Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader is reportedly under heavy protection from an elite counterterrorism unit after the death of his father, the former leader of the Islamic Republic. Security measures have intensified following a deadly strike that reportedly killed the previous leader, raising concerns about stability within the country and the region.
According to reports, the special unit known as NOPO has been tasked with safeguarding Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, during a time of conflict and political uncertainty.
Elite NOPO Unit Assigned to Protect New Leader
Iran’s counterterrorism special force known as NOPO has reportedly been deployed to protect Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.
The move comes after the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed in a strike on a compound in Tehran on February 28.
The strike occurred during the early stages of a military operation known as Operation Epic Fury.
Following the incident, Iran’s leadership quickly moved to strengthen security around the new Supreme Leader.
Experts say the NOPO unit is one of the most elite and loyal security forces within Iran.
Who Is Mojtaba Khamenei?
Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was appointed as Iran’s new Supreme Leader on March 8, 2026.
He was selected by Iran’s Assembly of Experts, the body responsible for choosing the country’s highest religious and political authority.
His appointment marks the third Supreme Leader in the history of the Islamic Republic.
The leadership change comes during a period of intense conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
Reports have suggested Mojtaba Khamenei may have been wounded during the ongoing conflict, although those claims have not been officially confirmed.
What Is Iran’s NOPO Counterterrorism Force?
NOPO is a highly specialized security unit within Iran.
The name NOPO is a Persian acronym that refers to a special force created to protect the leadership and security of the Islamic Republic.
The unit was established in 1991 and originally developed from the 28th Ruhollah Division.
While the force is often associated with protecting senior leaders, its responsibilities also include:
- Counterterrorism operations
- Hostage rescue missions
- Internal security operations
- Suppression of protests and unrest
Over time, NOPO has evolved into a specialized security group separate from the larger Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Structure and Deployment of the NOPO Unit
According to analysts, the NOPO force is relatively small but highly trained.
The unit reportedly consists of six brigades in total.
Deployment locations include:
| Location | NOPO Brigades |
|---|---|
| Tehran | 4 brigades |
| Mashhad | 1 brigade |
| Isfahan | 1 brigade |
Experts say the force is extremely well trained and heavily armed.
Members are known for their strong loyalty to Iran’s Supreme Leader and the ruling system.
Role in Security and Internal Control
Beyond personal protection duties, NOPO has also been used during major internal crises.
The unit has reportedly been deployed to respond to protests and political unrest within Iran.
During previous anti-government demonstrations, members of the force were reportedly involved in efforts to control crowds and restore order.
Human rights groups have accused the unit of using force against protesters in the past.
In 2021, the United States Treasury Department placed sanctions on NOPO for alleged involvement in serious human rights abuses.
Reports of Increased Security Around Iranian Prisons
Recent reports suggest that members of the NOPO unit have been deployed around several prisons in Iran that hold political detainees.
One report indicated that hundreds of security personnel were stationed near facilities such as Ghezel Hesar Prison.
In one incident, prisoners reportedly protested and set fire to blankets after their ward doors were locked during wartime conditions.
Authorities reportedly responded by firing tear gas inside the prison area.
Other reports claim that NOPO forces have taken control of Evin Prison in Tehran after regular prison staff left the facility amid rising tensions.
Concerns Over Stability After Leadership Change
The death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the appointment of his son as Supreme Leader has created uncertainty about Iran’s future political direction.
The country remains engaged in a tense military conflict with the United States and Israel.
Security analysts say the deployment of elite forces like NOPO reflects concerns within the Iranian government about possible unrest or further attacks.
The increased security presence suggests the new leadership is preparing for potential internal and external threats.
