Iran appoints Ahmad Vahidi as new military chief amid tensions

Tehran (The Uttam Hindu): Amid escalating tensions with Israel, the Israel Defense Forces has reportedly carried out strikes on several senior Iranian figures during an operation targeting Iran. In the aftermath of these developments, Iran has moved to reorganize its military leadership with the appointment of Ahmad Vahidi as the new commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to Iranian media reports. Vahidi, a veteran officer who has previously served as defence and interior minister, had been functioning in an interim capacity before being formally given the role.

The appointment comes at a time when Iran’s command structure is facing significant disruption following recent attacks on key military and political figures. The IRGC, regarded as an elite force responsible for safeguarding the Islamic Republic and extending its influence abroad, plays a central role in Iran’s defence and regional strategy.

Reports also indicate heavy casualties following a US-Israeli strike on a girls’ school in the southern Iranian city of Minab, where the death toll has reportedly risen to 148. Iranian state media said the IRGC has begun a sixth phase of retaliatory operations, launching large-scale missile and drone attacks on Israeli and US-linked targets. According to the claims, dozens of American bases as well as Israeli military facilities and defence installations in Tel Aviv were targeted, with Iranian forces warning of further strong retaliatory measures.