Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei promoted IRGC Lieutenant Commander Brigadier General Hossein Salami (photo) to the rank of Major General and appointed him as the Top Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps after Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari’s two five-year terms ended.

In a decree issued on Sunday, Ayatollah Khamenei, who is also Commander-in-Chief of Iran’s Armed Forces, praised Major General Jafari’s decade-long service in the post, Fars News Agency (FNA) reported.

“Considering Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari’s statement on the necessity of change in IRGC’s (top) command,... and given your valuable experience and competence in fulfilling high-level management and various responsibilities in the revolutionary, Jihadi and popular institution of the IRGC, I promote you to the rank of Major General and appoint you as the Top Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps,” Khamenei said.

He asked the new Top Commander to continue the path of Major General Jafari and enhance the IRGC’s all-out capabilities and preparedness in all sectors, develop spirituality and expertise and boost cultural promotion.

Also, in a separate decree on Sunday, the Iranian Leader appointed Major General Jafari as Commander of ‘Hazrat Baqiyat Allah Al-A’zam Cultural and Social Base’.

“Given your willingness to be present on cultural scenes to play a role in soft warfare and appreciating your excellent efforts during your term in office as IRGC Top Commander, I appoint you as Commander of ‘Hazrat Baqiyat Allah Al-A’zam Cultural and Social Base’,” Ayatollah Khamenei said in a part of his decree.

Major General Jafari was IRGC’s Top Commander for almost 12 years.