Iran's Khamenei names Abdollahi as new military chief

Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei named Revolutionary Guards general Ali Abdollahi as head of the country's armed forces on Monday. He also confirmed Ahmad Vahidi as the new commander of the Revolutionary Guard Corps. The appointments mark Khamenei's first senior military moves since he became supreme leader.

Who is Iran's new military chief?

Major General Ali Abdollahi has been named chief of staff of Iran's armed forces, according to a statement on Khamenei's website. He previously led the Khatam al-Anbiya, Iran's inter-branch central military command responsible for coordinating operations. Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi was named Commander-in-Chief of the Revolutionary Guard Corps in the same announcement, with a promotion to major general.

Why did Khamenei make these military appointments?

The appointments are Khamenei's first senior military picks since he became supreme leader early in the Middle East war, following his father's death in US-Israeli strikes. Placing Abdollahi and Vahidi in these roles puts Khamenei's own imprimatur on Iran's military leadership. Abdollahi has taken a hard line during the war, issuing bellicose threats against countries seen as backing US action in the region.

What has Abdollahi said about the war?

Abdollahi warned regional neighbors earlier this month that any country serving as a defensive shield for what he called criminal and aggressive America would be engulfed by the flames of war. The comment reflects the confrontational posture he has maintained throughout the conflict. His appointment as chief of staff signals continuity with that stance at the top of Iran's armed forces.