IRGC Commander Ahmad Vahidi Reportedly Emerging as Key Obstacle to U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Deal

According to a Wall Street Journal report, IRGC Commander Ahmad Vahidi has become one of the leading voices opposing compromise with the United States and is reportedly playing a major role in delaying a final U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement. Sources say Vahidi has pushed Iran’s hardline positions, including linking the conflict in Lebanon to negotiations with Washington.

Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander Ahmad Vahidi is reportedly becoming a central figure in the final stages of negotiations between the United States and Iran, with foreign media describing him as a major obstacle to a potential ceasefire agreement.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal published Friday, Vahidi was appointed to lead the IRGC after his predecessor was killed in U.S. and Israeli strikes. He is widely viewed as a leading hardliner within Iran’s leadership and is reportedly opposed to concessions in negotiations with Washington.

The report states that since taking command, Vahidi has repeatedly clashed with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, both considered more pragmatic figures within the Iranian government. Despite those disagreements, Vahidi has reportedly succeeded in advancing hardline positions during several key decision-making moments.

According to the report, Vahidi personally persuaded Iran’s Supreme National Security Council to approve an attack on Israeli territory on June 7, marking Iran’s first direct strike against Israel following a ceasefire period.

Sources also told the newspaper that Vahidi pushed to link developments in Lebanon to negotiations over ending the conflict with Iran. Reports indicate he advocated making a halt to Israeli military operations in Lebanon a condition for any broader agreement with the United States.

Vahidi previously served as the founding commander of the IRGC’s elite Quds Force and later held senior positions including Iran’s interior minister and defense minister. During his tenure as interior minister in 2022, he was associated with the government's crackdown on anti-regime protests.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said in a U.S. media interview that a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at ending the conflict with Iran has entered its final coordination stage. Trump said he believes a signing ceremony could take place as early as this weekend.

The details of any potential agreement have not yet been officially released, and negotiations remain ongoing.