A review of Brigadier General Gholamreza Baghbani's career trajectory solidifies a pattern of generational change in the IRGC QF in which former QF field operatives are pursing prominent political and advisory positions.

In the latest Middle Eastern Outlook, American Enterprise Institute (AEI) resident fellow Ali Alfoneh examines how Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force (IRGC QF) is increasingly shaped by a new generation of commanders like Brigadier General Iraj Masjedi, whose close ties with Iraqi insurgents--now power brokers--date back to the Iran-Iraq war.

The career of Iraj Masjedi, including his service at Base Ramezan and his promotion to senior adviser to Qassem Suleimani, highlights a cycle of generational change within the IRGC QF, and offers an indication of where to find Iran's future Quds Force leaders.

Should Qassem Suleimani pursue politics, he may be replaced by his deputy, Brigadier General Esmail Qaani, who is believed to be directing the IRGC QF’s activities in Afghanistan.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards Commander fears attack against Iran and warns Hezbollah not to attack Israel for fear of reprisal

AEI's Danielle Pletka, vice president of foreign and defense policy studies explains in a new post why these negotiations are destined to fail and a new report by AEI Iran expert Ali Alfoneh on Iranian Brigadier General Gholamreza Baghbani, the current chief of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Quds Force (IRGC QF) office in Zahedan, and a narcotics trafficker.

The most disturbing aspect of the plot to kill Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the United States is that Iran's thugs are developing a strategic partnership with Mexico's most violent thugs: Los Zetas.

In this latest Middle Eastern Outlook, Iran expert Ali Alfoneh provides new information about the background, influences, and experiences of Brigadier General Qassem Suleimani.