Tensions in the Middle East escalated as Iran launched approximately 150 ballistic missiles at Israel in two barrages. The missiles fired on Friday night and early Saturday morning were in response to the Israeli strikes that rocked Iran overnight, eliminating some of its top military officials.
Following their assassination in a high-stakes Israeli strike, Iran’s Commander-in-Chief, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, announced some major changes in the country’s military leadership. Major General Amir Hatami has been appointed as the new Army Chief of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Iranian state-run media IRNA reported.
Who Is General Amir Hatami?
General Amir Hatami served as the Defence Minister of Iran from 2013 to 2021. In an official decree, Khamenei cited Hatami’s “dedication, competence, and experience” as the grounds of his appointment. Hatami succeeds Lieutenant General Seyyed Abdolrahim Mousavi, following the recent elimination of Gen. Mohammad Hossein Bagheri.
Additionally, Khamenei made urgent and fresh appointments across other military branches to replace the top military officials killed in ‘Operation Rising Lion’. Major General Mohammad Pakpour was appointed as Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC.
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