In his first public appearance since the outbreak of the war with the United States, Iranian Revolutionary Guard Commander Ahmad Vahidi was seen in Tehran in front of the body of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, according to images published by Iranian media today (Friday).

Vahidi, who has been cautious since the start of the war likely to avoid being killed like his predecessor, was seen placing his hand on the coffin and performing prayers, according to a photo published by the Fars News Agency.

Vahidi took over the leadership of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in early March after the death of General Mohammad Pakpour in Israeli and American airstrikes on military sites in Tehran at that time.

Khamenei, who was killed on the first days of the war at the end of February, issued a decision on December 31, 2025, appointing Vahidi as Deputy Commander of the Revolutionary Guard, succeeding General Ali Fadavi.

Vahidi (whose original name is Ahmad Shahgeraghi) is considered one of the veteran leaders of the Revolutionary Guard. He was born in Shiraz in 1958 and holds a bachelor's degree in electronic engineering, a master's degree in industrial engineering, and a doctorate in strategic sciences.

Vahidi is known for being the first commander of the Quds Force of the Revolutionary Guard between 1988 and 1997, and he played pivotal roles in establishing the Ministry of Intelligence.

He served as Deputy Minister of Defense, then held the Defense portfolio in the government of former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. He also held the position of Minister of Interior in the government of the late President Ibrahim Raisi, and he chairs the political, defense, and security committee in the Expediency Discernment Council.