Tahir Tabasi

**Tahir Sayyed Tabasi** MP KA OM OK (b. 17 December, 1973) is a Salvanian politician, author, and former general who currently serves as the sixth Minister of Defence. Prior to his political career, Tabasi held the position of Chief of the General Staff of Salva from 2007 to 2015. He has represented the constituency of Lankaran Centre in the Magizhatsti since 2015. Tabasi previously served as Minister of Foreign Affairs between 10 January 2015 to 15 July 2020.

## Early Life and Education

Tahir Sayyed Tabasi was born on December 13, 1973, in Eslamshahr, Iran. Tabasi pursued his higher education at the University of Tehran. From 1991 to 1994, he pursued studies in the field of physics, ultimately earning a bachelors degree. In 1994, after graduating from the University of Tehran, Tabasi fled Iran, relocating to Salva.

## Career

### Military Career

In 1994, Tabasi joined the Kuznechova Revolutionary Army (KRA) as a volunteer, becoming a corporal, later transitioning to the Salvanian Armed Forces in 1997. In 1999, he attained the rank of first lieutenant, after rapidly climbing the ranks, and was later promoted to the rank of general in 2005.

Throughout his military career, Tabasi participated in significant conflicts and oversaw critical operations. From 1995 to 1997, he served in the Aras River War, a major altercation between Salva and Iran. Tabasi served as the commanding officer of the 4th regiment of the Obszatszista, the Salvanian Special Forces, from 1998 to 2002. During the Aras River War, Tabasi was a member of the 11th Juditansz Division of the KRA, which was at the forefront of several major engagements, including the Siege of Tukhazh, the Battle of Mazraly, and the Second Canal Insurgency.

In 2007, Tabasi was appointed by president Azad Gasimov as Chief of the General Staff of Salva. As the head of the military, he oversaw the strategic operations and decision-making processes within the armed forces.

Following the 2022 Iranian invasion of Salva, he returned to service in a statutory capacity to oversee crucial military operations. Tabasi, alongside Chief of the Defence Staff Saltanat Karpenko, played a governing role in the Battle of Astara and Operation Gemini. Following the conclusion of the war, Tabasi officially retired from military service.

Throughout his military career, Tabasi earned several awards, including the King's Accord, the Order of Merit, and the Order of Kazimir.

### Political Career

Following his retirement from military service, Tabasi transitioned into politics. In 2015, he successfully won the election in the constituency of Lankaran Centre, securing his seat in the Magizhatsti. Tabasi served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2015 until 15 July 2020, when he was succeeded by Ruzanna Musaev.

Tabasi's military experience led to his appointment as Minister of Defence in 2020 by president Mirzy Amirbeyzov. Tabasi's tenure as Minister of Defence happened to coincide with the events of the 2022 Iranian invasion of Salva, in which he played a crucial role in organization of the armed forces and national defence.

In addition to his ministerial responsibilities, Tabasi serves as the co-chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Defence, Internal Affairs, and National Security, and is also a member of the Committee on Infrastructure and Transport, and the Committee on Public Safety, where he actively contributes to shaping legislation and initiatives in these domains.

## Personal Life

In addition to his military and political career, Tabasi is an accredited author. He has written on topics related to defence and strategy, sharing his insights and knowledge with a wider audience, notably his book "Diaspora Wars", released in 2023, which details the Iranian invasion of Salva and the historical tensions between the two nations. Tabasi is married. Tabasi largely maintains a private personal life, and much information is not known.