Iran appoints new army commander amid military leadership reshuffle

In a significant shake-up within Iran’s military leadership, Major General Amir Hatami has been appointed Commander of the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran by order of Supreme Leader and Commander-in-Chief Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

In an official decree announcing the appointment, Ayatollah Khamenei cited Hatami’s “dedication, competence, and experience” and called for a “transformative and revolutionary approach” to strengthen the Army’s operational and ideological capacities, Caliber.Az reports via Tehran Times.

General Hatami, a prominent figure in Iran’s defence establishment, previously served as Minister of Defense from 2013 to 2021.

“With the Army’s vast pool of capable and faithful personnel, and the experience gained during the Sacred Defense and beyond, it is expected that under your command, efforts to enhance combat readiness, strengthen spiritual and ideological foundations, improve personnel welfare, and boost cooperation with other branches of the Armed Forces will accelerate,” the decree read.

The Supreme Leader also expressed gratitude to outgoing Army Commander Major General Seyyed Abdolrahim Mousavi, praising his “sincere and valuable efforts” during his years of service.

This leadership change follows the assassination of General Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, prompting Ayatollah Khamenei to appoint Major General Mousavi as the new Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces.

By Vugar Khalilov