Iran Makes Key IRGC Appointment As Israeli Ground Ops Loom, Warns US Again Against Meddling

Last Updated:June 19, 2025, 14:07 IST

The decision came as Israeli ground operation is looming in the Islamic Republic after the tensions escalated in the Middle East due to violent engagement between Iran and Israel. 

Iran appoints Brigadier General Mohammad Karami as IRGC ground force commander (X)

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday appointed Brigadier General Mohammad Karami as the new Commander of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Ground Forces.

The decision came as Israeli ground operation is looming in the Islamic Republic after the tensions escalated in the Middle East due to violent engagement between Iran and Israel.

Karami has replaced General Pakpour, who had led the ground forces division of Iran’s elite military organisation.

Earlier on June 18, Khamenei transferred much of his powers to the IRGC higher echelons in the event of his death, allowing the continuation of the war against Israel. Khamenei’s decree to Karami stated: “Considering the recommendation of the IRGC commander-in-chief and given your merit and valuable experience, I appoint you as commander of the IRGC ground forces."

Who Is Mohammad Karami?

Karami previously served as the commander of the Quds Base of the IRGC Ground Forces in southeastern Iran.

The leadership of Iran’s General Staff of the Armed Forces and the IRGC has shifted significantly as the country defends against Israeli attacks and launches retaliatory strikes.

Karami previously commanded the IRGC South-East Quds Operational Base in Zahedan in Sistan and Baluchistan Province, which is tasked with ensuring security along the Pakistan border, as per the media reports.

Human rights organisations have linked Karami to violent crackdowns during 2022 protests in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, particularly the September 30 “bloody Friday" incident in Zahedan when security forces killed at least 70 protesters.

The Middle East has been witnessing deadly attacks for the past few years now and is expected to see more with United States President Donald Trump giving hints that he might push US directly into the fight.

Meanwhile, Iran has warned that any United States intervention in the conflict with Israel would risk an “all-out war".

Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei has said, “Any American intervention would be a recipe for an all-out war in the region."

US President Donald Trump, who initially distanced himself from the Israeli attacks, has since hinted at greater US involvement in the conflict, saying he wants something “much bigger" than a ceasefire. The US has sent more warplanes to the region and is also sending the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier.

Thousands of American soldiers are based in nearby countries within range of Iran’s weapons. The US, however, has threatened a massive response to any attack.

Iran-Israel Conflict

Tensions escalated in the Middle East due to violent engagement between Iran and Israel for seventh straight day on Thursday with both the sides exchanging strikes.

While Iranian missiles hit a prominent medical facility in southern Israel, reports said an area near the heavy water facility of Iran’s Khondab nuclear facility was targeted by Israel. Reports said Israel had issued an evacuation warning to the residents of Arak and Khondab in central Iran.

(With inputs from agencies)

Shobhit Gupta

Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben...Read More

Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben...

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Location :

Tehran, Iran

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News world Iran Makes Key IRGC Appointment As Israeli Ground Ops Loom, Warns US Again Against Meddling