Mystery Surrounds Health and Status of IRGC Commander Esmail Ghaani Amid Reports of Investigation

 

Uncertainty looms over the condition and whereabouts of Esmail Ghaani, commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) al-Quds force, following reports of an investigation into Israel’s successful infiltration of Hezbollah’s command structure. Ghaani, who was reportedly in Beirut during the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, is believed to be under scrutiny for Israel’s recent intelligence triumphs, which have severely impacted Hezbollah.

While Iranian officials maintain that Ghaani is alive and might even be honored for his service, conflicting reports from the Qatari-backed Middle East Eye suggest he has been placed under house arrest. The outlet claims that Ghaani is being questioned over intelligence failures that allowed Israel to dismantle Hezbollah’s leadership. Other sources suggest he may have suffered a heart attack during questioning.

In recent months, Israel has eliminated several Hezbollah leaders, signaling a significant advancement in its intelligence operations. Israeli sources have described the success as a culmination of over a decade of intelligence gathering, leading to a “mind-blowing” operational achievement that has crippled Hezbollah's ability to respond coherently or appoint new leaders.

Despite the rumors, Ghaani’s deputy, Iraj Masjedi, refuted claims of his superior’s involvement, stating that Ghaani is “in good health and is carrying out his daily duties.”

Western diplomats speculate that Israel is weighing its next move in retaliation for a recent attack by Tehran. Potential responses include strikes on Iranian military targets or economic infrastructure, but the most contentious option remains an attack on Iran’s nuclear sites. The U.S. has cautioned against such a strike, advising Israel to consider less aggressive actions.

As tensions rise, Gulf states have been lobbying Washington to prevent an Israeli attack on Iran’s oil facilities, fearing retaliatory strikes on their own energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Sayeed Abbas Araghchi has secured assurances from Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, that they will not permit Israel to use their airspace for any military actions against Iran.

Araghchi warned that Israel’s desire for a large-scale conflict poses risks for the entire region, while Iranian officials have signaled that Gulf states facilitating an Israeli strike would be seen as committing "an act of war."