Vahidi Emerges for Khamenei’s Funeral
The commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, General Ahmad Vahidi, has made a rare appearance after months in hiding, paying his respects at the coffin of the deceased former supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This moment was captured on Thursday, showcasing Vahidi placing his hand atop Khamenei’s coffin as the nation prepares for a multi-day funeral.
It’s significant that Vahidi, who has been under U.S. sanctions and is believed to have connections to international terrorism, attended a small prayer service as part of the funeral events. This tribute precedes Iran’s 40 days of mourning set to begin on Saturday.
His last public appearance was on February 8, mere weeks before he was reportedly missing after the deaths of Khamenei and other Revolutionary Guards officials during Operation Epic Fury on February 28.
Vahidi is wanted by Interpol in connection with the 1994 bombing of a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, which had devastating consequences. He plays a crucial role in shaping Iran’s stringent responses during ongoing conflicts.
In May, Vahidi claimed victory against what he described as a “terrorist attack” from enemies, specifically naming the “Zionist American enemy.” He asserted that future attacks would meet with serious retaliation across the region.
Since taking over leadership of the Revolutionary Guards from Mohammad Pakpour, Vahidi is reported to be part of a small faction that has considerable influence on the injured leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
“He does hold some sway, but he’s also a player within the larger system,” noted Ali Baez, director of the Iran project at the International Crisis Group. He added that decisions often emerge through consensus, emphasizing Vahidi’s vocal presence during discussions.
Insights from Danny Sitrinowitz, a former head of Israel’s military intelligence, suggest that aligning with Vahidi is essential for any consensus within the group.
Vahidi, aged 67, joined the Revolutionary Guards post-1979 revolution and led Iran’s Quds Force until the late 1980s, enhancing Iran’s reach in the Middle East alongside his predecessor, Qasem Soleimani.
He has often been associated with establishing Iran’s terrorist networks, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, which has had far-reaching implications.
Moreover, Vahidi is among those implicated in the 1994 bombing that claimed 85 lives and injured many more. This bombing is recognized as one of the worst anti-Semitic incidents in the Western Hemisphere since WWII.
Due to these allegations, Interpol issued a red notice against Vahidi, urging law enforcement worldwide to apprehend him. Additionally, he is also linked to the 1992 bombing of the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires.
U.S. investigators have connected him to the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia, which resulted in the deaths of 19 military personnel, underlining his controversial history.
Beyond terrorism, Vahidi has faced U.S. sanctions related to Iran’s nuclear and missile endeavors. In 2022, further sanctions were imposed following Iran’s harsh crackdown on protests ignited by Mahsa Amini’s death, which saw a tragic loss of nearly 500 lives according to human rights organizations.
“He’s definitely a wanted individual,” remarked Citrinowitz, reflecting on Vahidi’s significant and respected status within this complex narrative.
