Hossein Salami facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sardar
Major general Hossein Salami
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Salami in 2019
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| Born | 1960 Golpayegan, Iran |
| Died | 13 June 2025 (aged 64–65) Tehran, Iran |
| Allegiance |  Iran |
| Branch |  IRGC |
| Service years | 1981–2025 |
| Rank | Major general |
| Commands held |
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| Conflicts | Iran–Iraq War Iranian intervention in Iraq 2024 Iran–Israel conflict |
| Awards |  Order of Fath (1st class) |
Hossein Salami (Persian: حسین سلامی; 1960 – 13 June 2025) was a top military officer in Iran. He was the commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a powerful branch of Iran's military.
Born in Golpayegan, Iran, Salami joined the IRGC in 1980 during the Iran–Iraq War while he was a college student. He worked his way up through the military ranks. On April 21, 2019, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, made him the new head of the IRGC. Salami was known for his strong and aggressive speeches against the United States, Israel, and Saudi Arabia.
He was killed by an Israeli airstrike on June 13, 2025.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Hossein Salami was born in 1960 in the city of Golpayegan, Iran.
In 1978, he started studying mechanical engineering at the Iran University of Science and Technology. When the Iran–Iraq War began, he left his studies to join the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). After the war, he returned to school and earned a master's degree in defense management.
Military Career
Salami joined the IRGC in 1980 and steadily gained more responsibility over the years. Before becoming the leader, he served as the deputy commander.
On April 21, 2019, Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, appointed him as the new commander-in-chief of the IRGC. He took over from Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari.
Timeline of His Roles
- Commander of IRGC University of Command and Staff (1992–1997)
- Operations Deputy of IRGC Joint Staff (1997–2005)
- Commander of IRGC Air Force (2005–2009)
- Deputy Commander of the IRGC (2009–2019)
- Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC (2019–2025)
- Professor at the Supreme National Defense University
Public Statements and Views
Salami was famous for his powerful and often aggressive speeches. He frequently spoke out against countries that he considered enemies of Iran, especially the United States and Israel. He was a strong supporter of developing Iran's missile program and its military power in the Middle East.
He often spoke about the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. He expressed strong support for the Palestinians and was very critical of Israel's actions.
During the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, Salami suggested that the virus might have been a form of "biological warfare" created by the United States.
In 2022, during large protests in Iran, Salami blamed the U.S. and Israel for causing the unrest. He warned protestors to stop, saying, "Today is the last day of riots."
Death
On June 13, 2025, Salami was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Iran. News reports said that other top military leaders were also killed in the attack, which targeted military sites.
After his death, the IRGC released a statement calling him one of the most important commanders of the Islamic Revolution. Ahmad Vahidi was named as his temporary replacement.
Personal Life
Hossein Salami's brother, Mostafa Salami, is also a high-ranking officer in Iran's military.
Honours and Awards
On March 10, 2024, Salami received the Order of Fath medal from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. This award, also known as the Victory Medal, was given to him for improving Iran's military and defense abilities.
See also
In Spanish: Hossein Salami para niños
- List of Iranian two-star generals since 1979
- List of senior officers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
