Story perspectives

Khamenei Appoints New IRGC Commander, Armed Forces Chiefs

8/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei appointed Ahmad Vahidi as commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on 10 August 2026.
Khamenei named Ali Abdollahi chief of staff of the Armed Forces, succeeding the slain Abdolrahim Mousavi.
Khamenei appointed Kioumars Heydari as deputy chief of staff of the Armed Forces.
The decrees called for “maximum deterrence” and readiness for powerful offensive operations in the conflict that began on 28 February 2026.

History

Historical Context

On 22 September 1980 Iraq launched a surprise invasion of Iran, prompting Ayatollah Khomeini to activate the newly formed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Under commander Ali Sayad Shirazi, the IRGC helped halt the advance, a pattern echoed in August 2026 when Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei appointed Ahmad Vahidi and Ali Abdollahi to lead the IRGC amid renewed regional tensions.

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Story summary

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei appointed Ahmad Vahidi as commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on 10 August 2026.
Khamenei named Ali Abdollahi chief of staff of the Armed Forces, succeeding the slain Abdolrahim Mousavi.
Khamenei appointed Kioumars Heydari as deputy chief of staff of the Armed Forces.
The decrees called for “maximum deterrence” and readiness for powerful offensive operations in the conflict that began on 28 February 2026.

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