Still alive: Iran's Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani appears after reports of assassination
Video footage circulating across social media platforms captured the general mingling with crowds at a pro-regime demonstration.
His appearance refuted earlier, widespread reports that Qaani had been killed in recent 'Israeli' strikes targeting Iranian military leaders and infrastructure.
Reports of Qaani's death emerged early in the recent conflict, with the New York Times stating, without citing specific sources, that he was among several Iranian military leaders purportedly killed in 'Israeli' strikes.
These claims surfaced during 'Israel's' attack on Iran on June 13, 2025.
The 'Israeli' military did not confirm targeting or killing Qaani.
This is not the first occasion Qaani has been falsely reported dead. In October, widespread rumors suggested his demise in an 'Israeli' strike on Beirut that resulted in the death of senior Hezbollah leader Hashem Safieddine.
Esmail Qaani holds the critical position of commander of the IRGC Quds Force, an elite special operations unit primarily tasked with Iran's extraterritorial military and intelligence operations.
He assumed leadership of the Quds Force in January 2020, following the assassination of his charismatic predecessor, Qassem Soleimani, in a US drone strike in Baghdad.
His operational history also extends to Afghanistan and Pakistan, where he was involved in combating drug smuggling and supporting Afghanistan's Northern Alliance.
Unlike Soleimani, who was renowned for his charismatic public persona and fluency in Arabic, Qaani has generally maintained a lower public profile.
His tenure has reportedly coincided with significant setbacks for Iranian proxies, which have faced increased pressure from 'Israeli' airstrikes and intelligence operations. He has also reportedly faced scrutiny over suspected security breaches and alleged negligence within his office.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Roya News
21 minutes ago
- Roya News
32 Palestinians killed today in Gaza, including 14 aid seekers
The Civil Defense in Gaza reported that 32 Palestinians were killed on Saturday by "Israeli" fire, including 14 people who were waiting for humanitarian aid, amid ongoing airstrikes and shelling across the enclave. Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Civil Defense, told AFP that five people were killed and others critically wounded when "Israeli" forces opened fire near a humanitarian aid distribution point on Salah al-Din Street, south of Wadi Gaza Bridge in central Gaza. In southern Gaza, Basal confirmed four more fatalities in the At-Tina area near a relief center in southwestern Khan Younis. Three others were killed near the Morag axis, also in southern Khan Younis, while two were shot near the Shakoush aid distribution point in northwestern Rafah. Reports of Palestinians being killed while waiting for food and supplies have become near-daily occurrences since late May, particularly near distribution sites run by the U.S.- and Israeli-backed "Gaza Relief Organization." The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Friday that 1,373 Palestinians have been killed since May 27, most by "Israeli" gunfire, while waiting for aid.
Roya News
6 hours ago
- Roya News
Hamas comments on US envoy visit to Gaza
Hamas has condemned the recent visit by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to aid distribution centers in the Gaza Strip, calling it a 'pre-planned show aimed at misleading public opinion and whitewashing the occupation's image.' The movement said Witkoff's statements attempted to portray aid distribution as peaceful and orderly, contradicting the reality on the ground, where ongoing military operations have killed over 1,300 civilians while receiving aid. Hamas also criticized the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) overseen by Witkoff, describing it as part of the broader crime and as a contributor to what it called a continuing policy of starvation and genocide. The group accused the US administration of being a full partner in 'the crime of starvation and genocide,' and urged Washington to take historical responsibility by withdrawing its support for 'Israeli' actions and working toward a ceasefire agreement that would end the assault, ensure the withdrawal of 'Israeli' forces, and lift the blockade on Gaza. Hamas stressed that aligning with 'Israel' would only deepen the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and prolong the conflict in the region.
Roya News
6 hours ago
- Roya News
'Israeli' captive held in Gaza pleads for help, says he's been abandoned
An 'Israeli' captive held by Hamas's Al-Qassam Brigades, Evyatar David, has issued a distress call describing severe health and living conditions inside captivity, warning that his life is in danger. In a video message released Saturday, David said, "I haven't eaten for days, and I don't know what I will eat… I'm getting thinner by the day and in very bad shape." Addressing 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he added: "I feel like I've been abandoned." David stated that his physical condition is deteriorating rapidly, saying, "With each passing day, my body grows weaker… what I'm doing now is digging my own grave with my own hands." His remarks come amid a deadlock in negotiations over a potential prisoner exchange deal between Palestinian resistance factions and the 'Israeli' government. Meanwhile, internal pressure continues to mount on Netanyahu's cabinet as families of captives demand urgent action to bring their loved ones home alive.
