Iran’s Quds Force commander, Esmail Qaani says “more surprises” are imminent as he resurfaced with the first message attributed to him since the start of the war.
Qaani had been reported dead by some media outlets. One account suggested he was detained or killed in an airstrike, while another claimed he was executed for being a “spy” for Israel.
In a statement on Friday addressed to leaders of the “axis of resistance,” the 68-year-old general noted it had become clear that they “possess valuable capabilities.”
Qaani said the allies entered the war against America and Israel of their own will, in defense of Iran, and have “carried out effective operations so far, with more surprises to come.”
He commended the “unity of the arenas” for not bowing to aggression against Iran, noting that “the ideology of the Islamic Revolution will continue under Mojtaba Khamenei.”
The Force leader believes “the front of truth will grow stronger” every day and will not stop fighting “the enemies of Islam and humanity with greater force than before.”
There has been no image or video of Qaani in recent weeks, but equally no mention of his name in the Iranian or Israeli official reports on targeted killings of senior figures.
Qaani has a history of disappearing during conflicts and reemerging later. Many thought he was killed during the 12-day war in June 2025 until he showed up in Tehran.
He was also reported dead in October 2024 when Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed. Qaani has led the Quds Force since 2020, succeeding Qassem Soleimani, who died in a U.S. strike in Iraq.
On Friday, Mojtaba Khamenei denied Iran’s involvement in aerial attacks that took place in Türkiye and Oman, saying both nations have good relations with Tehran.
The Supreme Leader called the claim “a deception by the Zionist enemy,” accusing Israel of using a false-flag tactic to create division between the Islamic Republic and its neighbors.
Khamenei, however, appealed to Afghanistan and Pakistan to halt hostilities, urging the “brotherly countries” to establish better relations “for the sake of God and to prevent division among Muslims.”
Iran commander Qaani vows ‘more suprises’ after reported death
