General Esmail Qaani, the commander of Iran’s elite Quds Force under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has been confirmed alive after weeks of speculation surrounding his fate. His appearance at a public event in Tehran has silenced widespread rumors that he had been killed in recent Israeli airstrikes.
According to multiple Arab media outlets, General Qaani was seen attending a state-organized victory celebration in the capital, where he was greeted enthusiastically by attendees. Videos from the event show him walking among the crowd, waving, and engaging with senior officials and supporters — a clear signal that he is safe and active in his official role.
Rumors about his death emerged after a June 13 Israeli strike, with some Western media, including a U.S.-based publication, claiming Qaani had been targeted and killed. These claims followed earlier reports from 2024 suggesting he might have perished in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, where his whereabouts were briefly unknown, adding fuel to the speculation.
Iranian officials and state media repeatedly denied the claims, assuring the public that Qaani was safe and continuing to oversee regional military operations. They emphasized that disinformation campaigns were being used to demoralize Iran’s allies and create confusion.
With this latest appearance, General Qaani not only reaffirms his presence but also sends a message of continuity and resolve amid regional tensions.