Quds Force commander since January 2020, succeeding Qasem Soleimani after his death.
Oversees Iranian proxy networks in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen. Central to regional
posture during the 2025-26 confrontation with Israel and the US.

1. Origins & Formation

IRGC veteran; long-time deputy to Qasem Soleimani in the Quds Force. Operated in Afghanistan, Iraq, and across the Levant; built networks with Shia militias and non-state actors. Less charismatic than Soleimani but institutionally trusted.

2. Rise to Influence

Succeeded Soleimani as Quds Force commander after the January 2020 US strike. Inherited proxy networks in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen; maintained Iran’s regional posture despite Soleimani’s removal.

3. Worldview & Inner Logic

Fear driver: US/Israeli encirclement; loss of proxy leverage; regime vulnerability. Belief driver: Extraterritorial operations as strategic depth; resistance axis. Identity driver: Operational continuity; loyal to Supreme Leader and IRGC chain.

4. Exercise of Power

Oversees Quds Force extraterritorial ops; coordinates Hezbollah, Iraqi/Syrian militias, Houthis; reports to IRGC commander (Salami) and Supreme Leader. Manages arms, funding, and operational direction to proxies.

5. Role in 2025-2026

Coordinated proxy responses during the Twelve-Day War and February 2026 strikes. Central to any post-Khamenei proxy escalation; would direct Hezbollah, Houthi, and militia activity in retaliation scenarios.