Ahmad Vahidi appointed commander of the Revolutionary Guard after Khamenei's assassination: Details of the transitional phase
In a rapidly unfolding development, Iranian state media reported the appointment of Ahmad Vahidi as the new commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), following the announcement of the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli airstrikes targeting sensitive sites. This appointment comes at a critical juncture for the Islamic Republic, necessitating an immediate reshuffling of its security and military leadership.
Details of the transitional phase
In a related development, Ali Larijani, reportedly the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, stated that the country would enter a delicate transitional phase beginning Sunday. Larijani confirmed that the Iranian leadership was working to activate the constitutional provisions regarding the vacancy of the Supreme Leader's position, whereby a "temporary leadership council" would be formed to manage the country's affairs.
Larijani explained that, according to the constitution, this council will consist of the president, the head of the judiciary, and a member of the Guardian Council, who will collectively bear responsibility until the next Supreme Leader is elected by the Assembly of Experts. He added that efforts are underway to form this council as quickly as possible to ensure domestic stability.
Who is Ahmad Wahidi?
The appointment of Ahmad Vahidi to lead the Revolutionary Guard at this time is a clear indication of the regime's move to consolidate its security and military grip. Vahidi is not a new face on the scene; he was the first commander of the Quds Force, the Revolutionary Guard's elite unit, and the chief architect of Iran's foreign operations before being succeeded by Qassem Soleimani. He also previously served as Minister of Defense and Minister of the Interior, giving him extensive experience in managing complex security files and dealing with internal and external crises.
Constitutional and political context
The current procedures are based on Article 111 of the Iranian Constitution, which regulates the mechanism for the transfer of power in the event of the Supreme Leader's death or incapacity. The Assembly of Experts is tasked with selecting the permanent successor, a process that can be fraught with political wrangling among different factions within the regime. However, the current military situation, characterized by external attacks, may push for unity and expedite the selection process to avoid any power vacuum.
Regional and international repercussions
This event carries serious geopolitical repercussions that extend far beyond Iran's borders. The assassination of the Supreme Leader in a direct attack would signify an unprecedented escalation in the conflict with the United States and Israel, placing the entire Middle East on a knife's edge. The appointment of a hardline military figure like Vahidi is expected to lead to the adoption of more assertive defensive and offensive policies, amid international anticipation of potential Iranian reactions and the future of regional agreements and power balances.
