Iran Says Quds Leader Esmail Qaani Is Alive, Suggests Israel Lied About His Death
Iran has confirmed that Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani is alive, contradicting earlier claims of his death. Officials suggest Israel may have spread false reports to sow confusion during the conflict.
WORLDWIDE
6/25/20251 min read
June 25, 2025 — Confusion and speculation have surrounded Iran’s Quds Force leadership in recent months. Rumors spread after reports emerged that commander Esmail Qaani had been killed or injured in a strike on Beirut territory. But today Iranian officials issued a firm denial. Qaani remains alive and active, and will soon be honored with a military award.
This confirmation arrives after weeks of conflicting accounts. Some foreign media suggested Qaani might be under investigation inside Iran for failing to predict attacks on allied fighters. Others hinted at serious injury or even death during Israeli operations targeting regional strongholds. A social media storm emerged, as photos of missing figures fueled both conspiracy theories and dark humor among observers.
Despite these swirling narratives, Iran’s deputy military leadership clarified that Qaani has not only weathered the storm but continues to command. He is expected to receive Iran’s prestigious Fath Medal in Moscow-style ceremonies that reinforce his status and symbolic importance.
This episode highlights the sensitive balance between military strength and secrecy in Iran’s strategy. The Quds Force plays a critical role in coordinating with Hezbollah and other regional allies. Queries into Qaani’s fate reflect both internal power dynamics and intense external pressure.
The broader context is one of heightened tension. Earlier this month, Israel carried out airstrikes on Iran’s top military commanders and nuclear scientists. Major General Hossein Salami and missile chief Amir Ali Hajizadeh were killed. That operation raised questions about what or who could stop the tide or fill the void.
Now, with Qaani confirmed alive, Iran is sending a message: the Quds Force remains intact. Whether this restores confidence within the organization or creates cracks beneath remains unclear. For now, Qaani’s survival offers a focal point in Tehran’s narrative of resilience amid crisis.