Iran’s new naval chief pledges revenge in first statement

Iran has appointed Rear Admiral Ali Ozmaei as the new commander of the naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to the semi-official ISNA news agency.

Ozmaei, who previously served as deputy commander of the IRGC Navy and earlier led its 5th Naval District, was formally introduced in his new role, ISNA reported.

In a statement following his appointment, Ozmaei pledged to avenge the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

“I and all the brave fighters of the IRGC Navy, guardians of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, swear before God that, following the ideals of the martyrs, we will firmly and steadfastly continue the path of the fallen leader of the ummah. We firmly believe that divine retribution against the United States and Israel is not far off,” he said.

Ozmaei succeeds Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, who died on March 26 from injuries sustained in strikes carried out by the United States and Israel.

By Tamilla Hasanova