Iran picks new IRGC intelligence protection head after shock shake-up of top brass

Iran has chosen a new head of counterespionage for its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) after a recent shock change at the top of the military branch.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei selected Brigadier General Majid Khademi for the lead role at the Intelligence Protection Organization (IPO) at the IRGC, Iran International reported, citing a Monday article from the military's Defa Press agency.

Khademi previously held the same position within the defence ministry and steps in for Mohammad Kazemi, who it was revealed on Thursday is taking over from Hossein Taeb as the Guards' Intelligence Organisation head.

The IPO primarily monitors IRGC members and alleged spying within the corps.

The IPO position opened up for Khademi when the previous leader was named the new head of the intelligence wing of the IRGC, taking over from Taeb, who had spent 13 years in the job causing shock in security circles.

Iranian officials maintain the move was a standard changing of roles, and an Iranian MP said on Monday that the shake-up was due to the predecessor's long period in the post.

Israel has the capacity, the will, and the opportunity to carry out the killing of IRGC Colonel Khodai. But this was different – distinct from Israel’s usual method. Khodai was not a scientist. He was not associated with Iran’s nuclear programme ⬇https://t.co/ROWPslVIMj

— The New Arab (@The_NewArab) June 2, 2022

But it also follows a series of damaging incidents for Iran, such as the assassination of IRGC officers.

On top of this, last Thursday it was reported that Turkey had scuppered an Iranian effort to kill Israelis in the country.

Taeb was made an adviser to the Guards' commander, an IRGC spokesperson told news agency Tasnim last week, with Iran International calling this a "clear sign that [he] has been demoted".

In another notable switch-up for the IRGC, the unit tasked with protecting the country's supreme leader on Saturday saw its chief changed too.