Iran Denies Death of Qasem Soleimani's Successor Qaani Amid Reports He Was in Nasrallah's Bunker

Oct 6, 2024, 07:50 AM

Iranian media have denied rumors regarding the whereabouts and safety of Esmail Qaani, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force and successor to Qasem Soleimani. Reports emerged that Qaani was missing and possibly injured or killed during recent events in Beirut, including speculation that he was in Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah's bunker when it was hit. The New York Times, citing Iranian officials, reported that Qaani traveled to Beirut last week to meet with senior Hezbollah officials. Israeli Channel 12 also reported that he may have been in Nasrallah's bunker during the strike. The silence of senior Iranian officials on his status has caused panic within the ranks of the IRGC. However, Iran's state television and the ISNA news agency have stated that Qaani is in Tehran, denying that he traveled to Beirut or was injured.