Iran has assigned its elite commando unit, NOPO, to handle the security of its new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. The decision follows the death of former leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint U.S.-Israel attack on February 28. Since the incident, 56-year-old Mojtaba has not appeared in public. International media reports claim he was seriously injured in the same attack and is receiving treatment at a highly secured location, though the Iranian government denies these claims, stating he is safe and healthy.

Analysts say the deployment of NOPO underscores efforts to strengthen Mojtaba’s protection. Formed in 1991, the black-clad NOPO unit is officially tasked with hostage rescue and counterterrorism but is widely regarded as the Supreme Leader’s personal shield. The force is known for its high level of training and discipline.

Experts also note that NOPO is considered more skilled and ruthless than Iran’s regular police or the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).