Tehran: Iranian Brigadier General Esmail Qaani, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) Quds Force, made a public appearance in Tehran, dispelling rumors of his assassination. Qaani was reportedly seen during celebrations marking Iran's self-proclaimed victory over Israel, as reported by local media.

According to Anadolu Agency, a video released by Iran's Tasnim News Agency captured Qaani amidst the crowd at the event. The agency stated on X: 'Commander Qaani attends today's gathering of the people of Tehran following Operation Divine Victory.' The footage was also shared by state-funded Press TV, which highlighted Qaani's warm reception by the jubilant crowd in Tehran, celebrating what they termed as a victory over the Zionist regime.

Earlier this month, the New York Times had reported that Qaani was among the Iranian military leaders killed in Israeli airstrikes. These strikes, initiated on June 13, targeted various sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities. Israel justified its actions by alleging that Iran was on the brink of developing a nuclear bomb, a claim Iran strongly denied.

In response, Iran launched missile and drone strikes, and the conflict escalated further when the US bombed three Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday. After nearly two weeks of heightened tensions and aerial combat, US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, aiming to halt the hostilities between the two nations.