Brigadier General Esmail Qaani, commander of Iran’s Quds Force, appeared publicly in Tehran on Tuesday, dispelling speculation about his death in recent Israeli airstrikes. Iranian state media showed Qaani greeting crowds during celebrations labeled by authorities as a “victory” following the 12-day conflict with Israel.

A video shared by Tasnim News Agency showed Qaani smiling and walking among civilians. “Commander Qaani attends today’s gathering of the people of Tehran following Operation Divine Victory,” the agency posted on X. Press TV also broadcast the footage, calling the scene a “warm reception by a jubilant crowd.”

Reports of Assassination Debunked

The New York Times had previously reported that Qaani may have been killed in Israeli attacks that began on June 13, targeting military and nuclear infrastructure in Iran. Those reports were never confirmed by Iranian officials, who remained silent until the public reappearance.

Israel claimed the strikes were a response to Iran’s alleged push toward developing a nuclear weapon—an accusation firmly rejected by Tehran.

Conflict Escalation and U.S. Involvement

As hostilities escalated, Iran responded with drone and missile strikes on Israeli positions. On June 23, the United States entered the conflict, bombing three Iranian nuclear sites. Despite the U.S. intervention, the Iranian command structure appeared intact.

The conflict reached a turning point when U.S. President Donald Trump announced an overnight ceasefire on June 24, following diplomatic efforts mediated in part by Qatar.