The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is comprised of influential figures who hold key positions within the organisation, shaping its actions and policies. Major General Hossein Salami serves as the Commander-in-Chief, overseeing the IRGC’s activities. Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naghdi, the Deputy Commander-in-Chief, previously led the IRGC’s Basij paramilitary force. The Major General Qasem Soleimani, known for his controversial overseas operations, commanded the IRGC’s Quds Force until his death. Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani succeeded him in that role. Other notable figures include Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari, Brigadier General Hossein Hamedani (deceased), Brigadier General Gholamreza Soleimani, and Major General Mohammad Bagheri. These individuals collectively contribute to the IRGC’s significant presence and influence domestically and internationally.
Major General Hossein Salami
Commander-in-Chief
Hossein Salami serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC, having been appointed to the position in April 2019. Salami has been involved in various roles within the IRGC since the 1980s.
Brigadier General Mohammad Ali Fadavi
Deputy Commander-in-Chief
Fadavi serves as the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC, having been appointed to this position in 2018. He previously led the IRGC' Naval force.
Major General Qasem Soleimani (1957-2020)
Commander of the IRGC's Quds Force
Soleimani was the Commander of the IRGC's Quds Force, which is responsible for the organisation's overseas operations. He was a highly influential figure within the IRGC and the Iranian government. Soleimani was killed in a U.S. drone strike in January 2020.
Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani
Commander of the Quds Force
Following Soleimani's death, Ghaani was appointed as the Commander of the Quds Force. He had previously served as Soleimani's deputy.
Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari
Former Commander-in-Chief
Jafari served as the Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC from 2007 to 2019. Under his leadership, the IRGC expanded its regional influence and military capabilities.
Brigadier General Hossein Hamedani (1951-2015)
senior IRGC commander
Hamedani was a senior IRGC commander who played a critical role in the organisation's operations in Syria, supporting the government of President Bashar al-Assad. He was killed in Syria in October 2015.
Brigadier General Gholamreza Soleimani
Commander of the IRGC's Basij paramilitary force
Soleimani (not related to Qasem Soleimani) serves as the Commander of the IRGC's Basij paramilitary force, which is responsible for internal security and mobilisation of popular support for the Iranian government.
Major General Mohammad Bagheri
Chief of Staff
Bagheri is the Chief of Staff of Iran's Armed Forces, a position he has held since 2016. He is responsible for coordinating the activities of both the regular Iranian military (Artesh) and the IRGC.