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Iran Appoints Ex-IRGC Chief as Adviser Amid EU Sanctions, UAE Attacks

Iran's Supreme Leader has appointed former IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaei as a military adviser. The European Union simultaneously imposed sanctions on 16 individuals and three entities for human rights violations during protests. The UAE reported engaging numerous ballistic missiles and drones launched from Iran, with disruptions at Dubai airport. US and Israeli forces continued to bombard Iranian cities as Iran launched counterattacks.

Key Points: Iran's Khamenei Appoints Rezaei as Military Adviser

  • Ex-IRGC commander appointed adviser
  • EU sanctions 16 over rights violations
  • UAE intercepts Iranian missiles and drones
  • Dubai airport warns travelers amid attacks
  • US-Israel bombard Iranian cities
2 min read

Iran's Supreme Leader appoints Ex IRGC Commander as military adviser

Iran's Supreme Leader appoints former IRGC commander as military adviser as EU imposes new sanctions and UAE reports missile and drone attacks from Iran.

"The new listings target a variety of individuals and entities that played a key role in the suppression of street protests - Council of the EU"

Tehran, March 16

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei on Monday appointed former Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps commander Mohsen Rezaei as his military adviser, Al Jazeera reported, citing Iran's Mehr News Agency.

Meanwhile, the European Union has imposed sanctions on 16 individuals and three entities it said were responsible for serious human rights violations in Iran, as per Al Jazeera.

"The new listings target a variety of individuals and entities that played a key role in the suppression of street protests in January 2026, which has led to thousands of civilian casualties," the Council of the EU said in a statement.

To date, the EU has sanctioned a total of 263 individuals and 53 entities in Iran.

Meanwhile, the UAE air defence systems today engaged six ballistic missiles and 21 UAVs launched from Iran, as per a statement by its defence ministry.

Since the onset of the blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 304 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,627 UAVs.

Meanwhile, the Dubai Media Office asked not to visit Dubai unless asked.

In a post on X, it said, "Do not to proceed to DXB unless you have been contacted directly by your airline with a confirmed departure time, as schedules remain subject to change. Please continue to contact your airline for the latest updates regarding flight status and timings."

Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz "is open, but closed to our enemies, to those who carried out this cowardly aggression against us and to their allies".

US and Israeli forces have continued to bombard Iran, hitting cities including Tehran, Hamadan and Isfahan, as Iranian counterattacks continue, with damage reported in several Israeli cities, as per Al Jazeera.

Authorities in the UAE say a "drone-related incident" sparked fire near Dubai airport while another drone attack has also been reported at Fujairah's industrial area, as per Al Jazeera.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priyanka N
Appointing a former IRGC commander as an adviser sends a clear signal that Iran is digging in. The human rights sanctions by the EU are justified, but will they actually change anything on the ground? The real worry is for Indian expats in Dubai and the UAE. So many families depend on them.
A
Aman W
The number of missiles and drones being intercepted by UAE is staggering! 304 ballistic missiles? This isn't a skirmish, it's a full-scale regional war. India has to walk a very fine line. We have good relations with the UAE and also import oil from the region. A delicate balance is needed. 🙏
S
Sarah B
While the geopolitical implications are huge, my heart goes out to the civilians caught in the crossfire in Iran and Israel. "Thousands of civilian casualties" is not just a statistic. The focus of the international community, including India, should be on humanitarian corridors and aid.
V
Vikram M
The travel advisory for Dubai is a big deal. So many Indians travel there for work and tourism. Flights must be in complete chaos. Our MEA should issue clear guidance and assist stranded citizens. Hope our airlines are stepping up to help rebook and refund people.
K
Karthik V
With respect, I think India's official stance has been too quiet. We need a stronger, more proactive foreign policy in such crises. We are a major power now. Simply calling for "dialogue" while our expats are in danger and oil prices threaten our economy is not enough. Time for decisive diplomacy.

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