Ahmad Vahidi Appointed Commander-in-Chief of Iran’s IRGC

WANA (Aug 10) – Iran’s Supreme Leader has appointed Major General Ahmad Vahidi as Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Vahidi is one of the IRGC’s first-generation commanders and a veteran figure in Iran’s military, security and executive establishment. Over more than four decades, he has held senior positions spanning intelligence, military operations, defense policy and government administration.

Born in 1959 in Shiraz, Vahidi joined the IRGC during its early years and held intelligence and operational responsibilities during the Iran-Iraq War. In 1988, a new chapter began in his career when he was appointed the first commander of the IRGC’s Quds Force, a position he held for nearly a decade, until 1997.

He subsequently moved into defense policy and strategic management. In 2009, Vahidi was appointed Iran’s Minister of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics under President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, marking a new phase in his executive career.

After serving as defense minister, Vahidi continued his work in strategic policymaking and defense affairs. His positions included serving as president and faculty member of the National Defense University, a full member of the Expediency Discernment Council, chairman of its Political, Defense and Security Commission, and a member of the High Supervisory Board responsible for overseeing the implementation of Iran’s general policies. These positions placed his extensive military and executive experience at the service of Iran’s long-term strategic policymaking.

Ahmad Vahidi, the Minister of Interior of Iran. Social Media / WANA News Agency

Vahidi’s appointment as Minister of Interior under President Ebrahim Raisi marked another distinct phase in his career. In that role, he was responsible for a broad portfolio encompassing domestic security, crisis management, coordination with provincial governors, elections, border affairs, municipalities, and coordination among executive, security and law-enforcement institutions.

His performance in managing domestic crises also drew attention. The late Iranian leader had previously praised the direct involvement of senior officials in crisis situations, citing the example of a minister who spent several days working around the clock at the site of the Abadan disaster as an example of important public service.

In 2025, Vahidi was appointed Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC by order of Iran’s Supreme Leader. Following the outbreak of the Ramadan War, he assumed responsibility for directing and commanding the IRGC during the conflict.

He has now formally taken over as Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC under a new order from Iran’s Supreme Leader, placing one of the country’s most experienced military commanders at the head of one of Iran’s most powerful military and security institutions.

Vahidi’s appointment marks the return of a veteran IRGC commander to the organization’s highest command position, bringing together more than four decades of experience in intelligence, military operations, defense management, strategic policymaking and executive administration.Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi Attends Funeral Prayer Ceremony for Iran’s Late Leader. Social media/WANA News Agency