Iran has reportedly deployed one of its most secretive and highly trained security units to protect the country’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. The decision comes after the assassination of his father, Ali Khamenei, during a joint military operation reportedly carried out by the United States and Israel.
Following the attack, security around the Iranian leadership has reportedly been tightened significantly. Iranian authorities are believed to have assigned the elite counter-terrorism unit known as NOPO to protect the new leader.
Reports suggest that Mojtaba Khamenei may have suffered injuries during the conflict. However, Iranian officials have denied such claims. Youssef Pezeshkian, the son of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, said publicly that the supreme leader is safe and in good health.
Despite these assurances, Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly or issued any official statement since being declared the successor to his father. His absence from public view has raised speculation internationally about his condition and the security situation in Iran.
According to reports from American media outlets, the NOPO force has now been tasked with providing direct protection to the 56-year-old cleric.
The name NOPO comes from the Persian phrase “Nirouyeh Vijeh Pasdaran Velayat.” The term “Velayat” refers to the authority of the Supreme Leader in Iran’s political system. The unit’s name reflects its role as a force dedicated to protecting both the leader and the ruling system.
Ali Safavi, a member of the Paris-based National Council of Resistance of Iran, explained that NOPO functions as a specialised security force with responsibilities that go beyond ordinary military duties.
Although the unit originally had links with the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), it eventually developed into a separate specialised formation.
The IRGC itself was established after the Iranian Revolution to defend the Islamic Republic and protect it from internal and external threats. Over time, various specialised units were formed within the Iranian security structure, and NOPO emerged as one of the most elite among them.
Security analysts say the unit operates with a high level of secrecy and loyalty to the supreme leadership.
Reports suggest that the NOPO force is organised into six brigades. Four of these brigades are based in the capital city of Tehran, while the remaining two are stationed in Mashhad and Isfahan.
These brigades are believed to be highly trained and equipped for dangerous operations, including counter-terrorism missions and protection of high-value political targets.
Security experts say that the unit is known for its strict discipline and aggressive training methods. Members are reportedly selected carefully and undergo intense preparation before joining operational teams.
One of the defining characteristics of the force is its direct loyalty to the Supreme Leader. Unlike many other security organisations, the NOPO unit is believed to operate under close supervision from the highest levels of leadership.
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Former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was known to rely heavily on this unit for his personal protection. It reportedly served as his main security force for many years.
Even after the recent attack that killed him, analysts believe the unit remains fully operational. Some reports suggest that a few members of the force may have died during the strike, but the organisation itself continues to function.
Apart from protecting the Supreme Leader, the unit has also been used during times of internal unrest in Iran. During periods of protests and political tension, NOPO forces have reportedly been deployed in cities to help maintain control.
Critics and human rights organisations have accused the force of playing a role in suppressing demonstrations. Reports suggest that the unit has been involved in crackdowns during several major protest movements.
These include the student demonstrations that took place in 1999 and the nationwide unrest that occurred in 2019. The force has also been linked to actions taken during protests following the death of Mahsa Amini, which sparked widespread demonstrations across Iran.
Members of the unit have reportedly been stationed near prisons holding political detainees and have been involved in high-security operations inside the country.
The NOPO unit was first created in 1991 under Iran’s Special Units Command. Over the years, it has gained a reputation as one of the country’s most capable tactical forces.
However, its operations remain highly secretive, and very little official information about the organisation is publicly available.
With the leadership transition in Iran and rising regional tensions, security experts believe the role of the NOPO force may become even more important in protecting the country’s top leadership and maintaining stability within the political system.
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