Esmail Qaani’s attendance at memorial service debunks assassination rumors

Iranian television broadcasted live footage today of Esmail Qaani, Brigadier General in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Quds Force commander, attending a memorial service for Abbas Nilforoushan, the deputy commander of the IRGC operations.

Nilforoushan was killed alongside Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli Occupation bombing of Beirut last month.

- Speculation surrounding Qaani’s absence -

Qaani's recent absence sparked considerable debate, especially after Iranian officials confirmed to Reuters that he had not been heard from since traveling to Lebanon after Nasrallah's death. 

- Reassurances of Qaani’s safety -

In response to the rumors, Ebrahim Jabari, an adviser to the IRGC's chief commander, stated that Qaani is safe and will soon receive an award from Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Additionally, Iraj Masjedi, deputy commander of the Quds Force, denied reports of any harm to Qaani from Israeli Occupation attacks.

- Leadership role and strategic influence -

Qaani has led the Quds Force, responsible for overseas military and intelligence operations, since the assassination of his predecessor, Qasem Soleimani, in a US drone strike in Baghdad in 2020. He is recognized as a key figure managing Iran-aligned armed groups across the region.

- Reports of assassination attempts -

Qaani's absence coincided with reports from "Israeli" media, particularly Channel 12, suggesting that "Israeli" authorities are investigating whether he was injured in an assassination attempt aimed at Hashem Safieddine, the head of Hezbollah’s executive council, on October 5.

The Wall Street Journal described Qaani as a “mysterious intermediary” overseeing operations for the “Axis of Resistance” in Iran, highlighting his efforts to unify Iran-backed militias to strengthen Iran’s influence without provoking a severe US response.

The report also noted that Qaani has been directing these militias to carefully calibrate their attacks against "Israeli" and US targets to prevent a regional conflict.