Iran's Major Military Overhaul: Meet the New Wartime Security Commanders

In a decisive move following heightened regional conflicts involving the United States and Israel, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has unveiled a comprehensive restructuring of the country's defense and intelligence apparatus. The sweeping decrees assign veteran commanders to critical positions across the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the regular armed forces, and the Basij Organization.

This major leadership shuffle arrives at a pivotal moment, aiming to fortify Iran’s strategic posture amid ongoing security challenges across West Asia.

Key Leadership Appointments at a Glance

• Supreme National Security Council (SNSC): Mohsen Rezaei named Head (replacing Baqer Zolqadr).

• General Staff of the Armed Forces: Maj Gen Ali Abdollahi appointed Chief (replacing the late Abdolrahim Mousavi).

• Deputy Chief of Armed Forces: Brig Gen Kioumars Heydari appointed Deputy Chief.

• Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC): Maj Gen Ahmad Vahidi appointed Top Commander (replacing the late Mohammad Pakpour).

• IRGC Deputy Commander: Maj Gen Mostafa Izadi appointed Deputy Commander.

• IRGC Navy: Rear Adm Ali Ozamaei named Commander (replacing the late Alireza Tangsiri).

• Basij Paramilitary Force: Hossein Taeb appointed Head (replacing the late Alireza Soleimani).

Profiles of Iran's New Security Chiefs

1. Mohsen Rezaei – Head of SNSC

A founding veteran of the IRGC, Mohsen Rezaei brings decades of military and political experience to Iran’s highest security council. Originally from Khuzestan province, Rezaei became the IRGC's first official top commander in 1981 at age 27, leading operations throughout the eight-year Iran-Iraq War. Beyond his military career, he served as Secretary of the Expediency Council and Vice President for Economic Affairs from 2021 to 2023.

2. Maj Gen Ali Abdollahi – Chief of General Staff

Hailing from Gilan province, Abdollahi has held key operational roles in both military and civilian domains since the 1970s. A former IRGC commander during the Iran-Iraq War, he previously served as Governor of Semnan and Gilan provinces, Deputy Interior Minister, and Commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters following mid-2025 regional escalations.

3. Brig Gen Kioumars Heydari – Deputy Chief of Armed Forces

Unlike many appointees with IRGC backgrounds, Heydari rose through the ranks of Iran’s regular army (Artesh). After joining during the 1980s conflict, he steadily advanced to become Commander of the Army Ground Forces in 2016. He now steps in to support Abdollahi in coordinating national defense strategy.

4. Maj Gen Ahmad Vahidi – IRGC Top Commander

A prominent figure in Iranian intelligence and defense, Vahidi previously served as Commander of the elite Quds Force, Defense Minister, and Interior Minister. After serving as deputy commander under Maj Gen Mohammad Pakpour, Vahidi officially takes full command of the IRGC forces.

5. Maj Gen Mostafa Izadi – IRGC Deputy Commander

With over 40 years inside the Guards, Izadi brings vast tactical expertise. His past roles include commanding the IRGC Ground Forces, serving as Deputy Chief of the General Staff for over a decade, and leading the Cyber and Emerging Threats Headquarters.

6. Rear Adm Ali Ozamaei – IRGC Navy Commander

Hailing from the coastal Hormozgan province, Ozamaei has spent decades navigating Persian Gulf security. Having previously led the IRGC Navy’s Fifth District in Bandar Lengeh, he takes overall naval command at a critical junction for maritime transit in the Strait of Hormuz.

7. Hossein Taeb – Head of Basij Organization

Taeb, former chief of the IRGC Intelligence Organization from 2009 to 2022, returns to lead the volunteer paramilitary Basij force. His appointment focuses on strengthening domestic coordination and internal security capabilities.

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