Iran Deploys Elite NOPO Unit To Protect New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei

Iran Deploys Elite NOPO Unit To Protect New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei

Authorities in Iran have reportedly deployed an elite counterterrorism unit to protect newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei following the assassination of his father, Ali Khamenei, in a reported US-Israeli strike carried out under the operation known as Operation Epic Fury.

The security move comes amid heightened tensions and concerns about the safety of the 56-year-old cleric, who was recently chosen as Iran’s third Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts.

Earlier reports suggested Mojtaba Khamenei had been injured in the February 28 strikes, which allegedly killed his father, his wife and several other family members.

However, Yousef Pezeshkian, son of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, dismissed those claims and said the new leader was “safe and sound.”

According to Pezeshkian, he contacted individuals with knowledge of the situation who confirmed that Mojtaba Khamenei had not been seriously injured.

Despite the reassurances, the new Supreme Leader has not yet addressed the nation publicly or issued any written statement since his appointment.

Security for Mojtaba Khamenei has reportedly been handed to Iran’s elite Counterterrorism Special Force, widely known as NOPO.

The unit operates under Iran’s Special Units Command and is considered one of the country’s most highly trained internal security forces.

According to Ali Safavi, an official with the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, NOPO has historically been responsible for protecting the Supreme Leader.

“With Ali Khamenei gone, NOPO will likely now be protecting Mojtaba Khamenei,” Safavi said.

What Is NOPO?

Formed in 1991, the black-clad NOPO force is an elite Iranian police special unit.

Key details about the force include:

• It operates separately from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
• It is structured into six brigades.
• Four brigades are stationed in Tehran, while the others are based in Mashhad and Isfahan.
• Its official mandate includes counterterrorism operations and hostage rescue.

However, the force has also been accused by human-rights groups of playing a role in suppressing protests, including the 1999 Iranian Student Protests, the 2019–2020 Iranian Protests, and demonstrations following the death of Mahsa Amini.

Concerns Over Khamenei’s Whereabouts

Reports indicate Mojtaba Khamenei is currently sheltering in a highly secure location with limited communication, raising speculation about his whereabouts.

Sources cited in international reports say the Iranian leadership is concerned about potential instability or protests following the death of Ali Khamenei and the rapid elevation of his son to the country’s top leadership role.

Analysts say the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei was strongly supported by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which has gained greater influence in Iran’s political structure during the current conflict.

Some Iranian insiders warn that this shift could lead to:

• A more aggressive foreign policy, and
• Stronger internal repression to prevent unrest.

They also fear the growing dominance of the Revolutionary Guards could gradually transform the Islamic Republic into a military-dominated state with limited clerical authority.