Abdolrahim Mousavi – Commander of the Iranian Army and Advocate of Military Self-Reliance | Biography

“Explore the life and leadership of Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Commander-in-Chief of Iran’s Army. Learn about his military career, defense policies, and modernization efforts.”

Introduction

Major General Seyyed Abdolrahim Mousavi serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Army (Artesh), ranking among the most prominent and impactful military figures within the Islamic Republic of Iran. Renowned for his methodical approach to leadership and his unwavering allegiance to the Supreme Leader, Mousavi plays a crucial role in shaping Iran’s conventional military capabilities, overseeing the Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force, and Air Defense Command.
In contrast to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which operates on ideological grounds and commands its own units, the Artesh, under Mousavi’s leadership, functions as the regular standing military, tasked with safeguarding Iran’s borders, ensuring internal stability, and preventing external threats through traditional warfare tactics.

Early Life and Military Background

Born in 1960 in Isfahan, a city rich in cultural heritage in central Iran, Abdolrahim Mousavi enlisted in the Iranian military (Artesh) prior to the 1979 Islamic Revolution and continued his service after. He swiftly advanced through ranks due to his skilled performance, professionalism, and dedication to the military overhaul following the revolution.
Throughout the Iran–Iraq War (1980–1988), Mousavi held various command roles within the Iranian Army. This intense eight-year conflict significantly influenced the military philosophy of many Iranian leaders, including Mousavi, instilling a profound commitment to national defense, self-sufficiency, and asymmetric combat strategies.

Career Highlights and Appointments

Prior to his appointment as Commander-in-Chief of the Artesh, Mousavi held several esteemed positions, including:

• Deputy Chief of Staff of the Iranian Army
• Leader of the Khatam al-Anbiya Air Defense Base
• Senior Military Advisor to the Supreme Leader

In August 2017, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appointed him as the Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Army, succeeding General Ataollah Salehi. This decision came amidst escalating regional conflicts and an increasing emphasis on modernizing Iran’s conventional military capacity.
Since assuming command, Mousavi has prioritized:

• Boosting the operational readiness of the Iranian Army
• Executing joint military drills
• Enhancing air defense and naval strengths
• Encouraging domestic arms production

Role of the Iranian Army (Artesh)

The Iranian Army (Artesh) is comprised of four key branches:

1. Ground Forces
2. Air Force
3. Navy
4. Air Defense Force

While the IRGC is responsible for asymmetric warfare, external influence, and ideological missions, the Artesh functions as Iran’s conventional military, playing an essential role in border defense, securing maritime interests in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, and addressing national emergencies like earthquakes and floods.
Mousavi has played a pivotal role in fostering better coordination among these branches and improving their operational effectiveness through extensive exercises, such as:

• Zolfaghar military drills
• Modafean-e Aseman (Defenders of the Sky) air defense exercises
• Naval operations in the Strait of Hormuz and northern Indian Ocean

Focus on Self-Reliance and Domestic Defense Industry

Abdolrahim Mousavi is a staunch proponent of military independence and has motivated Iranian defense industries to create homegrown technologies. Under his guidance, the Iranian Army has unveiled:

• Locally manufactured tanks (Karrar)
• Homegrown radar technology
• Air defense systems like “Bavar-373”
• Combat and reconnaissance drones
• Enhanced fighter aircraft and helicopters

These advancements demonstrate his dedication to diminishing reliance on imported military assets and strengthening Iran’s strategic independence in defense matters.
Public Statements and Military Doctrine
Mousavi frequently appears in Iranian state media delivering comments that highlight:

• Iran’s defensive strategy: He maintains that Iran does not desire conflict but will react firmly to any aggression.
• National sovereignty: He consistently insists that the Islamic Republic will refuse foreign interference or control.
• Unity of the Armed Forces: Even with the distinct structures of Iran’s military (Artesh and IRGC), Mousavi advocates for collaboration and joint operations, particularly in air defense and naval missions.

Some of his noteworthy statements include:

Our Armed Forces stand ready to address any threat at whatever scale.

Although our approach is defensive, our reaction to any assault will be forceful and disproportionate.

Relations with the IRGC

Despite the distinct roles and historical backgrounds of the Artesh and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Mousavi has fostered a cooperative rapport with IRGC leaders, particularly under Supreme Leader Khamenei’s guidance.
He has engaged in collaborative exercises, exchanged intelligence and defense tactics, and commended the IRGC’s accomplishments in missile and drone operations. This illustrates Iran’s approach to achieve strategic unity among its military branches, despite structural variations.

Modernization and Future Outlook

Under Mousavi’s guidance, Iran's Army has embarked on a multi-year initiative to:

• Upgrade its tank divisions and artillery units
• Enhance electronic warfare and cyber capabilities
• Broaden its naval footprint in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden
• Prepare a new generation of officers and soldiers for hybrid warfare tactics

These initiatives aim to equip the Artesh for contemporary challenges, encompassing cyber warfare, regional proxy conflicts, and external interference.

Legacy and Influence

Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi is regarded as a cornerstone of Iran’s conventional military establishment. His significant contributions include:

• Upholding operational discipline and morale within the Iranian Army
• Promoting Iran’s doctrine of military self-sufficiency
• Encouraging unity between the Artesh and IRGC
• Strengthening Iran’s strategic stance in vital maritime regions

He is esteemed within Iranian military circles for his patriotic commitment, strategic acumen, and strong alignment with the Supreme Leader’s defense strategy.