Iran has deployed the elite NOPO counterterrorism force to guard Mojtaba Khamenei, the country’s newly appointed Supreme Leader following the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a U.S.-Israel strike on February 28, 2026, Fox News Digital has learned.
NOPO’s Role in Protecting Iran’s Supreme Leader
The NOPO unit, officially known as Nirouyeh Vijeh Pasdaran Velayat, or the Special Force to Protect the Supreme Leader, was established in 1991 and serves as a specialized protective and counterterrorism force within Iran. Originally part of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ 28th Ruhollah Division, NOPO now functions independently with six brigades, including four stationed in Tehran and one each in Mashhad and Isfahan.
Ali Safavi of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) described NOPO as “far more lethal, ruthless and well-trained” than the broader IRGC and said its loyalty lies exclusively with the Supreme Leader. The unit typically handles hostage rescues and has been deployed to suppress internal protests and security threats.
Security Operations Amid Rising Tensions
Following the February 28 strike that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several members of the NOPO unit, the force remains operational and has been involved in recent repressive actions to prevent protests and maintain regime control. Reports indicate NOPO has taken command of key prisons such as Ghezel Hesar and Evin Prison amid unrest, responding to prisoner protests with tear gas and security measures.
Iran’s Assembly of Experts officially elected Mojtaba Khamenei as Supreme Leader on March 8, 2026. Despite unconfirmed reports from Iranian state media that Mojtaba Khamenei was wounded in the ongoing conflict with the U.S. and Israel, NOPO’s deployment underscores the regime’s priority to secure the new leadership amid heightened instability.
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