As the state funeral for the late Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, got underway at the Tehran Grand Musalla, top military commanders and senior defense officials of the Islamic Republic arrived in tightly orchestrated, pre-arranged delegations. However, the conspicuous absence of several prominent military figures from the official broadcasts has triggered intense speculation among defense analysts and media observers.
Among the high-ranking commanders in attendance, Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi attracted the most attention. Vahidi assumed absolute command of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) following the death of his predecessor, General Khakpour, during the opening hours of the devastating 39-day war.
Other key commanders documented at the Musalla included:
Ali Abdollahi, Commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters;
Amir Hatami, Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army (Artesh); Ahmad-Reza Radan, Commander-in-Chief of the Law Enforcement Command (FARAJA); Majidd Ibn-al-Reza, Acting Minister of Defense; Habibollah Sayyari, Chief of Staff and Coordinating Deputy of the Army.
