops attacked an IRGC Intelligence Organisation building in Tehran. Iran later reported the killings and described the murdered commanders as “martyrs.”
The strike, part of a broader escalation between Israel and Iran, also killed Kazemi’s deputy, Hassan Mohaghegh, and a third officer, Mohsen Bagheri. Reports say the targeted strike trapped both Kazemi and Mohaghegh under the rubble.
Who is Brigadier General Majid Khadami?
Majid Khadami is a mysterious character with extensive experience in Iran’s defence and intelligence sector. Before his involvement with the Defence Ministry, Khadami held the position as director of the Information Protection Organisation between 2018 and 2022 within the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics, replacing Asghar Mirjafari.
While limited information is publicly available, reports claim Khadami holds a PhD in National Security and another in Strategic Defence Sciences. Iran International reported that his appointment aims to restore operational continuity after the blow to Iran’s intelligence leadership.
Kazemi’s Legacy and Death
Mohammad Kazemi, alias Hajj Kazem, was a person with great influence in Iran’s security establishment. He commanded the IRGC’s Intelligence Protection Organisation at least from 2013. His unit directly reported to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, thus having unlimited authority.
The US Treasury Department had already sanctioned Kazemi for his involvement in the quelling of the 2022 anti-government protests. He was charged with “managing and coordinating the suppression of protests, monitoring and limiting internet access, and arresting dissidents.” The UK also sanctioned him in 2024 on charges of allegedly leading attacks on Israeli nationals.
Kazemi became the latest in a series of high-profile Iranian military officials killed in recent weeks. Others include IRGC commander-in-chief Hossein Salami, army chief of staff Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, and Khatam al-Anbia base commander Maj. Gen. Gholamali Rashid — all reportedly killed in Israeli operations.
As tensions escalate, Khadami’s appointment signals Iran’s intent to maintain continuity and control in its intelligence operations amid growing external threats.