Amir Ali Hajizadeh

Amir Ali Hajizadeh is the internationally designated commander of the Aerospace Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He holds the rank of brigadier general. In this role Hajizadeh oversees Iran’s ballistic missile program.“Issuance of Executive Order of June 24, 2019, “Imposing Sanctions with Respect to Iran;” Iran-related Designations; Counter Terrorism Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, June 24, 2019, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20190624.aspx; “COUNCIL IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) No 54/2012 of 23 January 2012,” Official Journal of the European Union, January 24, 2012, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2012:019:0001:0005:EN:PDF. He claims the main purpose of Iran’s missile program is to strike Israel. Hajizadeh is a staunch opponent of the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran, the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, China, France, and Russia, which he saw as an attempt to weaken Iran. As head of the IRGC’s missile program, he routinely boasts of Iran’s military capabilities and regional dominance while directly threatening to strike U.S. and Israeli positions in the Middle East if those countries provoke the Islamic republic.“Who Are the 8 Guards Commanders Sanctioned By U.S.,” Radio Farda, June 25, 2019, https://en.radiofarda.com/a/who-are-the-8-guards-commanders-sanctioned-by-u-s-/30019621.html; “IRGC General: Iran Has Elaborate Underground Arms Depots,” Tasnim News Agency, October 1, 2019, https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2019/10/01/2108829/irgc-general-iran-has-elaborate-underground-arms-depots; “US Targets in Region Within Reach of Iran Missiles: IRGC General,” Tasnim News Agency, September 15, 2019, https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2019/09/15/2096376/us-targets-in-region-within-reach-of-iran-missiles-irgc-general.

Hajizadeh has warned that the United States’ intentions in Iraq and Syria is to destroy those countries, but Iran has thwarted those plans.“Iranian Revolutionary Guard says it has ‘father of all bombs,’” Times of Israel, September 17, 2017, https://www.timesofisrael.com/iranian-revolutionary-guard-commander-says-it-has-father-of-all-bombs/. Under Hajizadeh’s command, the IRGC Aerospace Force has provided advisory assistance to Iraq’s air force.“Iran’s IRGC Providing Advisory Assistance for Iraq’s Air Force, Commander Says,” Tasnim News Agency, September 20, 2017, https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2017/09/20/1525069/iran-s-irgc-providing-advisory-assistance-for-iraq-s-air-force-commander-says. Hajizadeh publicly boasts of Iran’s military prowess, which he has said has no equal.“Iranian Revolutionary Guard says it has ‘father of all bombs,’” Times of Israel, September 17, 2017, https://www.timesofisrael.com/iranian-revolutionary-guard-commander-says-it-has-father-of-all-bombs/. He has warned that all American bases and ships within 2,000 kilometers of Iran are within the range of Iranian missiles. According to Hajizadeh, Iran is always fully prepared for war.“IRGC General: Iran Has Elaborate Underground Arms Depots,” Tasnim News Agency, October 1, 2019, https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2019/10/01/2108829/irgc-general-iran-has-elaborate-underground-arms-depots; “US Targets in Region Within Reach of Iran Missiles: IRGC General,” Tasnim News Agency, September 15, 2019, https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2019/09/15/2096376/us-targets-in-region-within-reach-of-iran-missiles-irgc-general. Hajizadeh has welcomed a potential Israeli strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities because it would give Iran reason to retaliate and destroy Israel.Michal Shmulovich and Yifa Yaakov, “Revolutionary Guard air force chief ‘welcomes’ Israeli strike, promises ‘swift, decisive’ response,” Times of Israel, August 18, 2012, https://www.timesofisrael.com/syria-is-part-of-us-plan-to-take-over-the-middle-east-says-top-iranian-official/. After Iran conducted missile tests in 2012 against a mock U.S. base, Hajizadeh declared the tests were a message against the “bullying” of Iran.Ron Friedman, Ilan Ben Zion, and Associated Press, “Iran fires dozens of missiles at mock US base in military drill,” Times of Israel, July 3, 2012, https://www.timesofisrael.com/iran-fires-dozens-of-missiles-at-mock-us-base-in-military-drill/. The U.S. government has linked Hajizadeh to Iran bringing down a U.S. drone on June 20, 2019.“Treasury Targets Senior IRGC Commanders Behind Iran’s Destructive and Destabilizing Activities,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, June 24, 2019, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm716.

As head of the IRGC’s aerospace division, Hajizadeh also commands the IRGC’s missile development and arsenal. In April 2017, the Trump administration reportedly called for inspections of Iranian military sites in order to monitor the country’s missile program. Hajizadeh has rejected all calls for such oversight. Hajizadeh accused the United States of trying to disarm Iran through various tactics.“No Way for Foreigners to Inspect Iran’s Military Sites: IRGC General,” Tasnim News Agency, August 7, 2017, https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2017/08/07/1485648/no-way-for-foreigners-to-inspect-iran-s-military-sites-irgc-general. In March 2018, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian called on Iran to curb its missile program during a visit to Tehran. Hajizadeh accused France, the United Kingdom, the United States, and “the Zionist regime”—i.e., Israel—of manipulating international law for their own benefit.“Defiant Iran says missile production has tripled,” Times of Israel, March 7, 2018, https://www.timesofisrael.com/defiant-iran-says-missile-production-has-tripled/. Hajizadeh has labeled U.S. criticism of Iran’s missile program as a “pretext” for U.S. animosity against Iran.“Trump: Iran lost respect for US after nuke deal, is now emboldened,” Times of Israel, February 6, 2017, https://www.timesofisrael.com/trump-iran-lost-respect-for-us-after-nuke-deal-now-emboldened/.

On January 3, 2020, a U.S. airstrike in Iraq killed Qasem Soleimani, commander of the IRGC’s Quds Force.Missy Ryan and Dan Lamothe, “Pentagon launched airstrike that killed Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani, Defense Sec. Mark Esper says,” Washington Post, January 2, 2020, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/defense-secretary-says-iran-and-its-proxies-may-be-planning-fresh-attacks-on-us-personnel-in-iraq/2020/01/02/53b63f00-2d89-11ea-bcb3-ac6482c4a92f_story.html. On January 8, Iran launched a missile strike on the Ain Al-Asad airbase in Iraq. The IRGC claims the attack killed at least 80 Americans. U.S. officials denied any fatalities but at least 34 American troops were diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries. Also on January 8, Iranian forces shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane, killing all 179 on board. Hajizadeh claimed Iran mistook the plane for a cruise missile. According to Hajizadeh, the IRGC boosted its aerospace defenses in response to U.S. aggression.“IRGC Aerospace Chief: Ukrainian Jetliner Mistaken for Cruise Missile,” Tasnim News Agency, January 11, 2020, https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2020/01/11/2179623/irgc-aerospace-chief-ukrainian-jetliner-mistaken-for-cruise-missile; “34 US troops had brain injuries from Iran’s strike, Pentagon says,” CNBC, January 24, 2020, https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/24/34-us-troops-had-brain-injuries-from-irans-strike-pentagon-says.html. Hajizadeh warned that the January 8 attack on Ain Al-Asad was just the beginning of Iran’s response to Soleimani’s death. Hajizadeh called the revenge operation “Martyr Soleimani.”“Iran’s Missile Attack on US Base Beginning of Major Operation: Commander,” Tasnim News Agency, January 9, 2020, https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2020/01/09/2178632/iran-s-missile-attack-on-us-base-beginning-of-major-operation-commander.

Also Known As

Extremist entity
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
Read Threat Report
Type(s) of Organization:
Military, terrorist, transnational, violent
Ideologies and Affiliations:
Islamist, Khomeinist, Shiite, state actor
Position(s):
Commander of IRGC aerospace force

The IRGC is an Iranian government agency tasked with defending the regime against internal and external threats. The IRGC uses secret police methods against its opponents within Iran, and terrorist tactics against its enemies abroad.

  • Designations
  • Rhetoric

United States

  • The Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Amirali Hajizadeh as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist under Executive Order 13224 for acting for or on behalf of the IRGC on June 24, 2019.“Issuance of Executive Order of June 24, 2019, “Imposing Sanctions with Respect to Iran;” Iran-related Designations; Counter Terrorism Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, June 24, 2019, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20190624.aspx.

European Union

United Kingdom

  • The United Kingdom added Amir Ali Haji Zadeh to its List of Financial Sanctions Targets on January 23, 2012.“Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions Targets in the UK,” Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation HM Treasury, last updated January 20, 2020, https://ofsistorage.blob.core.windows.net/publishlive/ConList.html.

Jan. 2021

On Iran’s attack on Ain al-Assad, a U.S. military base in Iraq:

“We shoot the missiles one by one to give a chance to them to escape, we don't want to do a crime . . . but look how criminal is the evil Trump . . .  they hit the two cars [carrying Soleimani and members of Iraqi militias] exactly at the same moment.”“Iranian Press Review: US B-52 Bombers are Easy Targets, Says Top IRGC Commander,” Middle East Eye, January 21, 2021, https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/iranian-press-review-us-b-52-bombers-are-easy-targets-says-irgc-top-commander.

Jan. 2021

“Targeting B-52 bombers is much easier than RQ-4s. B-52s are old planes and the only reason for their recent deployment is because the US is scared and worried about what we might do.”“Iranian Press Review: US B-52 Bombers are Easy Targets, Says Top IRGC Commander,” Middle East Eye, January 21, 2021, https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/iranian-press-review-us-b-52-bombers-are-easy-targets-says-irgc-top-commander.

Sept. 2012

“If a conflict breaks out, the Zionist regime would be able to manage the beginning of the war, but the response and end would be in our hands, in which case the Zionist entity would cease to exist. The number of missiles launched would be more than the Zionists could imagine.”Yoel Goldman, “Khamenei reportedly orders his Revolutionary Guards to stop global attacks, focus on region,” Times of Israel, September 22, 2012, https://www.timesofisrael.com/irans-supreme-leader-orders-revolutionary-guards-to-stop-global-operations/.

Feb. 2, 2015

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has helped Iraq, Syria, Palestine and the Lebanese Hezbollah by exporting the technology that it has for the production of missiles and other equipment, and they can now stand against the Zionist regime, the ISIL [Islamic State group] and other Takfiri [apostate] groups and cripple them.”Stuart Winer, “Iran boasts of rocket aid to Palestinians, Hezbollah,” Times of Israel, February 3, 2015, https://www.timesofisrael.com/iran-boasts-of-rocket-aid-to-palestinians-hezbollah/.

March 2016

“The 2,000-kilometer (1,240-mile) range of our missiles is to confront the Zionist regime,” Hajizadeh said. “Israel is surrounded by Islamic countries and it will not last long in a war. It will collapse even before being hit by these missiles.”“Clinton urges new sanctions on Iran over missile tests,” Times of Israel, March 9, 2016, https://www.timesofisrael.com/clinton-urges-new-sanctions-on-iran-over-missile-tests/.

Sept. 2017

“The Americans, among others, have come to Iraq and Syria to disintegrate them, but what eventually happened was Iran’s will. I see no army in the world to be on a par with the IRGC.”“Iranian Revolutionary Guard says it has ‘father of all bombs,’” Times of Israel, September 17, 2017, https://www.timesofisrael.com/iranian-revolutionary-guard-commander-says-it-has-father-of-all-bombs/.

March 6, 2018

“In the past we had to explain our actions to various bodies, but not any more. The law of the world is the hands of the United States, Britain, France and the Zionist regime and they have written these laws with arrogance. But if they want they change them.”“Defiant Iran says missile production has tripled,” Times of Israel, March 7, 2018, https://www.timesofisrael.com/defiant-iran-says-missile-production-has-tripled/.

Nov. 2018

“Palestinians forced the Zionist regime into surrender within 48 hours. Now just compare this power with Iran’s defense capabilities.”“Iran military officials say Liberman resignation a defeat for Israel,” Times of Israel, November 15, 2018, https://www.timesofisrael.com/iran-military-officials-say-liberman-resignation-a-defeat-for-israel/.

Nov. 2018

“US aircraft carriers (in the region) are like shooting targets for us.”“IRGC General: US Bases in Region Easy Targets for Iranian Missiles,” Tasnim News Agency, November 22, 2018, https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2018/11/22/1881748/irgc-general-us-bases-in-region-easy-targets-for-iranian-missiles.

Nov. 22, 2018

“The U.S. bases near Iran are within range of our missiles and are [easy] prey for us. For example, some of these bases are [only] 300 or 400 km from us, such as the Al-‘Udeid base in Qatar, the Al-Dhafra base in the UAE and [the base] in Kandahar [Afghanistan]. We even know the exact location of the U.S. RQ-170 [Sentinel] drone at the Kandahar base. These bases, which once threatened us, now present us with an opportunity.”“IRGC commanders threaten US with missile, drone, cyber capabilities,” Jewish News Syndicate, December 9, 2018, https://www.jns.org/irgc-commanders-threaten-u-s-with-missile-drone-cyber-capabilities/.

Feb. 2019

“Now, they (US officials) have announced that they are seeking to sabotage our missile sector. For several years we have been aware of this (the enemy’s plot), but we did not made it public. They were trying to sabotage some of the equipment so that the missiles would explode in the air. But so far, they have failed to do a damn thing because we anticipated (their moves) and boosted (the missiles to thwart the moves).”“Enemy Plots to Sabotage Iran Missile Program Foiled: IRGC General,” Tasnim News Agency, February 24, 2019, https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2019/02/24/1954554/enemy-plots-to-sabotage-iran-missile-program-foiled-irgc-general.

June 26, 2019

After the IRGC shoots down a U.S. drone in Iranian airspace on June 20:

“The Americans must mind their manners, because the era of looking down on the Iranian nation is over.”“No Specter of War, IRGC General Stresses,” Tasnim News Agency, June 26, 2019, https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2019/06/26/2041037/no-specter-of-war-irgc-general-stresses.

Sept. 15, 2019

“We have constantly prepared ourselves for a full-fledged war.”“US Targets in Region Within Reach of Iran Missiles: IRGC General,” Tasnim News Agency, September 15, 2019, https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2019/09/15/2096376/us-targets-in-region-within-reach-of-iran-missiles-irgc-general.

Sept. 15, 2019

“Everybody should know that all American bases and their vessels in a distance of up to 2,000 kilometers (from Iran borders) are within the range of our missiles.”“US Targets in Region Within Reach of Iran Missiles: IRGC General,” Tasnim News Agency, September 15, 2019, https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2019/09/15/2096376/us-targets-in-region-within-reach-of-iran-missiles-irgc-general.

Sept. 30, 2019

“We are the top missile power in the region at present, and among the seven or eight leading countries (in the missile industry) in the world.”“IRGC General: Iran Has Elaborate Underground Arms Depots,” Tasnim News Agency, October 1, 2019, https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2019/10/01/2108829/irgc-general-iran-has-elaborate-underground-arms-depots.

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On October 7, 2023, Hamas invaded southern Israel where, in the space of eight hours, hundreds of armed terrorists perpetrated mass crimes of brutality, rape, and torture against men, women and children. In the biggest attack on Jewish life in a single day since the Holocaust, 1,200 were killed, and 251 were taken hostage into Gaza—where 101 remain. One year on, antisemitic incidents have increased by record numbers. 

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