General Ahmad Vahidi, commander of Iran's armed forces, plays a pivotal role in talks with the US.
According to the Associated Press, Vahidi has direct contact with Supreme Leader Khamenei.
The Institute for the Study of War reports that Vahidi controls both military responses and negotiations.
Tehran aims to close the Strait of Hormuz to create an energy crisis. The US demand for enriched uranium has been rejected.
A meeting in Pakistan in April yielded no results. Appointed IRGC commander in 2026, Vahidi is known for his uncompromising stance.
