Tasnim � Iran�s President Hassan Rouhani highlighted the major role that the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) plays in countering threats against the country.

In a message on Monday, Rouhani congratulated Major General Hossein Salami on being appointed to the post of IRGC commander.

In a decree on Sunday, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, commander-in-chief of the Iranian Armed Forces, granted Salami the rank of major general and appointed him as the new IRGC chief.

In his letter to the new commander, Rouhani expressed the hope that wise employment of the IRGC�s capacities and the great potential of its popular forces would mark stronger unity among the country�s armed forces and boost the Islamic Republic�s power in the face of hostile plots and threats.

The president further admired Salami�s predecessor, Major General Jafari, for his sincere service in office.

In the Sunday�s decree, Ayatollah Khamenei advised Major General Salami to fully upgrade the IRGC�s capabilities and preparedness in all fields, while paying due attention to the IRGC's �internal gem�, that is, piety and insight.

Ayatollah Khamenei also called for major steps to be taken under the new command towards all-out improvement of the IRGC.