The New York Times has made a controversial claim, alleging that Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani, the commander of Iran's Quds Force, was killed in a recent Israeli strike. This report, which has sent shockwaves across the region, has yet to be officially addressed by Iranian authorities, leaving the international community in a state of suspense.
Asianews Iran, Political Desk – In a startling report that has ignited a firestorm of speculation, The New York Times, citing anonymous intelligence sources, has asserted that Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani, the formidable commander of Iran's elite Quds Force, was eliminated in a recent Israeli military operation. As of this writing, Iranian officials have remained silent, neither confirming nor denying the explosive claim. This official reticence has only deepened the mystery and heightened regional anxieties.
Who is Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani?
Often described as a master strategist and the "thinking brain" of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Brigadier General Ghaani is a figure of immense strategic importance. His academic credentials, which include a Ph.D. in nuclear studies and a fighter pilot certification from Russia, distinguish him as a uniquely skilled military leader.
An Illustrious Military Career
Born on August 8, 1957, in the city of Mashhad, Esmail Ghaani is the third commander of the Quds Force, having succeeded the charismatic and highly influential Lieutenant General Qasem Soleimani. His journey within the IRGC is a testament to his dedication and tactical acumen:
- 1979: Joined the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
- Early 1980s: Played an active role in suppressing the unrest in Kurdistan.
- 1983-1987: Commanded the 21st Imam Reza Brigade.
- 1987-1988: Led the 5th Nasr Division until the end of the Iran-Iraq War.
- Post-War: Appointed as the Deputy Commander of the IRGC Ground Forces' 8th Operational Unit.
- 2006-2007: Served as the Deputy for Intelligence at the IRGC Joint Staff.
- Until 2020: Acted as the Deputy Commander of the Quds Force.
- Post-2020: Appointed as the Commander of the Quds Force following the assassination of Qasem Soleimani.
A Deeper Look into His Activities
The earliest documented evidence of Ghaani's involvement with the Quds Force dates back to December 1982. Then-IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaei tasked the Isfahan IRGC commander, Morteza Ghorbani, with identifying capable individuals to form a new unit in Khorasan province. Ghorbani recommended three men who would become the nucleus of this new force: Nour-Ali Shoushtari (a key IRGC commander assassinated in 2009), Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf (former Mayor of Tehran), and Esmail Ghaani.
Toward the end of the war with Iraq, Rezaei appointed Ghaani to lead the 5th Nasr Division, replacing Ghalibaf. Shortly after the war, on August 17, 1988, Rezaei appointed him as the deputy commander of the IRGC Ground Forces' 8th Operational Unit, based in Mashhad. International sources also suggest Ghaani's involvement in combating drug cartels attempting to infiltrate from Afghanistan and in supporting the Northern Alliance against the Taliban in the late 1990s. He has a son, Ali Ghaani, who is reportedly an electrical engineering student at the Islamic Azad University of Mashhad.
Asianews Iran Analysis: Deconstructing the Narrative
The Source of the Claim: The New York Times report is based entirely on anonymous intelligence sources. The lack of on-the-record confirmation and the absence of any corroboration from Iranian or independent media outlets demand a cautious approach.
- Ghaani's Strategic Profile: As the successor to the highly revered Qasem Soleimani, Ghaani holds a pivotal role in orchestrating the "Axis of Resistance"—a network of allied militias and political groups across the Middle East. His name is on the sanctions lists of the United States and its allies, underscoring his significance in Iran's regional strategy.
- Potential Scenarios: If the report is accurate, it would signify a bold and targeted strike against a high-value Iranian military figure. This would represent a major escalation and could have profound implications for the regional balance of power. Alternatively, this could be a sophisticated disinformation campaign designed to sow confusion and discord.
- Anticipated Reactions: A confirmed assassination would almost certainly provoke a severe and multifaceted response from Iran. The potential for a dramatic escalation of hostilities across the region—from Lebanon and Syria to Iraq and Yemen—cannot be overstated.
The coming days will be critical in determining the veracity of this report and its ultimate consequences for an already volatile Middle East. The world watches and waits for a definitive word from Tehran.