Mohammad Bagheri — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

Served as Chief of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces from 2016 to 2025.
Was the highest-ranking military officer in the Islamic Republic of Iran at the time of his death.
Began his military career in 1979 with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Played a key role in strengthening Iran's defense capabilities with more than 45 years of service in the IRGC.
Served as Deputy for Information and Operations of the General Staff of the Armed Forces from 2002 to 2014.
Was a lecturer at Tarbiat Modares University and a faculty member of the Supreme National Defense University of Iran.
Sanctioned by the United States (2019), Canada (2022), and the European Union (2022).

Biography

Mohammad Bagheri (born Mohammad-Hossein Afshordi) was an Iranian military officer who served as the Chief of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces from 2016 until his death on June 13, 2025. As chief of staff, he was considered the highest-ranking military officer in the Islamic Republic of Iran, responsible for coordinating and supervising Iran's regular army (Artesh) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).