Chief of the General Staff since 2016; former IRGC intelligence head. Oversees all
Iranian military branches and coordination with Khamenei. Central to planning during
the 2025-26 conflict with Israel and the US.

1. Origins & Formation

IRGC career; intelligence and operational roles. Brother of IRGC deputy Hossein Bagheri; rose through intelligence and planning. Shaped by Iran’s integrated military structure under the Supreme Leader.

2. Rise to Influence

Appointed Chief of General Staff in 2016; reported directly to the Supreme Leader until Khamenei’s death in February 2026. Coordinates Army, IRGC, and defence industrial base; oversees strategic planning and joint operations. Key bridge between the Leader’s office and military commanders.

3. Worldview & Inner Logic

Fear driver: Military disunity; Israeli/US strike capability; regime collapse. Belief driver: Unified command under Supreme Leader; asymmetric defence; deterrence. Identity driver: Institutional integrator; loyal to velayat-e faqih.

4. Exercise of Power

Chairs joint staff; coordinates Salami (IRGC) and Qaani (Quds) with Army and defence sectors. Approves operational plans; interfaces with SNSC. No independent political base; derived authority from the Supreme Leader until his death in Feb 2026; since then operates under succession and provisional leadership arrangements.

5. Role in 2025-2026

Coordinated military response during Twelve-Day War and February 2026 strikes. Integrated IRGC, Army, and missile forces; managed damage assessment and continuity of command. Critical to any post-Khamenei military coordination.