Iranian Quds Force Commander Qaani Declared in Good Health Amid Speculation

The commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force, Brigadier General Esmail Qaani, is reportedly in good health, according to statements made by IRGC General Ebrahim Jabbari. These comments were broadcast on the IRGC-affiliated Tasnim news channel, dispelling rumors and speculation about his condition following an Israeli military strike. Reports indicated that this strike targeted Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah‘s presumed successor, Hashem Safieddine, in southern Beirut last week.

In recent reports, The New York Times highlighted that General Qaani’s whereabouts were unknown after the Israeli airstrike in Beirut. It was alleged that he had traveled to Beirut to engage in discussions with senior officials amid persistent Israeli military activities in southern Lebanon. These circumstances fueled uncertainty regarding his status, which was further exacerbated when a scheduled interview with Iranian media did not take place.

Confirming the Quds Force commander’s condition, the force’s deputy commander, Iraj Masjedi, also spoke to Iranian state media, affirming that Qaani was in “good health.” This follows Qaani’s appointment as the commander, succeeding the former Quds Force leader Qasem Soleimani, who was assassinated by the United States in 2020.

In related developments, Brigadier General Qaani is expected to receive the ‘Fath’ (Conquest) medal from the Islamic Revolution’s Supreme Leader in the near future. The Tasnim News Agency reported that Jabbari asserted that the commander “would receive the Fath medal from the Supreme Leader in the coming days.” This follows a recent commendation whereby the ‘Fath’ medal was awarded to Brigadier General Amir-Ali Hajizadeh, the commander of the IRGC’s Aerospace Division, by Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution.