Senior Iranian leader blocks agreement
Israel National News • • world
Key Points:
- Iran’s recent ballistic missile strike on Israel marked a shift in Tehran’s strategy, signaling a new balance of power driven by Revolutionary Guards commander Ahmad Vahidi.
- Vahidi overcame moderate opposition within Iran, convincing the Supreme National Security Council to approve the missile launch, leading to the first Iran-Israel exchange of fire since April’s ceasefire.
- As commander of the Revolutionary Guards, Vahidi demands restoration of Iran’s military deterrence, protection for Hezbollah, and preservation of missile stockpiles and frozen assets in negotiations with the US.
- Vahidi, a founding member of the Revolutionary Guards and architect of its intelligence and Quds Force, wields significant influence, commanding around 200,000 fighters and shaping Iran’s military and political strategy.
- He has sidelined key Iranian officials like President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, becoming a major barrier to a potential agreement with the United States.