Iran’s Quds Force chief, Esmail Qaani, has reportedly been out of contact since a series of strikes in Beirut last week, according to Iranian officials. Qaani had traveled to Lebanon following the killing of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike, but his whereabouts have been unknown since the recent attacks in Beirut.
Two senior Iranian security officials told Reuters that Qaani was in Beirut’s southern suburbs during the strikes, which were said to have targeted senior Hezbollah official Hashem Safieddine. However, one official clarified that Qaani was not meeting with Safieddine at the time of the attacks.
The uncertainty surrounding Qaani’s whereabouts has raised concerns about his safety and the potential implications for regional tensions. The Quds Force, a branch of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps responsible for operations outside of Iran, plays a significant role in supporting Iranian allies in the region, including Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The situation remains fluid and the reasons behind Qaani’s lack of communication are unclear. Diplomatic efforts are likely underway to ascertain his status and ensure his well-being. As more information becomes available, the international community will be closely monitoring developments in the region.
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