US Pentagon Plans Strike on IRGC Chief Ahmad Vahidi to Finalize Peace Deal

A significant development has emerged regarding the stalled peace negotiations between Iran and the United States. Due to Iran's persistent stance, the peace deal remains in a state of deadlock. Amidst this, the US Department of Defense, the Pentagon, is reportedly preparing a plan for a limited strike within Iran. Sources from the Pentagon informed CNN that Ahmad Vahidi, the Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), is the primary hurdle in finalizing the talks. Consequently, preparations are underway to target him, potentially with cooperation from Israel.

Vahidi Identified as the Primary Obstacle to Peace

Ahmad Vahidi currently serves as the head of the IRGC and is considered the holder of real power in Iran, while uS officials believe that Vahidi is the reason why negotiations between Iran and the US have failed to reach a conclusion. According to CNN, citing sources, the removal of certain individuals within the regime who are obstructing the process could bring Iran back to the negotiating table, while the Pentagon's strategy focuses on neutralizing these elements to facilitate the diplomatic process.

The Islamabad Meeting and IRGC Pressure

The tension between the US and Iran was further highlighted by a recent diplomatic failure. A meeting between the two nations was scheduled to take place in Islamabad on Tuesday, April 21. However, the Iranian delegation failed to appear at the last moment. It's reported that IRGC Chief Ahmad Vahidi exerted pressure to prevent the delegation from traveling to Islamabad. The IRGC's stance is that the US must first lift the blockade outside the Strait of Hormuz before any discussions on the deal can proceed.

Internal Power Dynamics and Vahidi's Influence

According to the New York Times, internal power dynamics in Iran are shifting. Mujtaba Khamenei is currently reported to be seriously injured, leaving Ahmad Vahidi to make all major decisions independently. Vahidi is known to be very close to the Khamenei family and was originally appointed as the Deputy Chief of the IRGC by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei himself. Vahidi began his career in 1979 and was a participant in the war against Iraq, maintaining high-ranking positions within the IRGC for a long duration.

Profile and Career of Ahmad Vahidi

Vahid Shahcheraghi, also known as Ahmad Vahidi, was born in 1958. He was involved in the movement against Shah Pahlavi and joined the IRGC upon its establishment in 1979. Vahidi was considered a close associate of the former Revolutionary Guard chief, Qasem Soleimani. He ascended to the position of IRGC Chief in March of this year following the assassination of Mohammad Pakpour. The New York Post reports that Vahidi has formed an alliance with Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, the Chief of the Iran National Security Council, effectively sidelining the elected government and moderate leaders.