Iran's commander-in-chief has appointed Brigadier General Mohammad Karami as commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ground forces in an official decree on June 19.

The appointment follows a recommendation from the commander-in-chief, citing Karami's qualifications amid Israeli strikes. Earlier on June 18, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei transferred much of his powers to the IRGC higher echelons in the event of his death, allowing the continuation of the war against Israel.

Khamenei's decree to Karami stated: "Considering the recommendation of the IRGC commander-in-chief and given your merit and valuable experience, I appoint you as commander of the IRGC ground forces."

Karami previously commanded the IRGC South-East Quds Operational Base in Zahedan in Sistan and Baluchistan Province, which is tasked with ensuring security along the Pakistan border.

According to Amnesty International, IRGC officers under Karami's command at Shamsar Base fired live ammunition at unarmed fuel porters in February 2021.

Human rights organisations have linked Karami to violent crackdowns during 2022 protests in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, particularly the September 30 "bloody Friday" incident in Zahedan when security forces killed at least 70 protesters.

Khamenei stressed maintaining spiritual foundations "in moving towards building forces worthy of the Islamic Revolution."

The Supreme Leader expressed gratitude for the "valuable and effective services of General Pakpour during his tenure commanding the IRGC ground forces."

Karami replaces General Pakpour, who had led the ground forces division of Iran's elite military organisation.

Details on Pakpour’s whereabouts are unknown with the IRGC not mentioning his death in official announcements.