04.07.2026 08:10
General Ahmad Vahidi, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran, who had not been seen in public since February, appeared at the funeral of former leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an assassination. Vahidi, whose whereabouts had been a mystery for months, was shown in state media photos mourning beside Khamenei's coffin. During the ceremony, Vahidi made a statement delivering a message of revenge.
One of Iran's mysterious figures appeared before cameras after months. The funeral ceremony of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who fell victim to an assassination in the 'Epic Fury Operation' launched by the US and Israel on February 28, provided the occasion for the re-emergence of General Ahmed Vahidi, the commander of the Revolutionary Guards who had vanished without a trace.
BEFORE CAMERAS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MONTHS
The fate of General Vahidi, who disappeared before the February 28 operation that killed Ayatollah Khamenei and many senior Revolutionary Guard officials, including former commander Mohammad Pakpour, had long been a subject of debate. Vahidi, attending Khamenei's funeral ceremony held ahead of the 40-day national mourning period starting this weekend, was captured by Iranian state media cameras mourning at the side of the coffin.
IN THE INNER CIRCLE OF NEW LEADER MOJTABA KHAMENEI
Vahidi, who replaced the assassinated Mohammad Pakpour as head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, is said to be increasingly influential within the regime. Accused of terrorism-linked activities abroad and targeted by US sanctions, Vahidi reportedly sits at the center of a small but highly powerful decision-making group influencing the new leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who inherited his father's seat.
GAVE A MESSAGE OF REVENGE
Speaking to Iranian state television during the ceremony, Major General Hatemipour stated that the assassination had strengthened rather than broken Iran's will, issuing a dare: "Murderer US and Israel should know that we will avenge our Imam and all our martyrs."
Speaking to Mehr News Agency, Brigadier General Ahmed Vahidi, the General Commander of the Revolutionary Guards Army, reiterated his oath of revenge and emphasized resistance. Stating that Khamenei's spiritual presence and ideals will live on, Vahidi said they would never leave their enemies in peace. Vahidi concluded his words with these statements: "Those who think this nation will surrender will take that fantasy to their graves. This pure blood that has been spilled will be a new turning point in the victories of Islam."
"A POWERFUL VOICE AT THE DECISION TABLE"
Vahidi's emergence also resonated on the international stage. US officials emphasize that General Vahidi is a key actor shaping Iran's harsh response to Washington and Tel Aviv. Ali Vaez, Iran Project Director at the International Crisis Group, noted Vahidi's weight within the system in an assessment to CNN, stating, "He is influential but part of a system. Decisions are made by consensus, and undoubtedly Vahidi has a very powerful voice in the meeting room."