Iran’s New Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei Gets NOPO Protection: What Is Iran’s ‘Black-Clad’ Elite Force?

Mojtaba Khamenei is reportedly under the protection of Iran's elite counterterrorism unit known as NOPO. The development comes after he was recently chosen as the new Supreme Leader of Iran.

According to a report by Fox News, the highly trained special force has been assigned to safeguard the 56-year-old cleric while he remains in a secure and undisclosed location.

The report quoted Ali Safavi, an official from the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), who claimed that the security responsibility once used to protect Ali Khamenei is now focused on Mojtaba Khamenei.

What Is the NOPO Force?

The NOPO force is considered one of Iran's most specialised and powerful security units. The name NOPO comes from the Persian phrase Nirouyeh Vijeh Pasdaran Velayat, which means "Special Force to Protect the Supreme Leader."

Formed in 1991, the unit operates under Iran's Special Units Command and is part of the country's elite police structure. It is widely regarded as one of the best trained forces in Iranian law enforcement.

Although officially responsible for tasks such as hostage rescue and counterterrorism, the force has also been involved in controlling protests and internal security operations.

Past Role in Suppressing Protests

According to critics and human rights groups, NOPO has played a major role in suppressing anti-government demonstrations in Iran.

The unit has reportedly been deployed during several major protests, including the 1999 student protests, the nationwide unrest in 2019, and the demonstrations following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022.

These operations have led to accusations of excessive force and human rights violations.
Safavi claimed that the unit is extremely well equipped and trained, and that its members are known for their loyalty to the Supreme Leader. According to him, the force has long been trusted with the personal protection of Ali Khamenei.

Structure and Deployment of the Unit

Reports suggest that NOPO is a relatively small but highly specialised force consisting of only six brigades.

Four brigades are reportedly stationed in Tehran, while the remaining two operate in the cities of Mashhad and Isfahan. Despite its limited size, the unit is considered highly effective due to its advanced training and equipment.

Safavi also claimed that the unit is more lethal and disciplined than many other Iranian security forces.

Concerns Over Mojtaba Khamenei's Whereabouts

Since being appointed Supreme Leader on March 8, Mojtaba Khamenei has remained largely out of public view. He has not yet delivered a public speech or issued an official statement addressing the nation.

Speculation about his health and location increased after reports suggested he might have been injured during the ongoing conflict in the region.

However, Yousef Pezeshkian dismissed the rumours, saying Mojtaba Khamenei was safe and in good health.

In a message shared on Telegram, Pezeshkian said he had contacted people with direct knowledge and confirmed that the new Supreme Leader was unharmed.

Earlier reports from The New York Times suggested that Khamenei may have suffered injuries but was conscious and staying at a highly secure location with limited communication.

Power Shift Inside Iran

Mojtaba Khamenei's rise to power was approved by Iran's Assembly of Experts, the body responsible for selecting the country's Supreme Leader.

However, reports from Reuters suggest that the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) strongly backed his selection.

Sources claim the Guards supported him because they believed he would continue the hardline policies associated with his father.

Some analysts and former officials have warned that this shift could strengthen the influence of Iran's military establishment and lead to tougher domestic control and a more aggressive foreign policy.

As Mojtaba Khamenei begins his leadership, the deployment of the elite NOPO force around him highlights the tense political and security environment currently facing Iran.