Was Iran's Esmail Qaani just assassinated?

Speculation about the death of Esmail Qaani, the commander of Iran's elite Quds Force, has intensified following reports of explosions in eastern Tehran, with social media buzzing about a possible Israeli assassination attempt. However, Iranian officials have vehemently denied these claims, labeling them as part of a psychological warfare campaign by Israel.

The rumors emerged late on October 10, alleging that Qaani was targeted in an apartment building amid blasts in the capital's eastern district. Some unverified accounts suggested he sustained injuries, possibly from a prior incident, while others claimed outright that he had been killed in an operation linked to Israeli intelligence.

These reports quickly spread online, fueling anxiety in a region already on edge due to ongoing conflicts involving Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah and recent Israeli strikes.Iranian state media, including Tasnim News Agency and other outlets affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), swiftly refuted the allegations. "These claims are completely false and are aimed at creating confusion," a statement from Tasnim read, accusing Israel of spreading misinformation to provoke responses that could expose sensitive information.

No official confirmation of Qaani's status has been provided beyond these denials, and there has been no public appearance or statement from the commander himself as of this reporting.This is not the first time Qaani has been at the center of death rumors. In June 2025, The New York Times cited Iranian sources reporting that Qaani was among those killed in Israeli airstrikes.

However, he resurfaced shortly after, appearing at public events in Tehran, including a rally and a funeral for other Iranian officials killed in the conflict.

These earlier incidents highlight a pattern of unverified claims amid heightened Iran-Israel hostilities, often debunked by Tehran. Qaani, who succeeded the assassinated Qassem Soleimani in 2020, oversees the Quds Force's operations supporting proxy militias across the Middle East.

His role has grown more prominent as Iran navigates regional conflicts, including support for groups opposing Israeli actions in Gaza and Lebanon.

Analysts suggest that any confirmed harm to Qaani could escalate tensions further, potentially drawing Iran deeper into direct confrontation.Israeli officials have not commented on the latest rumors, consistent with their policy of ambiguity on covert operations. Meanwhile, U.S. intelligence sources have previously expressed skepticism about similar claims without evidence.

As the situation develops, experts urge caution against unverified social media reports, emphasizing the risk of misinformation in wartime propaganda. Iranian authorities have promised updates if necessary, but for now, the official line remains: Qaani is alive and the rumors are baseless.