Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander Gen. Ahmad Vahidi has made his first public appearance in months as the country prepares for an extended funeral programme for late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian state media released photographs showing Vahidi attending meetings related to the funeral arrangements and later sitting beside Khamenei’s casket during a private mourning ceremony in Tehran.

The appearance comes at a significant moment for Iran’s leadership, with Vahidi emerging as a key figure in the country’s hardline camp amid discussions on a possible long-term settlement to the conflict with the United States. His return to public view also coincides with preparations for nationwide funeral observances set to begin this weekend.

Vahidi Returns To Public View

Iranian state media reported that Vahidi participated in meetings focused on organising the funeral ceremonies and was later seen at a smaller memorial service held on Thursday evening.

The senior commander had not appeared publicly since February 8, several weeks before the outbreak of the Iran war. His reappearance has drawn attention due to his growing influence within Iran’s political and military establishment.

Experts cited in reports believe Vahidi is playing an important role in shaping Tehran’s position on negotiations aimed at securing a permanent end to hostilities with the United States.

Links To Iran’s New Leadership

Vahidi is also believed to be among a small circle of officials maintaining direct contact with Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.

According to reports, Mojtaba Khamenei has remained out of public view after reportedly being injured in Israeli strikes on February 28. Those attacks are said to have killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with several members of the family.

The developments have placed increased focus on Iran’s internal leadership structure as the country navigates both political transition and ongoing regional tensions.

Mourning Ceremonies And Funeral Plans

Video footage broadcast by Iranian state media showed mourners gathering near the husseiniyah at Khamenei’s compound in Tehran. The body of the late Supreme Leader was placed in a coffin on a stage decorated with red tulips, while paper butterflies appeared suspended from the ceiling.

State media identified those attending the ceremony as relatives of people killed during the 12-day war in 2025 and the recent conflict involving Iran. Dressed in black, mourners threw scarves and other personal items towards attendants so they could be touched against the coffin, a tradition commonly observed during mourning ceremonies in Iran.

Iranian authorities are expected to begin a multi-day funeral procession on Saturday. The ceremonies will start at the Grand Mosalla in Tehran before Khamenei’s body is transported through several cities in Iran and neighbouring Iraq.

Officials have indicated that extensive arrangements are being made for the funeral, including road closures and restrictions expected to affect daily life in parts of the capital.

Vahidi’s appearance at the initial mourning events underscored his continuing prominence within Iran’s leadership as the country prepares to bid farewell to the man who led the Islamic Republic for decades while maintaining a confrontational stance towards the West.

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