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Iran's Quds Force Leader Esmail Qaani Spotted Alive

6/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Esmail Qaani, the commander of Iran's Quds Force, has been spotted alive in Tehran, quashing persistent rumors of his demise from Israeli airstrikes during Operation Rising Lion. Despite earlier claims of his death, both Iranian and Israeli sources have confirmed his survival. Since taking over from Qassem Soleimani in 2020, Qaani has repeatedly faced false death reports.

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Story summary

Esmail Qaani, the commander of Iran's Quds Force, has been spotted alive in Tehran, quashing persistent rumors of his demise from Israeli airstrikes during Operation Rising Lion. Despite earlier claims of his death, both Iranian and Israeli sources have confirmed his survival. Since taking over from Qassem Soleimani in 2020, Qaani has repeatedly faced false death reports.