Iran's Revolutionary Guard leader reappears at Khamenei's funeral

Ahmad Vahidi, the top leader of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard, has made his first public appearance since the outbreak of war. Images broadcast by Iranian state media show Vahidi attending the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader.

Vahidi had not been seen publicly for four months. His presence at the funeral, where he is seen praying and placing his hands on a coffin believed to contain Khamenei's remains, comes at a critical time. Analysts suggest that Vahidi, the Guard, and other hardline factions have gained significant power during the conflict, influencing ongoing negotiations with the United States and military posturing in the Strait of Hormuz.

The funeral ceremony for Khamenei, who was killed in an attack on Tehran shortly after the war began in February, is being held in Tehran after considerable delays. Dignitaries from various countries and movements have gathered to pay their respects. Russian former president Dmitry Medvedev, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi were among those attending, according to Iranian state television.

Ceremonies began in Tehran on July 4th, with three days of public holidays declared. The process will continue in various locations within Iran and in Iraq until July 9th, culminating in the burial in Khamenei's hometown of Mashhad. Khamenei had served as the supreme spiritual leader of the Shiite government for nearly 37 years.

Khamenei's son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was reportedly chosen as his successor but has not been seen during the war and is believed to have been severely injured. Ahmad Vahidi took command of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard in March after the previous leader was killed in a U.S.-Israeli attack. He is thought to be one of the few individuals with direct contact with the younger Khamenei.