Senior military leader attends Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s farewell ceremony in Tehran
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Ahmad Vahidi appeared publicly for the first time since the conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel began in February, attending farewell ceremonies for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran ahead of funeral processions scheduled to begin on July 4.
Images shared by Al Jazeera correspondent Ali Hashem showed Vahidi standing beside Khamenei’s coffin during preparations for the state funeral. His appearance ended months of public absence and immediately drew attention from regional observers monitoring Iran’s post-war leadership.
Vahidi assumed command of the IRGC after the deaths of his two predecessors. Hossein Salami was killed during an Israeli strike in June 2025, while Mohammad Pakpour died in the opening phase of the US-Israeli military campaign that also killed Khamenei, according to Iranian authorities.
Vahidi’s influence grows within Iran’s leadership
A longtime hardline figure and former commander of the Quds Force, Vahidi has emerged as one of the country’s most influential military leaders following the conflict.
Recent media reports have highlighted his growing role in Iran’s strategic decision-making. According to The Wall Street Journal, Vahidi has repeatedly taken a leading position during discussions surrounding negotiations with the United States. Meanwhile, The New York Times reported that he was among senior figures who supported Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment as Iran’s new supreme leader.
Analysts focus on post-war power structure
Regional analysts continue to assess the evolving balance of power within Iran’s political and military establishment after the war.
Beni Sabti, an Iran researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv, told Fox News that Vahidi is believed to be the only senior official who regularly meets the new supreme leader in person. However, Iranian authorities have not publicly commented on those claims.
Vahidi’s appearance at the funeral ceremonies is widely viewed as a significant moment, reflecting the prominent role the IRGC continues to play in Iran’s political and security affairs as the country navigates post-war reconstruction, ongoing diplomatic efforts and heightened regional tensions.
🔺 IRGC commander Ahmad Vahidi appeared in public for the first time since the US-Israeli war on Iran began in February, according to Al Jazeera’s Ali Hashem, who shared images of Vahidi at the coffin of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ahead of funeral processions beginning July 4.… https://t.co/zKGFiP4qUQ pic.twitter.com/Fbx5tmeiMn
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