Tehran: Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Ali Abdollahi has congratulated Major General Ahmad Vahidi on his appointment as commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), stressing the Armed Forces General Staff's full readiness to provide strategic support to the IRGC.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, in a message congratulating Vahidi on his appointment and promotion to the rank of major general, Abdollahi said on Tuesday that the decision by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, reflected Vahidi's capabilities, competence, and outstanding qualifications.

He described the appointment as a strategic step toward consolidating sustainable security and further strengthening the Islamic Republic of Iran. Abdollahi also commended the IRGC's longstanding role in defending the Islamic Revolution and contributing to the country's defense, security, and development, and emphasized the Armed Forces General Staff's readiness to provide comprehensive support and strategic assistance to the IRGC.

He said the General Staff would mobilize its capacities to strengthen the IRGC's defense and security capabilities in response to emerging regional and extra-regional threats, modernize its equipment, systems, and operational structures, and ensure the timely provision of its operational requirements. These efforts would cover key areas including missile and drone capabilities, naval and ground operations, cyberspace, and asymmetric warfare, he added.

Abdollahi further stressed the need to enhance coordination among the different branches of the Armed Forces to maximize Iran's defense capabilities and strengthen the Basij as a broad-based popular force. He said greater unity, coordination, and strategic cooperation among the Armed Forces would help reinforce Iran's deterrent power and strengthen its ability to confront threats and hostile plots.

Abdollahi wished Vahidi and the commanders and personnel of the IRGC continued success, stressing the importance of following the directives and guidance of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces, Ayatollah Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei.