Iran Leader Appoints New IRGC Aerospace Chief After Israeli Strike

Following the assassination of Major General Amirali Hajizadeh, commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force, in an Israeli airstrike on Tehran, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei appointed Brigadier General Majid Mousavi as the new head of the IRGC Aerospace Force. Hajizadeh, who was killed alongside other senior IRGC officers during a strike on an underground command center, was recognized for his pivotal role in advancing Iran's missile and drone capabilities and his commitment to opposing Israel. The decree for Mousavi's appointment emphasized enhancing missile and drone unit readiness, expanding Iran's presence in space, and strengthening the spiritual resolve of the force's personnel. The Israeli military confirmed the strike, noting the targeted killing of senior IRGC officials involved in past attacks against Israel and Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, separate reports indicate that Major General Mohammad Pakpour was named the new commander of the broader IRGC following the death of Hossein Salami in related hostilities. These developments mark a significant leadership reshuffle within Iran's military following the recent Israeli offensive.