Entry into the IRGC and Name Change
In the summer of 1980, amidst the Cultural Revolution and university closures, Mohammad joined the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. His entry into the IRGC coincided with the start of the Iran–Iraq War, a conflict that would define his military career and personal life.
His older brother, Gholamhossein Afshardi, was already a renowned IRGC commander, known under the alias Hassan Bagheri. Due to the remarkable physical resemblance between the two brothers and the sensitive nature of their roles in intelligence and operations, Mohammad was advised to adopt a pseudonym for security reasons. He chose to honor his brother by taking the surname “Bagheri,” thus becoming known as Mohammad Bagheri—a name that would remain with him for the rest of his life.
Iran–Iraq War and Rise in the IRGC
Bagheri’s military experience began in the crucible of the Iran–Iraq War (1980–1988), where he worked within the intelligence unit of the IRGC. He quickly rose to prominence for his tactical acumen and ability to coordinate operations under pressure. Despite his youth and relative inexperience at the time, he emerged as one of the IRGC’s most trusted field officers.
Following the war, Bagheri remained within the armed forces, dedicating himself to military planning, doctrine development, and strategic analysis. His experience in war zones equipped him with insights that would prove invaluable in shaping Iran’s post-war military doctrine.