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Iran Names Vahidi IRGC Chief, Orders US-Targeted Offensive

8/11/2026

24 1 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei appointed Ahmad Vahidi commander-in-chief of the IRGC on Monday.
He also named Ali Abdollahi chief of staff and Kioumars Heydari deputy chief.
The decree ordered Vahidi to keep forces ready for powerful offensive operations against the United States (U.S.).
Analysts cite U.S. and European Union (EU) sanctions on Vahidi, Heydari and Taeb as proof Tehran prepares for a prolonged confrontation with the United States.

History

Historical Context

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was founded on 5 May 1979 by Abbas Duzduzani to safeguard the revolution and counter the regular army. Since the 1990s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has used the Guard to cement hard-line rule, expanding it to about 125,000 troops and a powerful Quds Force. His recent appointment of Ahmad Vahidi as commander continues that pattern, signaling likely further regional proxy activity.

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Story summary

Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei appointed Ahmad Vahidi commander-in-chief of the IRGC on Monday.
He also named Ali Abdollahi chief of staff and Kioumars Heydari deputy chief.
The decree ordered Vahidi to keep forces ready for powerful offensive operations against the United States (U.S.).
Analysts cite U.S. and European Union (EU) sanctions on Vahidi, Heydari and Taeb as proof Tehran prepares for a prolonged confrontation with the United States.

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