Iranian state media on July 4 published a statement issued by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy in connection with the funeral of Iran's former Supreme Leader, in which Ali Azmaei was identified as the new commander of the force.
The previous commander of the IRGC Navy was Alireza Tangsiri, whom Israel announced had been killed in an airstrike on March 26 during the 40-day war. Iran's Armed Forces confirmed his death several days later.
Israel's defense minister had described Tangsiri as "directly responsible for mine-laying operations and efforts to block the Strait of Hormuz."
The IRGC had not previously made an official announcement regarding Azmaei's appointment. During Tangsiri's tenure, Azmaei served as deputy commander of the IRGC Navy.
During the 40-day conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, dozens of senior political and military officials of the Islamic Republic, in addition to former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, were killed.
