Iran's Quds Force Commander Qaani Reported Safe Amid Beirut Strikes

In a recent development, Iraj Masjedi, the deputy commander of Iran's Quds Force, has confirmed that the organization's top commander, Esmail Qaani, is in good health and continuing his duties. This statement comes in response to concerns raised after Qaani was reportedly out of contact following recent strikes in Beirut.

"He is in good health and is carrying out his activities. Some ask us to issue a statement... there is no need for this"

The Quds Force, a unit of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), specializes in unconventional warfare and military intelligence operations. Established after the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the force has been a significant player in Iran's foreign policy and regional influence.

Qaani assumed leadership of the Quds Force on January 3, 2020, following the assassination of his predecessor, Qassem Soleimani, in a U.S. drone strike at Baghdad International Airport. This event marked a significant escalation in tensions between the United States and Iran.

According to sources, Qaani was present in Beirut's southern suburbs, known as Dahiyeh, during a recent strike. This area is considered a stronghold of Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shia Islamist political party and militant group heavily supported by Iran. The strike reportedly targeted Hashem Safieddine, a senior Hezbollah official, although Qaani was not meeting with him at the time.

Israel has been conducting operations against multiple targets in Dahiyeh as part of its ongoing campaign against Hezbollah. This conflict has deep roots, with Israel and Hezbollah engaging in a major 34-day war in 2006.

The Quds Force, named after the Persian word for Jerusalem, plays a crucial role in Iran's regional strategy. It has been accused of supporting various militant groups across the Middle East, including in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. The force's influence extends beyond the region, with operatives believed to be active in various countries worldwide.

Qaani's leadership of the Quds Force comes at a time of heightened regional tensions. The organization's activities, including training and equipping militia groups, have been a source of concern for Israel and Western countries. The U.S. and several other nations have designated the Quds Force as a terrorist organization.

As the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, the health and activities of key figures like Qaani remain of significant interest to regional and global observers. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, coupled with Iran's support for the latter, continues to shape the complex geopolitical landscape of the region.