New IRGC chief ‘frequently overruled’ Iran’s leaders during talks with US — report
The Times of Israel • • world
Key Points:
- Ahmad Vahidi, commander in chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), played a pivotal role in US-Iran negotiations, pushing for a hardline stance and opposing concessions to Washington.
- Vahidi advocated for Iran’s recent ballistic missile attacks on Israel, overriding moderate voices concerned about jeopardizing talks, which led to a brief exchange of fire but a swift return to negotiations.
- He has frequently overruled Iran’s president and foreign minister, insisting on military deterrence and linking the end of Iran’s conflict with the cessation of Israel’s war against Hezbollah, complicating US and Israeli strategies.
- Vahidi’s rise to power is notable given his intelligence background and lack of wartime command experience; he was a founding member of the IRGC and helped build Hezbollah into a formidable force.
- He is wanted by Interpol for a 1994 bombing in Argentina and is under US sanctions for involvement in the crackdown on Iranian women’s rights protests, highlighting his controversial and influential role in Iran’s military and political landscape.