In a surprising and strategic move, Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi, founder of Iran’s Quds Force and former Minister of Defense and Interior under President Raeisi, has been appointed as the new Deputy Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) by a direct decree from Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.
The official ceremony, held today, was attended by the IRGC Commander-in-Chief, the Leader’s representative in the IRGC, the chief of the Leader’s military office, and senior commanders. During the event, Brig. Gen. Vahidi (born Ahmad Shahcheraghi in 1958 in Shiraz) formally assumed his new role. Simultaneously, Brigadier General Ali Fadavi was honored for his years of service as the previous deputy commander.
Extensive military and strategic experience
Brigadier General Vahidi brings decades of military, security, and executive experience to the role. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering, a Master’s in Industrial Engineering, and a PhD in Strategic Studies. His combination of academic expertise and operational experience positions him as one of Iran’s leading strategic commanders.
Vahidi’s career spans the establishment of the Quds Force, leadership roles in the Ministry of Defense, and tenure as Minister of Interior. This background provides him with unique insight into coordinating operational, intelligence, and logistical aspects of the IRGC.
Significance amid regional challenges
The appointment comes at a time when the IRGC, a central pillar of Iran’s defense and security architecture, has to maintain its prepardness in the current regional instability. Bringing a commander with extensive experience in extraterritorial operations into a senior leadership position signals a focus on operational readiness, strategic coordination, and the continuation of a revolutionary approach within the corps.
This change could also enhance cooperation between the IRGC and the General Staff of the Armed Forces, ensuring better responsiveness to personnel needs, which was specifically emphasized by the Leader during the decree.
During the introduction ceremony, Brigadier General Vahidi stated that the IRGC must embody the principles of an Islamic government and society, describing himself as a “humble servant” committed to advancing the organization’s missions.
MNA