# Iran’s depleted ranks drive veteran reshuffle, raising questions about loyalty and control

https://mins.news/en/item/25333

- Fox News, 2026-08-18 16:22 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.foxnews.com/world/irans-gutted-ranks-leave-loyalists-filling-critical-posts-one-glaring-problem

> After senior commanders were killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes, Iran is rebuilding its military and security leadership with longtime veterans of the revolution, the Iran-Iraq War and domestic crackdowns. The reshuffle spans the regular military, IRGC, Basij and Supreme National Security Council, prompting assessments that wartime losses have left Tehran more dependent on a narrower circle of trusted hardliners. Ahmad Vahidi was formally appointed IRGC commander.