Iran appoints Ahmad Vahidi as new IRGC chief

TEHRAN: Iran has appointed Ahmad Vahidi as the new commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), following the killing of several top military leaders including Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and IRGC commander Gen. Mohammad Pakpour in US and Israeli airstrikes, state media reported.

Vahidi, a former defence and interior minister, replaces Mohammad Pakpour, who was killed on Saturday in strikes targeting senior members of Iran’s military leadership.

The announcement comes amid escalating tensions in the region after coordinated attacks reportedly targeted a high-level defence meeting.

Senior leadership decimated

Iran confirmed that at least four senior figures were killed in the strikes, including Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, and Amir Aziz Nasirzadeh, Defence Minister and former Air Force commander.

Also killed were IRGC Commander-in-Chief Mohammad Pakpour and Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to Supreme Leader.

Iranian state media said the commanders were attending a Defence Council meeting when the airstrikes took place.

The deaths mark one of the most significant blows to Iran’s military command structure in recent history.

Who is Ahmad Vahidi

Ahmad Vahidi is a senior IRGC figure with decades of experience within Iran’s security establishment. He previously served as defence minister and interior minister and is considered a hardline figure within the system.

He is under US sanctions for his alleged role in suppressing anti-government protests, including the use of lethal force during the nationwide demonstrations that erupted in 2022. Washington has accused Iranian security services of human rights violations during that crackdown.

Who is in charge of Iran

Despite the loss of several senior commanders, ultimate authority in Iran remains with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who holds control over the armed forces and key state institutions.

Under Iran’s political system, the Supreme Leader is the highest authority, overseeing the military, judiciary and state broadcasting, while the president handles day-to-day governance. The IRGC operates as a powerful parallel military force with significant influence over regional policy and internal security.

The rapid appointment of Vahidi signals Tehran’s effort to project continuity and stability within its military ranks amid escalating confrontation with the United States and Israel.

Regional tensions rising

The strikes and subsequent appointment come as the conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States intensifies, raising concerns about wider regional instability, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf shipping routes.

Analysts say the reshuffle at the top of Iran’s military command underscores both the severity of the recent attacks and Tehran’s determination to maintain operational control.

Further retaliatory measures by Iran cannot be ruled out as tensions continue to mount.