The appointment of Mohammad Pakpour as Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps occurred on 13 June 2025, following the death of Hossein Salami. A veteran of the 1979 Kurdish rebellion and the Iran–Iraq War, he occupied senior military leadership roles for decades until his death in Tehran during the 2026 Iran war.
Early Career and Military Assignments
Born in Arak in 1961, Pakpour joined the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in 1979. His professional trajectory included serving as the commander of the 8th Najaf Ashraf Division and the 31st Ashura Division. He held responsibilities within the Army Operations Command for five years and served as chief of the Northern Command headquarters. His early operational focus involved regional security measures in northwest and southeast Iran.
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From 2009 to 2025, he served as the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Ground Force. During this tenure, he oversaw specialized military exercises and prioritized the integration of tactical drone programs. In 2016, he appeared alongside Qasem Soleimani during the Third Battle of Fallujah. Furthermore, his command oversaw the Saberin Unit special forces, which participated in neutralizing militants during the 2017 Tehran attacks.
Sanctions and Final Leadership
The United States Treasury Department placed sanctions on Pakpour on 24 June 2019, targeting his assets and restricting business interactions. Similar sanctions were enacted by Japan, Australia, Canada, and the European Union. These measures were briefly suspended after the 2015 nuclear agreement before being reinstated. Following his promotion to commander of the IRGC in 2025, Mohammad Karami assumed his previous role leading the Ground Forces.
Death
Mohammad Pakpour died on 28 February 2026. The Israel Defense Forces stated he was killed during the 2026 Iran war, a report subsequently confirmed by the Iranian state media outlet IRNA. He held the military rank of lieutenant general and was a recipient of the Order of Fath.
Fast facts
- Born: 1961, Arak
- Died: 28 February 2026, Tehran
- Education: University of Tehran
- Military Rank: Lieutenant General
- Key Decoration: Order of Fath
- Language: Persian
- Religion: Islam
Questions readers ask
What major military roles did Mohammad Pakpour hold?
He served as the Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Ground Force from 2009 to 2025 and as Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC from 2025 until his death in 2026.
How did Mohammad Pakpour die?
He was killed on 28 February 2026 during the Iran war.
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