Latest news with #Qaani
Shafaq News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iran's Quds Force chief held secret meetings with Iraqi Shiite leaders
Shafaq News – Baghdad The commander of Iran's Quds Force, Esmail Qaani, paid a brief, unannounced visit to Baghdad in recent days, where he met with senior figures in Iraq's Coordination Framework. Informed sources told Shafaq News that Qaani's visit lasted approximately ten hours and included separate meetings with former prime minister and State of Law Coalition leader Nouri al-Maliki, National Wisdom Movement (Al-Hikma) leader Ammar al-Hakim, Fatah Alliance head Hadi al-Amiri, and Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq leader Humam Hammoudi. The discussions, the source revealed, focused on regional developments and Iraq's internal political landscape, with particular attention to upcoming elections and shifting alliances within the Shiite-led Coordination Framework, a major political bloc supported by Tehran. The Iranian commander did not meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani during this visit. This marks Qaani's second visit to Baghdad within two months. On June 28, he reportedly met with figures from the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an umbrella of mostly Shiite paramilitary groups backed by Iran. No official statements have been issued by either the Iraqi or Iranian sides regarding these meetings.
Miami Herald
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Video Shows Top Iranian Commander Alive, Defying Death Reports
A top commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stunned observers by appearing publicly in Tehran, quashing media reports that he had been killed in a 12-day conflict with Israel. Videos rapidly circulated on social media showing General Esmail Qaani celebrating with jubilant crowds at a rally in Tehran to celebrate what Iranian authorities are calling a victory. He was not among the many senior figures that Israel's armed forces said they had killed. Newsweek has reached out to the Israel and Iran's foreign ministries for comment. Qaani's public reappearance is a pivotal moment for Iran's military leadership as a symbol that it has not been entirely eliminated in the Israeli strikes. As commander of the IRGC's Quds Force, responsible for Iran's foreign operations and alliances, he is central to Tehran's regional strategy. Qaani's visibility projects enduring strength by the IRGC and signals Iran's determination to withstand international pressure. Qaani's reappearance follows a conflict between Israel and Iran, with U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, and concluded with a ceasefire brokered by President Donald Trump. Israel has claimed responsibility for killing at least 10 senior Iranian commanders during the campaign, including top figures from the IRGC and its intelligence and aerospace divisions. Reports of Qaani's death first surfaced on June 13, when Israel launched a series of airstrikes across Iran. A New York Times report quoted sources as saying Qaani had been among several senior Iranian military officials killed in the initial wave of attacks. On Tuesday, a video posted on the social media account of Iran's Fars News Agency showed Qaani celebrating alongside crowds in Tehran, appearing relaxed as he waved to supporters during the government-backed victory rally. Esmail Qaani was appointed to lead the Quds Force in January 2020, following the U.S. assassination of his predecessor, Qassem Soleimani, in Baghdad. While Soleimani was well-known for his public image and charismatic leadership, Qaani has kept a lower profile, both domestically and abroad. He is known for his prior work in Afghanistan and Pakistan, including anti-narcotics operations and support for the Northern Alliance, an alliance of anti-Taliban groups. Another Iranian official previously reported dead has reemerged. Ali Shamkhani, a senior advisor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and a key nuclear negotiator, was initially reported by outlets including CNN, to have been killed in an Israeli strike on his Tehran residence. However, Iranian state media later confirmed that he is "alive and ready to sacrifice." Later, Shamkhani took to social media, posting: "It was my fate to survive wounded-so I remain, still the reason for the enemy's hatred." U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth:"Based on everything we have seen - and I've seen it all - our bombing campaign obliterated Iran's ability to create nuclear weapons. Our massive bombs hit exactly the right spot at each target and worked perfectly." Ali Shamkhani: "It was my fate to survive wounded-so I remain, still the reason for the enemy's hatred. I'd sacrifice myself a hundred times for #Iran. Fighting a nation of hope is a game that ends in ashes for its enemies. Victory, lit by martyrs' smiles, is near." With Qaani visibly back in the public eye, Iranian officials are likely to continue leveraging his survival as proof of resilience following the unprecedented Israeli strikes and recent U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear sites. His reemergence may calm speculation over command instability, but scrutiny over recent military setbacks is expected to persist both within Iran's establishment and among its regional adversaries. Related Articles How Young Men Feel About Potential US War With IranIDF Shares Iran Nuclear Assessment as Trump Doubles Down on 'Obliteration'Trump Bombed Iranian Nuclear Sites-Was It a Good Idea? Newsweek Contributors DebateAs Trump Defends Iran Nuclear Site Destruction, Kim Jong Un Takes Notes 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Video Shows Top Iranian Commander Alive, Defying Death Reports
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A top commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stunned observers by appearing publicly in Tehran, quashing media reports that he had been killed in a 12-day conflict with Israel. Videos rapidly circulated on social media showing General Esmail Qaani celebrating with jubilant crowds at a rally in Tehran to celebrate what Iranian authorities are calling a victory. He was not among the many senior figures that Israel's armed forces said they had killed. Newsweek has reached out to the Israel and Iran's foreign ministries for comment. Why It Matters Qaani's public reappearance is a pivotal moment for Iran's military leadership as a symbol that it has not been entirely eliminated in the Israeli strikes. As commander of the IRGC's Quds Force, responsible for Iran's foreign operations and alliances, he is central to Tehran's regional strategy. Qaani's visibility projects enduring strength by the IRGC and signals Iran's determination to withstand international pressure. Esmail Qaani, Commander of the IRGC Quds Force, participates in a religious ceremony in Tehran on June 13th. Esmail Qaani, Commander of the IRGC Quds Force, participates in a religious ceremony in Tehran on June 13th. Getty Images What to Know Qaani's reappearance follows a conflict between Israel and Iran, with U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, and concluded with a ceasefire brokered by President Donald Trump. Israel has claimed responsibility for killing at least 10 senior Iranian commanders during the campaign, including top figures from the IRGC and its intelligence and aerospace divisions. Reports of Qaani's death first surfaced on June 13, when Israel launched a series of airstrikes across Iran. A New York Times report quoted sources as saying Qaani had been among several senior Iranian military officials killed in the initial wave of attacks. On Tuesday, a video posted on the social media account of Iran's Fars News Agency showed Qaani celebrating alongside crowds in Tehran, appearing relaxed as he waved to supporters during the government-backed victory rally. حضور سردار قاآنی، فرمانده نیروی قدس سپاه در جشن پیروزی در تهران — خبرگزاری فارس (@FarsNews_Agency) June 24, 2025 Who Is Esmail Qaani? Esmail Qaani was appointed to lead the Quds Force in January 2020, following the U.S. assassination of his predecessor, Qassem Soleimani, in Baghdad. While Soleimani was well-known for his public image and charismatic leadership, Qaani has kept a lower profile, both domestically and abroad. He is known for his prior work in Afghanistan and Pakistan, including anti-narcotics operations and support for the Northern Alliance, an alliance of anti-Taliban groups. Nuclear Negotiator Also Alive Another Iranian official previously reported dead has reemerged. Ali Shamkhani, a senior advisor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and a key nuclear negotiator, was initially reported by outlets including CNN, to have been killed in an Israeli strike on his Tehran residence. However, Iranian state media later confirmed that he is "alive and ready to sacrifice." Later, Shamkhani took to social media, posting: "It was my fate to survive wounded—so I remain, still the reason for the enemy's hatred." It was my fate to survive wounded—so I remain, still the reason for the enemy's hatred. I'd sacrifice myself a hundred times for #Iran. Fighting a nation of hope is a game that ends in ashes for its enemies. Victory, lit by martyrs' smiles, is near. — علی شمخانی (@alishamkhani_ir) June 21, 2025 What People Are Saying U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth: "Based on everything we have seen — and I've seen it all — our bombing campaign obliterated Iran's ability to create nuclear weapons. Our massive bombs hit exactly the right spot at each target and worked perfectly." Ali Shamkhani: "It was my fate to survive wounded—so I remain, still the reason for the enemy's hatred. I'd sacrifice myself a hundred times for #Iran. Fighting a nation of hope is a game that ends in ashes for its enemies. Victory, lit by martyrs' smiles, is near." What Happens Next With Qaani visibly back in the public eye, Iranian officials are likely to continue leveraging his survival as proof of resilience following the unprecedented Israeli strikes and recent U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear sites. His reemergence may calm speculation over command instability, but scrutiny over recent military setbacks is expected to persist both within Iran's establishment and among its regional adversaries.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'DEAD' IRGC Quds Force Commander Esmail Qaani Appears At Tehran 'Victory' March
Iranian Brigadier General Esmail Qaani, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) Quds Force, was seen alive and well during celebrations Tuesday in Tehran of Iran's self-claimed victory over Israel, according to local media. A video posted by Iran's Tasnim News Agency showed Qaani among the crowd at the event. 'Commander Qaani attends today's gathering of the people of Tehran following Operation Divine Victory,' the agency said on X. Watch. Read More
Roya News
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Roya News
Still alive: Iran's Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani appears after reports of assassination
General Esmail Qaani, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) elite Quds Force, made a rare public appearance in Tehran today, June 24, 2025. 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.
