Iran investigates military chief amid mole fears after airstrike

In Iran, military chief Esmail Qaani has gone missing amid suspicions of a mole within the military following a series of security breaches that resulted in the deaths of key Hezbollah leaders. Initially feared dead after an Israeli airstrike in Beirut on September 27, Qaani has been reported as 'alive and well' by Iranian officials, although his exact whereabouts remain unclear. Reports suggest he may be under interrogation regarding the leaks that have compromised Iranian security. The situation escalated after a significant explosion in Beirut killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and others, leading to a major investigation into the incident. The Iranian military is currently on high alert, with tensions rising due to ongoing conflicts in the region, including retaliatory missile strikes from Iran against Israel. The conflict has resulted in substantial casualties and displacement, with the toll of the ongoing violence between Israel and Hezbollah reaching over 2,000 deaths and significant injuries. As the situation develops, the Iranian government appears to be attempting to manage the narrative surrounding Qaani's disappearance, possibly to mitigate the impact of the security breaches on its military operations.