IRGC aerospace chief accused of abandoning troops amid war

2026-03-22 - 13:35

Sharp internal criticism has emerged within the top ranks of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps: senior figures in the organization have pointed the finger at Majid Mousavi, commander of the IRGC's Aerospace Force, accusing him of abandoning his post and deserting his forces in the field during the fighting. This was reported by the news website Iran International, citing sources with direct knowledge of the matter. According to the report, the bulk of the criticism centers on Mousavi's absence from the front at a time when operational pressure had increased significantly, from the start of the war in late February. Sources who spoke with Iran International on condition of anonymity noted that as the Aerospace Force's casualty toll has mounted, the commander's absence has been seen as a key factor in the deterioration of conditions in the field. Suicide missions and lack of support Operators within the Aerospace Force have described operating conditions as extremely dangerous. According to the sources, every missile launch mission carries immense risk, and in some cases, missions were described as "actions bordering on suicide." Meanwhile, the families of some crew members filed formal complaints with senior IRGC authorities, alleging that the commander failed to maintain an effective presence under dangerous conditions and that forces were left without adequate support. Alongside allegations of troop abandonment, additional accusations emerged, including mismanagement and the transmission of inaccurate data on the number of launches and missile strike outcomes. Hajizadeh's successor under sanctions Seyed Hossein Mousavi Eftekhari, known as Majid Mousavi, holds the rank of brigadier general. He was appointed commander of the Aerospace Force on June 14, 2025, after his predecessor, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, was killed as part of Operation Rising Lion last year. Prior to his appointment, Mousavi served as Hajizadeh's deputy from 2009 to 2025 – a period during which he played a key role in developing and managing Iran's missile and drone programs. The Aerospace Force is considered one of the Islamic Republic's most important military branches, as it is responsible for the ballistic missile program, offensive drone capabilities, and parts of the air defense array. Mousavi is also under US sanctions. In December 2024, the US State Department announced sanctions against him for his involvement in developing Iran's strategic weapons systems. His appointment as force commander came at a time when the branch was already under heavy security and operational pressure, and it continues to play the most central role in the current confrontation.