Mohammad Pakpour: From the War Fronts to the Helm of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards
One of the most prominent commanders of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, Pakpour has accumulated extensive field experience, qualifying him to succeed Hossein Salami, the former commander killed in recent Israeli strikes.
On Friday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei appointed Mohammad Pakpour to replace Hossein Salami as commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), following Salami’s death in an Israeli strike on Iran.
Below is a brief overview of Pakpour’s profile: Born in 1961 in the city of Arak, Major General Mohammad Pakpour is considered one of the most prominent military leaders within the IRGC.
He joined the ranks of the Guard at the outset of the Iran-Iraq war and gradually built up substantial operational experience. In 2009, he was appointed commander of the IRGC Ground Forces by a decree from the Supreme Leader.
Extensive Military Experience
Over the course of his career, Pakpour held several key leadership positions, including:
- Commander of the IRGC’s armored units during the Iran-Iraq war
- Commander of the 8th “Najaf” Division and the 31st “Ashura” Division
- Chief of Staff of the IRGC Ground Forces
- Head of the “Nasrat” Operational HQ, later becoming Deputy for Operations of the IRGC
Following the death of Major General Hossein Salami in the latest Israeli airstrike, the Supreme Leader issued a decree appointing Pakpour as the new IRGC Commander-in-Chief, awarding him the rank of Major General in recognition of his service.
Key Security Role
Pakpour played a vital role in securing Iran’s borders, particularly in countering terrorist groups operating in border regions.
He led numerous operations against such groups, repeatedly emphasizing that any threat to Iran’s national security would be met with a swift and decisive military response.
Military Career of Ali Shadmani
Major General Ali Shadmani joined the IRGC in 1979 and was one of the most active figures in the Iran-Iraq war. Between 1986 and 1988, he commanded the 32nd “Ansar al-Hussein” Division.
After the war, he served as Deputy for Operations of the IRGC Ground Forces from 1988 to 1996. He then commanded the 3rd Special Forces Division “Hamzeh” until 2001.
From 2001 to 2003, he led the “Najaf” operational HQ, one of the IRGC’s most prominent command centers.
Between 2005 and 2012, he served as Head of Operations for the General Staff of the Armed Forces, and from 2012 to 2016, he was Deputy for Operations at the same institution, playing a central role in strategic and operational planning.
He was later appointed by Khamenei as Commander of the “Khatam al-Anbiya” Central HQ, succeeding General Gholamali Rashid, who was killed in the recent Israeli strike on Tehran.
