Iran Appoints New IRGC Leaders After Israeli Strikes Kill Top Brass

      Supreme Leader Khamenei appoints new IRGC heads Mohammad Pakpour and Abdulrahim Mousavi following Israeli assault.

Iran Appoints New IRGC Leaders After Israeli Strikes Kill Top Brass

​​By M Muzamil Shami - June 14, 2025

Iran Appoints New IRGC Leaders After Israeli Strike Kills 20+ Commanders

TEHRAN — In a swift and dramatic response to Israeli airstrikes that reportedly killed over 20 senior Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has appointed new leadership within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and armed forces, asserting Iran’s continued defensive resolve and signalling ongoing geopolitical escalation.

What Happened: Key Figures Killed & Leadership Shake-Up

Top Commanders and Scientists Eliminated

1. A confirmed toll of 20+ senior figures per multiple sources includes IRGC chief Hossein Salami, armed forces chief Mohammad Bagheri, IRGC Aerospace commander Amir Ali Hajizadeh, and national security advisor Ali Shamkhani

2. Several nuclear scientists, including Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, were also reportedly killed

Khamenei Names New Leaders

1. Mohammad Pakpour takes charge as IRGC commander, replacing Salami.

2. Abdulrahim Mousavi is appointed chief of armed forces general staff.

3. Ali Shadmani now leads the Khatam al-Anbiya HQ—critical for military infrastructure oversight

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Iran–Israel War Escalates: Massive Strikes & Dozens of Top Commanders Killed

Credibility and Continuity: Iran's Power Play

Khamenei emphasized that these appointments uphold Iran’s defense integrity and symbolize unbroken national will, as tensions with Israel deepen. Iran’s foreign minister described the Israeli strikes as a “declaration of war” and appealed for urgent UN action, citing Iran’s right to proportionate self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter .

Wider Fallout: Airspace Closures & Flight Cancellations

Global Airline Disruptions

1. In response, Iran, Israel, Iraq, Jordan and Syria closed regional airspace disrupting over 1,800 Europe-bound flights, with around 650 cancellations

2. Major carriers affected: Air India, Emirates, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Delta, El Al

FAQs:

Q1: Who was the IRGC commander killed?
A1: IRGC head Hossein Salami (1960–2025) was reportedly killed in the strike .

Q2: Who replaces Salami and Bagheri?
A2: IRGC commander is now Mohammad Pakpour, and Abdulrahim Mousavi leads the armed forces general staff .

Q3: Is this considered a declaration of war?
A3: Iran’s foreign ministry officially called Israel’s strikes a “declaration of war” and invoked its right to self-defence under UN Charter Article 51 .

Q4: How is international aviation affected?
A4: Regional airspace closures disrupted nearly 1,800 flights, prompting major carriers to cancel or reroute routes through Europe and Asia .

Do you believe these new military appointments will stabilize Iran’s position—or fuel further conflict? Comment below, and subscribe for live updates, expert analysis, and peace diplomacy coverage.