Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Commander Appears Publicly for First Time Since Khamenei Assassination

Iran is finalizing preparations for the multi-day funeral of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint U.S.-Israeli operation named "Tiger Roar." Iranian President Masoud Pezhkian has called on citizens to attend the funeral in large numbers starting Saturday, while the regime has warned Israel and the U.S. against any attack attempts during the procession.

For the first time since the outbreak of the conflict in February, Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), appeared publicly in Tehran. He was photographed praying with his hand on Khamenei’s coffin, marking a rare public appearance amid heightened security concerns following the assassination.

Khamenei’s body has been moved to a mosque in Tehran, where the six-day funeral procession will begin. Millions of mourners and prominent foreign figures are expected to participate. Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief mediator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf urged a massive public gathering to avenge Khamenei’s death.

Meanwhile, indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran are set to resume after the funeral, following a recent round of talks in Doha aimed at ending the regional war. However, Mojtaba Khamenei, Ali Khamenei’s son, may not attend the funeral for security reasons. Since the war’s start, Mojtaba has remained in hiding, communicating only through written statements, fueling speculation about his health and leadership role.

The funeral events and the public appearances of key figures like Vahidi and potentially Mojtaba Khamenei will be pivotal in shaping Iran’s political future amid ongoing conflict and diplomatic efforts.