Khamenei Funeral: Iran’s most powerful General Ahmad Vahidi reappears in public, US, Israel are afraid of him due to…

General Ahmad Vahidi, one of Iran’s most powerful military figures, has reappeared in public ahead of the funeral ceremonies for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, ending months of speculation over his reported death. Iranian state media released photographs showing Vahidi attending a meeting related to the funeral arrangements and later sitting beside Khamenei’s coffin in Tehran. His appearance comes after repeated reports in Israeli media claiming he had been killed earlier this year.

The development has drawn international attention as tensions remain high in the Middle East. Vahidi currently serves as the commander-in-chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), one of the country’s most influential military organisations. His return to the public eye is being viewed as a significant political and military signal from Tehran.

Who is Ahmad Vahidi?

Ahmad Vahidi was appointed commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on March 1, 2026. The IRGC is considered more powerful than Iran’s conventional military and plays a central role in the country’s defence and regional strategy.

Before leading the IRGC, Vahidi served as the first commander of the elite Quds Force, which later came under the leadership of General Qasem Soleimani. He is widely regarded as a key figure in shaping Iran’s military strategy across the Middle East.

According to analysts, Vahidi is believed to be among the senior officials helping shape Iran’s position on regional security and negotiations with the United States. Reports also suggest he remains in close contact with Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.

Why has Vahidi remained in the global spotlight?

Vahidi has been the subject of international attention for years due to multiple allegations and sanctions.

He has been wanted by Interpol since 2007 over allegations linked to the 1994 bombing of a Jewish community centre in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He also faces sanctions from the United States and the European Union over Iran’s nuclear programme and allegations related to the crackdown on protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022.

Iran has consistently rejected many of these accusations and continues to support Vahidi’s role within its military leadership.

Funeral preparations for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Iranian state media showed Vahidi attending a prayer gathering held near Khamenei’s former residence in central Tehran before the funeral ceremonies.

Images released by state television showed Khamenei’s coffin placed on a raised platform, covered with a red flag bearing the words “Ya Hussein,” a significant religious symbol in Shia Islam associated with sacrifice and justice. Mourners dressed in black were seen paying their respects, following long-standing funeral traditions.

Authorities have announced that the funeral ceremonies will begin on Saturday from Tehran’s Grand Mosalla Mosque. The body will later be taken to several cities across Iran and neighbouring Iraq as part of an extended state funeral programme. Officials are expected to impose traffic restrictions and security measures during the ceremonies to manage the large crowds expected to attend.

What Vahidi’s appearance could mean

The public reappearance of Ahmad Vahidi appears to send a message that Iran’s military leadership remains intact despite months of speculation. His presence at the funeral preparations also highlights the important role the IRGC is expected to play during the country’s political transition.

Security experts believe Vahidi’s return may strengthen confidence among Iran’s leadership while signalling continuity in the country’s military and regional policies. However, with regional tensions still elevated, his re-emergence is also likely to attract close attention from the United States, Israel and other international observers monitoring developments in Iran.