Iran’s New Supreme Leader Under Elite Protection Following Assassination

Elite anti-terrorism units have been assigned to ensure the safety of Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, following a recent assassination. This information comes from sources familiar with the situation.

The NOPO, or Iran’s specialized counter-terrorism unit, is now tasked with protecting Khamenei after the death of his father during U.S. and Israeli strikes on Tehran facilities on February 28. This operation resulted in the elder Khamenei’s death amid what was described as Operation Epic Fury.

According to Ali Safavi, a representative from the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Paris-based National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), “Now that Khamenei is gone, NOPO will protect Mojtaba Khamenei.”

Interestingly, while Safavi noted that NOPO was founded in 1991 and comprises the 28th Ruhola Division, he pointed out that its primary purpose isn’t specifically to guard the new leader but often involves hostage rescue operations.

Implications of Khamenei’s Death

Mojtaba Khamenei was elected supreme leader on March 8, 2026, stepping into a role historically filled in a climate of turmoil. The ongoing war between the U.S. and Israel creates a challenging backdrop, and there have been no confirmed statements from Mojtaba Khamenei since the conflict escalated.

Some reports suggest that he may have sustained injuries during the war; however, authenticity remains uncertain.

Explaining NOPO’s role, Safavi conveyed that the acronym stands for Niluyeh Vijhe Pasdaran Velayat, which translates to Special Forces to Protect the Supreme Leader. However, he explained that “Velayat” relates more to the regime rather than Khamenei alone.

About NOPO and Its Activities

NOPO originally formed to address internal threats and has frequently been deployed to manage protests. Over the years, it has developed into a specialized force separate from the broader Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), which was created back in 1979 to secure the regime from various threats.

Safavi detailed that NOPO consists of just six brigades, four of which are located in Tehran, with others in Mashhad and Isfahan. They are described as being more lethal and well-trained compared to the Revolutionary Guards.

During recent unrest, NOPO has been involved in suppressing protests, asserting their loyalty to the supreme leader. Safavi remarked that within the battalion, members have been actively involved in reinforcing security measures amid escalated tensions to prevent widespread dissent.

Ongoing Developments

The circumstances surrounding Khamenei’s assassination have, understandably, opened an uncertain chapter for Iran. This transition of power comes with additional reports of NOPO members being stationed around political prisons.

On March 3, following a bombing at a military site near Mahabad Prison, locked prisoners protested, leading to an aggressive response from security forces.

Moreover, there are indications that NOPO has taken control of Evin Prison amidst the chaos, as regular staff reportedly fled the scene.

This all comes against a backdrop where the U.S. Treasury Department previously sanctioned NOPO in 2021 for severe human rights violations involving individuals in Iran and their families.