Ayatollah Khamenei Appoints Ahmad Vahidi as New IRGC Commander

Leader of the Islamic Revolution and Commander-in-Chief of Iran’s Armed Forces, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, has appointed Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi as the new commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), as part of new appointments to six senior military positions. In a decree issued Monday, the Leader promoted Vahidi to the rank of major general, citing his extensive experience and distinguished record of service.

Ayatollah Khamenei said Vahidi’s appointment followed the “honorable and proud martyrdom” of former IRGC commander Major General Mohammad Pakpour at the hands of what he described as the “Zionist-American enemy.” He tasked Vahidi with strengthening Iran’s military capabilities to achieve maximum deterrence and maintaining smart readiness for powerful offensive operations, describing the appointment as taking place amid a strategic and decisive confrontation with the “global arrogance.”

The Leader also called for strengthening cultural development within the IRGC by promoting piety, insight and revolutionary spirit among its commanders and personnel. He emphasized the need to develop management and command structures based on strong spiritual and scientific foundations and modern skills. Vahidi holds a bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering and advanced degrees in strategic studies, served as the IRGC’s deputy intelligence chief from 1985 to 1988 and later held the position of Iran’s interior minister.