Not IRGC, Iran deploys elite ‘kill squad’ to guard Supreme Leader Mojtaba after Khamenei's death

Iran has reportedly deployed its elite black-clad NOPO special unit to protect new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s assassination during wartime turmoil. Mojtaba, elevated by the Assembly of Experts on March 8, has remained out of public view since the announcement, fueling speculation about his condition after reports claimed he was injured in recent airstrikes. Iranian officials, however, have dismissed the claims, insisting he is “safe and sound” while security around him has been significantly tightened. Experts say the secretive NOPO force - considered one of Iran’s most lethal and highly trained security units—may now be responsible for safeguarding the regime’s new leader while also helping suppress potential protests across the country.