Israel Alerts US: Iran Missile Drills Could Conceal Surprise Attack – Axios
Recent military reshuffles in Iran are raising concerns in the context of escalating tensions with Israel. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei made significant appointments within the Army, specifically targeting the air force and air defense sectors.
Key Appointments in Iran’s Military
This week, Khamenei appointed Brigadier General Bahman Behmard as the new commander of the Army Air Force. He replaces Brigadier General Hamid Vahedi, who has been reassigned to a ceremonial role as air affairs adviser to the Army commander-in-chief. Behmard, previously acting deputy chief of operations since 2023, has stepped into this key role following the death of Major General Mehdi Rabbani during recent Israeli attacks.
Behmard’s appointment emphasizes operational expertise over public visibility, highlighting a strategic shift in Iran’s military leadership. Alongside him, Brigadier General Alireza Elhami takes charge of the Khatam al-Anbiya Joint Air Defense HQ, and the Army’s air defense force. Elhami previously commanded the Khatam al-Anbiya Air Defense University but is not a widely recognized figure outside military ranks.
Understanding the Khatam al-Anbiya Structure
- The Khatam al-Anbiya Joint Air Defense HQ coordinates Iran’s air defense across all military branches.
- This differs from the Central Khatam al-Anbiya HQ, which oversees military forces during crises and wartime operations.
Broader Military Changes and Context
The reshuffles extend beyond the air force. In November, Brigadier General Kioumars Heydari was replaced as Army Ground Forces commander by Brigadier General Ali Jahanshahi. Heydari later assumed a more senior role within the Central Khatam al-Anbiya HQ.
In September, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) appointed Major General Ali Abdollahi as commander after losing both Major General Gholam-Ali Rashid and Major General Ali Shadmani in Israeli military actions.
Limited Coverage and Public Perception
Despite the significance of these changes, media coverage in Iran has been minimal. Reports primarily focus on the appointments without in-depth analysis. Khabar Online noted that Elhami’s promotion reflects a strategy of using experienced commanders, emphasizing specialized training and operational knowledge.
This approach may be a response to criticism following the unverified claims during a recent conflict, suggesting that Iranian air defenses had downed an Israeli F-35 fighter jet. Such assertions have damaged the credibility of Iranian state media, which had widely circulated the information. The head of IRIB acknowledged the impact of promoting unverified reports on the organization’s reputation.
As Iran navigates a complex geopolitical landscape, these leadership changes signal a critical focus on enhancing military preparedness amid ongoing threats, particularly from Israel.
