On Friday, as Tehran prepared for a multi-day funeral for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a powerful general who leads Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard emerged from hiding.

Photos released online by Iranian state media show General Vahidi attending a meeting regarding the funeral of 86-year-old Khamenei.

Experts say that in negotiations with the U.S. over a possible permanent end to the war, Vahidi has become a key figure in shaping Iran’s hardline stance. He is believed to be a member of a small group with direct ties to Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.

Starting Saturday, Iran will hold a dayslong funeral for Khamenei, and his remains will be transported to cities in Iran and neighboring Iraq.