Arabic version: أحمد وحيدي يتولى قيادة الحرس الثوري الإيراني
Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi has taken command of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) during a tumultuous period marked by conflict with the United States and Israel. This leadership change comes as the ongoing war has resulted in significant casualties and destruction within Iran, with more than 1,000 people reported dead and many senior military leaders assassinated. Vahidi’s role carries immense risk, especially following the deaths of his predecessors, Qassem Soleimani and Mohammad Pakpour, who were both killed during recent hostilities.
According to Al Jazeera, Vahidi’s appointment as IRGC chief was anticipated. He was named deputy chief by the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in December 2025, shortly before Khamenei’s death on February 28, 2026. Vahidi’s extensive experience within the IRGC since its inception in the late 1970s and his previous leadership of the Quds Force from 1988 to 1997 position him as a seasoned military figure at a crucial juncture for Iran.
Vahidi’s career has not been without controversy. He has held various political positions, including defense minister and interior minister, but has also faced allegations related to the 1994 bombing of a Jewish community center in Argentina. Additionally, he has been sanctioned by the US and EU due to Iran’s response to protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022. Analysts describe Vahidi as a capable bureaucrat with a dual military and political background, making him well-suited for the challenges facing the IRGC.
With the IRGC’s leadership in a state of flux, Vahidi’s experience is seen as vital for maintaining stability and continuity within the organization. His ability to coordinate a decentralized military structure could prove advantageous as Iran navigates its current conflict and seeks to bolster its defenses against potential further attacks. Experts suggest that Vahidi’s leadership may inspire the IRGC’s ranks to persist in their efforts despite the daunting military landscape they face.
