Iran's Quds Force Commander Reported Safe After Israeli Strikes in Lebanon
- Esmail Qaani, commander of the IRGC Quds Force, has not been heard from since Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon.
- The strikes targeted Hezbollah and resulted in the silence of the new leader, Hashem Safieddine, raising concerns about his fate.
- Iranian officials insist Qaani is in good health, but the situation reflects ongoing tensions and challenges in Iranian leadership following Soleimani's death.
In Lebanon, Iranian officials have stated that Esmail Qaani, the commander of the IRGC Quds Force, is in good health following Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah. Qaani has not been heard from since the strikes, which occurred after Israel eliminated Hezbollah's long-time leader, Hassan Nasrallah. The new leader, Hashem Safieddine, has also gone silent, raising concerns about his fate. Reports suggest that Qaani was in the vicinity during the attacks, but Iranian officials deny he was in the bunker that was destroyed. The situation has heightened tensions in the region, as Qaani's performance as Soleimani's successor has been under scrutiny, especially with the ongoing conflict involving Iranian proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas. The Israeli military continues to assess the aftermath of the strikes, with uncertainty surrounding the status of key figures in the Iranian and Hezbollah leadership.