Iranian commander taken into ‘custody’ over possible connection to Hassan Nasrallah’s death

Israeli Channel 12 has revealed that Lebanese authorities have confirmed that Esmail Qaani, commander of the Iranian Quds Force and successor to General Qasem Soleimani, was injured in attacks on Beirut.

Some sources claim he has been detained on suspicion of involvement in the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Since the death of Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah, there has been uncertainty regarding the condition of the Iranian Quds Force commander. Al Arabiya’s report suggests that Qaani may have gone into hiding following Israeli strikes aimed at assassinating Iranian leaders.

Where is Esmail Qaani?

Mystery surrounds the whereabouts of Qaani amid conflicting reports. He was last seen in Tehran at the office of Hezbollah representative Abdullah Safieddine, two days after Nasrallah’s death in an attack. Al Arabiya sources confirm that after the October 7 attacks, Qaani moved multiple times between Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, meeting with Nasrallah and Fuad Shukr, both of whom were assassinated by Israel in late July.

Qaani was supposed to attend a meeting at Hezbollah’s headquarters in Beirut’s southern suburb but later excused himself. This meeting was targeted by Israeli airstrikes, which Qaani narrowly avoided.

The situation has raised suspicions regarding Qaani’s disappearance, with some sources linking it to interrogation over Nasrallah’s assassination. Reports from Al Arabiya and Al Hadath suggest Qaani may be under surveillance and in isolation.