Iran Appoints Ahmad Vahidi as New IRGC Commander After Senior Leaders Killed
March 1,2026
Iran has appointed Ahmad Vahidi, a former defense and interior minister, as the new commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), state media reported on Sunday.
Vahidi replaces Mohammad Pakpour, who was killed on Saturday along with several other senior Iranian military commanders.
Vahidi is currently under United States sanctions over his alleged role in the suppression of nationwide protests in 2022, including accusations involving the use of lethal force by security services.
The leadership change comes at a time of heightened tensions following recent military developments targeting senior Iranian officials. Iranian authorities have not provided further details about the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the commanders.
The appointment signals a swift effort by Tehran to maintain continuity within the powerful Guards, which play a central role in Iran’s military operations and regional strategy.
