Who is the New Chief of IRGC's Aerospace Division?
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Synopsis
In a pivotal reshuffle of military leadership, Iran's Supreme Leader has appointed new commanders for the IRGC's Aerospace Division and the army. The changes come after the tragic loss of key military figures in recent Israeli airstrikes, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Ali Khamenei has appointed Seyed Majid Mousavi as the new IRGC Aerospace Division Chief.
- The appointment follows the deaths of key military leaders in Israeli airstrikes.
- The IDF claims significant progress against Iran's nuclear program was made during the operation.
- Many of the eliminated scientists were seen as crucial to Iran's nuclear ambitions.
- The situation highlights ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel.
Tehran, June 14 (NationPress) In a significant move, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has designated new leadership for the army and the Aerospace Division of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC). On Saturday, Seyed Majid Mousavi was appointed as the Chief Commander of the IRGC's Aerospace Division, as reported by the Xinhua news agency citing the semi-official Mehr News Agency.
Mousavi, who previously held the position of deputy commander within the force, ascended to this role following the death of the former chief commander, Amir-Ali Hajizadeh, who tragically lost his life in Israeli airstrikes targeting Tehran on Friday.
In a related appointment, Khamenei selected Amir Hatami, the former Iranian Defence Minister, as the Chief Commander of the army, according to the official news agency IRNA. Hatami fills the role previously held by Abdolrahim Mousavi, who was named Chief of Staff of the Iranian armed forces on the same day after the demise of Mohammad Bagheri due to the earlier Israeli airstrikes.
These airstrikes, which occurred early on Friday, targeted Tehran and several other cities across Iran.
In addition to Bagheri and Hajizadeh, notable figures such as IRGC Chief Commander Hossein Salami and Gholam-Ali Rashid, commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, were also killed in the attacks.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) disclosed earlier that nine Iranian nuclear scientists were eliminated during the initial phase of their military operation against Iran’s nuclear program that commenced early on Friday.
According to the IDF, this operation represents a severe setback for Iran’s nuclear aspirations. The nine scientists were pivotal in advancing Iran's pursuit of nuclear weaponry.
The IDF characterized all individuals eliminated as essential contributors to the Iranian nuclear project, each possessing decades of experience in nuclear weapon development.
Those identified among the casualties included Fereydoon Abbasi, a nuclear engineering specialist; Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, a physicist; Akbar Motalebi Zadeh, a chemical engineering expert; Saeed Barji, a materials engineering expert; Amir Hassan Fakhahi, a physicist; Abd al-Hamid Minoushehr, a reactor physics expert; Mansour Asgari, a physicist; Ahmad Reza Zolfaghari Daryani, a nuclear engineer; and Ali Bakhouei Katirimi, a mechanical expert.
The IDF noted that many of these individuals were considered potential successors to Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, a prominent nuclear scientist whose assassination in 2020 had significant implications.
The Israeli military stated that these scientists were killed in a coordinated set of airstrikes on Tehran on Friday morning, coinciding with the elimination of numerous senior military personnel, including six high-ranking officials.
The IDF asserted that these strikes were the culmination of extensive covert intelligence operations focused on Iran's leading nuclear experts.
"The success in eliminating these scientists was due to meticulous intelligence efforts that intensified over the previous year as part of a classified IDF strategy," the IDF remarked, highlighting years of work by numerous intelligence officers tracking key figures within Iran's nuclear framework.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the gravity of the situation in Iran. The recent military appointments come in response to significant losses, underscoring the heightened tensions in the region. It is crucial for the global community to approach the ongoing developments with a balanced perspective, recognizing the complexities of international relations and the importance of dialogue.
NationPress
15/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the appointment of a new chief for IRGC's Aerospace Division?
The appointment of Seyed Majid Mousavi as the new chief followed the tragic death of the former commander, Amir-Ali Hajizadeh, due to Israeli airstrikes.
Who else was affected by the recent Israeli airstrikes?
In addition to Hajizadeh, other high-ranking military leaders, including Mohammad Bagheri, were also killed in the strikes.
What role does the IRGC play in Iran's military structure?
The IRGC is a key component of Iran's military, responsible for protecting the Islamic Republic's interests and conducting military operations.
What was the objective of the Israeli airstrikes?
The Israeli airstrikes aimed to disrupt Iran's nuclear program by targeting prominent nuclear scientists and military leaders.
How has the international community reacted to these developments?
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating tensions and the potential for further conflict in the region.
