Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani praised Tehran's "resistance front" regional allies for fighting the US and Israel in the current conflict, Iranian media reported on Friday.
Qaani made the remarks in his first statement since Israel's killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28 at the start of the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran.
The message was not accompanied by a video or a recorded message that further confirmed Qaani is alive, after Israel struck the headquarters of the Quds Force in Tehran.
“The resistance front entered the war against America and Israel independently and on its own initiative, in defense of Iran, and has carried out effective operations so far, with more surprises to come,” said his message.
A report by The Telegraph mentioned that his disappearance might be related to a possible arrest, following suspicions of links with Israel.
Israel's strike on Quds Force HQ
The role of the Quds Force has been to destabilize the entire region and foment pro-Shiite and anti-Sunni movements in several countries.
Another major role until the 2023-2025 Middle East War was to build a "ring of fire" around Israel, including through Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Gaza, the West Bank, and other places.
The IRGC Quds Force took a major blow in 2020 when its legendary chief, Qasem Soleimani, considered number two in power in Iran at the time to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was assassinated by the US.
Qaani, who appears to be one of the highest Iranian military officials still alive, has still been a major force, directing terror against Israel on several fronts, even if seen as less visionary and having less influence.
Yonah Jeremy Bob contributed to this report.