Tehran: Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei has appointed Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi as Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) and promoted him to the rank of Major General.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the appointment was announced in a decree issued on Monday. The Leader, serving as the Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces, highlighted the 'honorable and proud martyrdom' of former IRGC commander Major General Mohammad Pakpour, who was killed by what was described as the 'Zionist-American enemy'. This event was cited as a significant reason for Vahidi's appointment, along with his distinguished service and valuable experience.

Ayatollah Khamenei has tasked Vahidi with leading the IRGC at a time when the Islamic establishment is described as being engaged in a strategic and decisive confrontation with global arrogance. The decree specifically outlined three key priorities for Vahidi in his new role.

Firstly, Vahidi is charged with continuously enhancing the IRGC's comprehensive capabilities to achieve maximum deterrence and maintain smart readiness for powerful offensive operations against enemies. Secondly, promoting cultural development within the IRGC and strengthening piety, insight, and revolutionary spirit among all commanders and personnel is emphasized as a core essence. Lastly, Vahidi is directed to expand management and command structures that are equipped with strong spiritual and scientific foundations and modern skills throughout the organizational hierarchy.

The Leader expressed hope that under Vahidi's command, Iran's Armed Forces would achieve further successes and consecutive victories.