On June 24, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf met with Admiral Alireza Tangsiri and handed him the decree appointing him as the head of the Basij organization, a paramilitary force under the IRGC.
According to IRNA news agency, Admiral Tangsiri will retain his position as IRGC Navy commander in addition to his new duties at Basij. The appointment is part of efforts to bolster Iran's defense and security capabilities, particularly amid regional volatility.
Basij is a volunteer force established in 1979 at the directive of the Supreme Leader. It operates as an auxiliary arm for domestic security and social activities, often participating in military campaigns and maintaining social order. The appointment of a navy commander to lead Basij is seen as a move to enhance coordination among various forces under IRGC command.
Admiral Tangsiri has previously held several key positions within the IRGC over many years, contributing to Iran's military and security strategy in the Gulf region.
