Iran Appoints Abdolrahim Mousavi as New Armed Forces Chief Following Israeli Strikes

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has appointed Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi as the new Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, following the death of his predecessor, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, in an Israeli airstrike on June 13, 2025.

The Israeli operation, which targeted Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian military officials, including General Bagheri, General Hossein Salami, and General Amir Ali Hajizadeh.

General Mousavi, who previously served as the commander of the Iranian Army, has been a prominent figure in Iran’s military leadership.

He has emphasized the importance of maintaining the highest levels of readiness and strength within the armed forces to defend Iran’s ideals, territorial integrity, and independence.

In addition to General Mousavi’s appointment, General Mohammad Pakpour has been named the new commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), replacing General Salami. These leadership changes signify a significant reorganization of Iran’s military hierarchy in response to the recent losses.

The Israeli strikes have escalated tensions in the region, with Iran vowing retaliation. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with concerns over potential regional destabilization and the impact on global oil markets.