Iranian Quds Force Chief Emerges After Two Weeks of Absence

Esmail Qaani Spotted at Military Funeral

Esmail Qaani, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's (IRGC) Quds Force, was seen at a military funeral in Tehran after a two-week absence from the public eye. Earlier this month, US media reported that the general had not been seen since an Israeli air strike on Beirut on Sept. 27, which resulted in the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Qaani was shown on state TV on Tuesday at the funeral ceremony for General Abbas Nilforoushan, who was also killed in the Israeli airstrike. Nilforoushan's body was only recently recovered from beneath the rubble in the south Beirut district of Dahieh.

Speculation Surrounding Qaani's Absence

Qaani's public appearance is significant, as rumors and widespread speculation had led to reports in both regional and international media suggesting that he had either died in an Israeli strike or was under arrest by the Iranian government. For instance, Middle East Eye reported about a week ago that Qaani was being held by Iran for questioning about a series of major security breaches that Israel had exploited. The media outlet had also suggested that Qaani might have been wounded or killed in Israel’s continuous bombardment of Beirut’s southern suburbs.

Qaani's Public Appearance in Tehran

AFP reported on Qaani's recent appearance in downtown Tehran. As the head of the Quds Force, the IRGC’s foreign operations arm, Qaani had disappeared from public view, leading to rumors that he had been targeted in an Israeli strike on Lebanon. He was seen at the funeral in the IRGC’s green military uniform. Nilforoushan’s casket was paraded through the crowded streets of Tehran after a funeral ceremony at Imam Hossein Square in the city center.

Health Speculations and Iran's Defiance

Interestingly, some Western reports had speculated that Qaani had suffered a heart attack or that his health was deteriorating. However, he appeared healthy in the newly released footage. The Jerusalem Post highlighted that last week, the IRGC-affiliated Tasnim news channel reported that IRGC General Ebrahim Jabbari had told state media that Qaani was in good health and would be receiving the Medal of Conquest from Ayatollah Ali Khamenei soon. Despite expectations of an Israeli retaliation for the Oct.1st Iranian ballistic missile attack on Israel, Iran remains defiant. Yoav Gallant, an Israeli official, has said Israel’s response will be "deadly, precise, and surprising."

Iran's Stance on Escalation and War

In response, Tehran has stated that it seeks de-escalation and peace, but is prepared to respond to any aggression. "The Islamic Republic of Iran does not want to escalate tensions or war, but we are ready for any situation. We are prepared for war, but also for peace. This is Iran’s firm position,” said foreign minister Abbas Aragchi on Sunday.

Bottom Line

The reappearance of Esmail Qaani, the head of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's (IRGC) Quds Force, after two weeks of absence has put to rest various speculations about his whereabouts and health. His appearance at a military funeral in Tehran has quelled rumors of his death or arrest. Amidst escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, the situation remains precarious. What are your thoughts on this development? Feel free to share this article with your friends. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, delivered every day at 6pm.