INTERNACIONAL
Who is Ahmad Vahidi? Iran’s new IRGC chief tied to global attacks and ‘Death to America’ ideology
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As President Donald Trump’s deadline for Iran to decide whether to extend a two-week ceasefire between the countries approaches, attention is increasingly turning not to Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, but to a shadowy Revolutionary Guard commander with a long record of terror, repression and hardline ideology.
Ahmad Vahidi, recently elevated to the top of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the elite paramilitary force within Iran’s military, is emerging as one of the most powerful men in Iran and, according to analysts, one of the key figures likely deciding whether Tehran resumes fighting or continues talks.
«By any standard, Vahidi is considered a radical even within the regime’s hardline elite, and his rise is a warning that Tehran’s war machine now calls the shots,» Lisa Daftari, foreign policy analyst and journalist, told Fox News Digital.
«Putting someone with such a bloody and murderous record at the top of the Revolutionary Guard Corps confirms that the regime is not moderating under pressure. On the contrary,» Daftari added, «it is doubling down on men whose careers are built on hostage‑taking, assassinations, and domestic repression. By any standard, Vahidi is considered a radical even within the regime’s hardline elite, and his rise is a warning that Tehran’s war machine now calls the shots.»
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Why it matters: Analysts say Vahidi’s rise could shape whether Iran moves toward peace or deeper conflict. For the U.S., that means heightened risks to troops, allies and global stability if a hardline figure with a history tied to terror networks is now helping call the shots in Iran.
Ahmad Vahidi, recently elevated to the top of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the elite paramilitary force within Iran’s military, is emerging as one of the most powerful men in Iran. (Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto)
Power increasingly concentrated outside formal institutions
Vahidi’s rise comes at a moment when Iran’s formal political institutions appear weaker than ever.
Experts describe the Islamic Republic today as a system in which informal networks and personal relationships matter more than official titles.
Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, described Iran as «a system of men, not laws, but one whose success rested on institutionalizing their power,» where decisions increasingly flow through Revolutionary Guard figures rather than the civilian government.
Beni Sabti, an Iran expert at Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies, said Vahidi may now be even more influential than parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf or even Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei.
«In my view, he is more dominant right now, even if they are coordinated. This is not a time for internal competition,» Sabti said, adding that Vahidi is the only one who meets the new supreme leader face-to-face.
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Long before the world knew the name Qassem Soleimani, Vahidi was one of the men who helped build the infrastructure of Iran’s overseas terror operations. (Morteza Nikoubazl/Nur Photo)
He previously led the Quds Force before Qassem Soleimani
Long before the world knew the name Qassem Soleimani, the longtime commander of Iran’s elite Quds Force who was killed in a 2020 U.S. drone strike, Vahidi was one of the men who helped build the infrastructure of Iran’s overseas terror operations.
He served as commander of the Quds Force in the 1990s, before Soleimani took over the elite unit responsible for foreign operations, covert action and support for proxy groups.
Analysts say Vahidi played a central role in building Iran’s network of terrorist allies across the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon.
«Ahmad Vahidi is the embodiment of the Islamic Republic’s most militant wing,» Daftari told Fox News Digital. «As Qassem Soleimani’s predecessor at the Quds Force, he helped build Tehran’s terror infrastructure abroad.»
Sabti said Vahidi was part of the original generation of Iranian operatives who forged ties with militant groups in Lebanon before and after the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Some accounts suggest he trained in camps linked to Palestinian and Lebanese factions in southern Lebanon, helping lay the foundation for Iran’s alliance with Hezbollah, an Iran-backed terror group, in Lebanon.
Vahidi has been linked by analysts and Western governments to some of the deadliest attacks carried out by Iranian-backed networks over the past four decades.
As the commander of the Quds Force from 1988 to 1998, he has been connected to the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing that killed 241 U.S. service members, the 1996 Khobar Towers attack in Saudi Arabia, and a 2008 attack on the U.S. Embassy in Yemen.
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Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei receives protection from elite NOPO force following his father’s assassination in U.S.-Israel attack on Tehran compound Feb. 28. (Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto)
One of the world’s most wanted Iranian officials
Daftari noted that Vahidi «has been implicated by Argentine prosecutors in the 1994 bombing of the AMIA (Asociación Mutual Israelita Argentina) Jewish community center in Buenos Aires.» Eighty-five people were killed in the bombing.
Argentine investigators and courts have also linked Vahidi to the 1992 bombing of the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires, although the Interpol red notice against him is specifically for his alleged role in the 1994 AMIA bombing.
In April, Argentina renewed attention on him after its President Javier Milei’s government designated the entire Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organization and singled out Vahidi by name.
In announcing the move, the Argentine government said that red notices remained in place for several Iranian officials, «among them former Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi, who was recently appointed to lead the IRGC.»
Vahidi is under multiple layers of sanctions by both the United States and the European Union. The sanctions significantly restrict his ability to travel, move money or do business internationally.
Washington first sanctioned him in 2010 for links to Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. Vahidi was redesignated in 2022 for «being an official of the Government of Iran and being responsible for or complicit in, or responsible for ordering, controlling, or otherwise directing, the commission of serious human rights abuses against persons in Iran or Iranian citizens or residents, or the family members of the foregoing, on or after June 12, 2009, regardless of whether such abuses occurred in Iran.»
He was redesignated by the United States in 2022 under Executive Order 13553 after Mahsa Amini’s death, when he served as interior minister and oversaw the regime’s response to nationwide protests.
Vahidi was sanctioned for orchestrating internet blackouts and directing Iran’s Law Enforcement Command, known as NAJA, during the crackdown, according to the U.S. Treasury.
The European Union first sanctioned him in 2008, and imposed parallel sanctions in 2022 over the use of live ammunition, arbitrary detention of protesters and journalists, and the violent suppression of demonstrations.
Human rights groups accused Iranian authorities of using live fire, mass arrests and torture against protesters, which resulted in more than 30,000 deaths.
Yigal Carmon, founder and president of the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) warned, «Under his leadership, more such crimes are to be expected in the West against both Jews and non-Jews.»
PAKISTANI GENERAL SAYS IRAN DIPLOMACY STILL ‘ALIVE, DESPITE US BLOCKADE, FAILED TALKS
Iran’s Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi briefs the media on elections in Tehran, Iran, March 4, 2024. Argentina sought the arrest of Vahidi on April 23, 2024, over his alleged involvement in the deadly 1994 bombing of Buenos Aires Jewish community center. (Vahid Salemi/AP)
Analysts say he represents the regime’s most radical faction
Experts say Vahidi is not merely another hardliner, but one of the most extreme figures even within Iran’s already radical ruling elite.
Sabti is warning that Vahidi’s growing influence could make Tehran less likely to agree to a genuine ceasefire.
«He brings even more radicalization into the system and may not want to stop the war, because it serves the interests of the Revolutionary Guards to continue,» Sabti said.
One of the biggest concerns surrounding Vahidi is that even if Iran agrees to a ceasefire, he may see it only as an opportunity to regroup.
That concern has taken on new urgency as Trump’s deadline approaches.
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Iranians react after a ceasefire announcement at the Enqelab square, in Tehran, on April 8, 2026. The United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire Tuesday barely an hour before U.S. President Donald Trump’s deadline to obliterate the rival country was set to expire, with Tehran to temporarily reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz. (AFP via Getty Images)
If Vahidi is indeed the man increasingly calling the shots in Iran, analysts say the key question is not whether Iran wants a ceasefire, but whether the Revolutionary Guard commander believes continued confrontation better serves his interests.
Carmon said, «Trusting him is a grave mistake. He belongs to the hard ‘DEATH TO AMERICA’ corps.»
Iran’s mission to the United Nations declined to comment.
war with iran, mojtaba khamenei, middle east foreign policy, ali khamenei, terrorism, iran
INTERNACIONAL
El Salvador registra dos millones de visitantes en sus destinos turísticos durante las vacaciones
Durante el periodo vacacional, El Salvador ha registrado una afluencia de dos millones de visitantes nacionales e internacionales en sus principales destinos turísticos, según datos oficiales actualizados hasta el 4 de agosto por el Ministerio de Turismo.
La cifra, que corresponde tanto a turistas locales como extranjeros, marca un intenso movimiento en sitios emblemáticos del país y confirma una tendencia al alza en la movilidad interna de la temporada.
La ministra de Turismo, Morena Valdez, atribuyó este resultado a la coordinación interinstitucional y al despliegue de personal en los principales destinos. La funcionaria recalcó que la meta de la cartera es alcanzar los 2.8 mil visitantes al cierre de la temporada, cifra que, a su juicio, podría cumplirse si se mantiene la tendencia de las últimas jornadas.
De forma inmediata las autoridades no han brindado detalles sobre las nacionalidades de los turistas que se encuentran visitando el territorio salvadoreño.
Entre los destinos de mayor preferencia destacan SívarLand, el Centro Histórico de San Salvador, playas públicas como Playa Punta Roca, áreas naturales protegidas y una amplia oferta de sitios culturales.
La funcionaria señaló que además que actividades como la tradicional atolada y las experiencias familiares en parques y volcanes forman parte de la agenda atractiva para las familias.
El panorama en la zona costera también ha mostrado una afluencia notoria. Yaneth Bran, gobernadora del departamento de La Libertad, aseguró que el destino mantiene un flujo constante de turistas y que las instituciones han fortalecido los mecanismos de prevención y seguridad. “La Libertad es un territorio privilegiado por su extraordinaria riqueza natural, cultural, histórica y gastronómica.
La diversidad de sus paisajes y la calidez de su gente convierten en este departamento en un lugar que ofrece experiencia para todos los gustos”, afirmó Bran durante su intervención. Destacó la presencia de visitantes en lugares emblemáticos como Surf City, el Puerto de La Libertad, el Malecón, San Diego, El Majagual, El Tunco, El Sunzal, Mizata y San Blas, así como en diversos parques recreativos y comercios del litoral.
La ministra Valdez resaltó que la totalidad de los parques del Instituto Salvadoreño de Turismo y los sitios culturales operan con normalidad y acceso abierto al público.
La funcionaria recomendó explorar sitios menos tradicionales como El Taquíl y Los Almendros en la zona occidental, además de los espacios naturales del Parque Natural Cerro Verde y las rutas de escalada en volcanes, siempre bajo la guía de personal autorizado del Ministerio de Medio Ambiente o de la Corporación Salvadoreña de Turismo.
En el litoral, la gobernadora Bran subrayó la disposición de equipos de emergencia, guardavidas y personal sanitario.
“Debido a la importante movilización de las personas que se registran durante esta temporada, todas las instituciones que conforman el Sistema Nacional de Protección Civil han fortalecido sus capacidades de prevención, de monitoreo con el propósito de garantizar la seguridad y el bienestar de las personas”, manifestó Bran.
“No hay pretexto, podemos disfrutar de estas vacaciones con sano esparcimiento, cuidándonos y previniendo. Y recordando que la prevención es responsabilidad de todos”, insistió la titular del ramo de turismo e instó a la población y al sector privado a seguir las indicaciones de las autoridades.
playas sonsonate,arena dorada el salvador,roca volcánica el salvador
INTERNACIONAL
Russia deploys North Korean missile unit to Ukraine; Moscow-Pyongyang axis deepens: report
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Russia has begun deploying a North Korean missile unit equipped with up to 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers for use in its war against Ukraine, a Ukrainian intelligence official told told Reuters Wednesday.
The reported escalation marks a deepening military partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang, with around 90 North Korean personnel expected to be stationed in Russia’s western Voronezh region to support the new unit, according to Andrii Cherniak of Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR).
Cherniak also claimed Pyongyang has already delivered a fresh batch of 40 KN-23 and KN-24 ballistic missiles to Russian forces, Reuters said.
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Russia has reportedly begun deploying a North Korean missile unit equipped with up to 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers for use in its war against Ukraine. (Alexander Kazakov/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)
Final details of the deployment are expected to be finalized during high-level talks next month.
The intelligence report follows a massive Russian barrage against Kyiv and the surrounding region Aug. 4.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Moscow launched 24 ballistic missiles, four cruise missiles and 115 drones overnight, killing at least 17 people.
Zelenskyy argued more lives could have been saved had Western allies replenished Ukraine’s depleted stockpiles of air defense interceptors.
Zelenskyy previously warned that Moscow had been preparing since June to receive additional North Korean military personnel in the Voronezh region, according to reports.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin has deepened his defensive ties with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. (Getty Images)
Cherniak told Reuters a Russian strike in late July marked the first recorded use of North Korean ballistic missiles against Ukrainian targets since August 2025.
According to HUR estimates, Russia has received approximately 150 KN-23 and KN-24 missiles from North Korea since late 2023.
Military analysts say Russia is increasingly relying on ballistic weapons because they require advanced defense systems — such as the U.S.-made Patriot — to intercept.
The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) assessed that Russia is deliberately incorporating more ballistic missiles into its long-range strike packages to maximize pressure on Ukraine’s limited air defenses.
ISW added that North Korea is gaining critical battlefield data from the conflict, allowing Pyongyang to refine its missile performance using Russian operational experience.
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North Korea has emerged as one of Moscow’s key military allies. (KCNA via Reuters)
North Korea has emerged as one of Moscow’s key military allies since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began.
Reuters reported that Pyongyang has supplied millions of artillery shells and previously sent 14,000 troops to Russia’s Kursk region to counter Ukraine’s 2024 cross-border incursion.
Cherniak also noted that roughly 9,500 North Korean troops are still in Kursk, though they are not engaged in active combat right now.
A report by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) states that, since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, North Korea has supplied Moscow with large quantities of artillery and rocket ammunition, cannon and rocket artillery systems and ballistic missiles.
The policy institute described the Russia-North Korea relationship as one of the «most consequential among the Axis» and the only partnership in which one member has deployed troops in combat to assist another.
russia, north korea, ukraine, conflicts
INTERNACIONAL
Dems in the hot seat for skipping crucial hearing on radical group hiding in US: ‘Embarrassment’
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Democratic lawmakers were missing during Wednesday’s Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing as they skipped a hearing on the Muslim Brotherhood’s alleged network inside the United States, drawing a blistering rebuke from Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas.
«You may notice that there are empty chairs on the Democrat side of the dais,» Cruz said as he opened the hearing by pointing out that every Democratic member of the subcommittee refused to attend. «The American people should ask themselves why not a single member of the minority decided that a hearing on terrorism was worth their time? It is an embarrassment.»
Cruz tied the Democrats’ boycott to Abdul El-Sayed’s primary victory, arguing that the timing helped explain why no Democratic members attended. Cruz accused the party of embracing a candidate who had campaigned alongside left-wing streamer Hasan Piker.
Cruz cited Piker’s past statement that «America deserved 9/11» and asked the witnesses what El-Sayed’s rise said about the direction of the Democratic Party.
HASAN PIKER UNLOADS ON ‘ISLAMOPHOBIC PIECES OF S—‘ DEMOCRATS AS EL-SAYED FACES PARTY UNITY TEST
«Abdul El-Sayed, the son-in-law of a leading member of several Brotherhood groups, won Michigan’s Democrat primary for U.S. Senate. Perfect timing for this hearing, probably explains why no Democrats are here and none intend to attend,» Cruz said. «Because their campaign is now openly embracing terrorist organizations waging war on America.»
(From left to right) Democratic Party Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, Peter Welch of Vermont, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, Alex Padilla of California and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut. Muslim Brotherhood supporters near the Jordanian border with the West Bank from 2021 can be seen in the background. (Getty Images)
The five Democratic members of the subcommittee — Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, Alex Padilla of California and Peter Welch of Vermont — announced beforehand that they would not attend. In a joint statement, the senators accused Cruz of staging a «political creepshow» that scapegoated Muslim Americans.
«Scapegoating Muslims may be a Texas Republican strategist’s idea of ‘solid gold’ to whip up their voters, but Democrats have no intention of indulging this political creepshow, particularly after the recent violence targeting places of faith,» they said. «Our focus is the costs families face thanks to rampant, non-stop Trump corruption.»
Blumenthal separately told reporters Wednesday that Democrats refused to attend because the hearing «could well be used as an anti-Muslim, Islamophobia kind of show trial.»
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The Connecticut Democrat added that he planned to meet with members of the Muslim community who shared concerns about the Muslim Brotherhood, «which appears to be a terrorist organization,» while advocating for «tolerance and inclusion.»
US Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) speaks during a press conference at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on January 24, 2023. (MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)
The offices of Whitehouse and Welch referred Fox News Digital to the joint statement when asked why the senators chose to boycott rather than attend and challenge the witnesses directly. The offices of Hirono and Padilla had not responded by publication time.
Cruz and the hearing’s witnesses rejected the Democrats’ characterization of the proceeding as an attack on Muslims generally.
Lara Burns, a retired FBI special agent who helped lead a terrorism-financing investigation against what was once the largest Muslim charity in the United States, the Holy Land Foundation, warned that Americans should not disregard evidence because it is politically controversial.
A surfaced OIG report shows FBI agents were urged to avoid communications with CAIR, the Council on American-Islamic Relations. (Getty Images)
«For decades, narratives have been intentionally seeded into public discourse that portray terrorist organizations as resistance movements,» Burns testified before arguing Americans cannot «ignore evidence introduced in federal court simply because that evidence is politically uncomfortable.»
«The history of this network is not in question,» she added. «It was made public decades ago, but few paid attention. Now is the time to pay attention and understand the facts.»
hearings, democrats senate, ted cruz, national security, politics
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