From the shadows to supreme power: why Iran chose Ahmad Vahidi to lead its confrontation with the United States

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By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Kurdish Policy Analysis Who Is Ahmad Vahidi? The Secretive IRGC Commander now shaping Iran's confrontation with the United States From the founding of the Quds Force to commanding the Revolutionary Guards, Ahmad Vahidi's rise signals a new era in Iran's military-led decision-making. As Tehran braces for a prolonged confrontation with Washington, one of Iran's most secretive and hardline military figures has emerged at the center of power—signaling a dramatic shift in how the Islamic Republic intends to wage its geopolitical struggle. Who is Ahmad Vahidi? Explore the rise of Iran's IRGC commander and how his growing influence could reshape Tehran's strategy toward the United States and the Middle East. For decades, Ahmad Vahidi remained largely behind the scenes, shaping Iran's military doctrine and regional strategy away from the public spotlight. Today, however, he stands at the heart of Iran's national security apparatus, overs...
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Iraq Secures Critical Food Lifeline as 44,000 Tons of U.S. Rice Arrive Amid Strait of Hormuz Crisis


By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj

Sulaimani, Iraqi Kurdistan — 31 May 2026 

Despite escalating regional conflict, shipping disruptions, and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Iraq continues to safeguard food security through alternative trade routes, with a major U.S. rice shipment arriving via Jordan's Aqaba Port.

A shipment carrying 44,000 tons of US rice designated for Iraq arrived at Jordan's Aqaba Port on Sunday despite shipping disruptions and maritime restrictions affecting regional trade routes, Iraq's Ministry of Trade stated. Lama Hashem Al-Moussawi, Director General of the State Company for Foodstuff Trading, noted that the company continues to implement its 2026 distribution plan for the food basket and social welfare programs, ensuring the uninterrupted supply of essential food items. 

She added that “the company is closely monitoring shipping and unloading operations while coordinating with relevant authorities to ensure the timely delivery of supplies to warehouses and distribution centers across Iraq.” 

 On May 22, Mahmoud Khalifat, Director General of the Aqaba Ports Corporation, announced that five cargo ships carrying food and industrial goods for Iraq had docked at Aqaba Port. Jordanian authorities also reported receiving 100,000 tons of vegetable oils destined for Iraq, while additional shipments carrying rice, corn, sugar, iron, and timber were awaiting unloading. 

 Regional shipping routes have faced sustained disruption since the US-Israeli war on Iran began on Feb. 28, which prompted Iranian missile and drone attacks against Israel and US military facilities across the Middle East. 

Tehran subsequently declared a full closure of the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping, forcing traders and importers to rely increasingly on alternative routes.

#Iraq #FoodSecurity #USRice #AqabaPort #Jordan #StraitOfHormuz #MiddleEast

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