Iran's Quds Force chief out of contact since Beirut strikes, Iranian officials say • FRANCE 24

Summary

Two senior Iranian security officials report that Ismael K, head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Quds Force, has not been heard from since recent strikes in Beirut. Ismael K traveled there after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah's death last month. If his death is confirmed, it could affect Iran's response to rising tensions with Israel. These tensions escalated after Iran launched ballistic missiles in retaliation for the deaths of Hamas, Hezbollah leaders, and an Iranian general. Israel vowed to respond, while Iran's foreign minister warned of stronger retaliation. Flights in Iran were briefly suspended due to operational concerns.

Takeaways

• ⚠️ Ismael K, head of Iran's Quds Force, has been missing since strikes on Beirut last week.
• 📍 Ismael K traveled to Beirut following the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah last month.
• 🗣️ In a speech two years ago, Ismael K pledged continued support for all struggles against Israel.
• 💥 If Ismael K’s death is confirmed, it may significantly influence Iran's response to tensions with Israel.
• 🚀 Last Tuesday, Iran launched over 180 ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israeli strikes on Hamas, Hezbollah leaders, and an Iranian general.
• 🗨️ Iran's foreign minister reaffirmed on Saturday that Tehran will retaliate against any Israeli attacks on Iran.
• 🔄 Iran promised proportional and stronger responses to any Israeli actions.
• 🇮🇱 Israel stated that it will respond to Iran’s recent missile attack at a time and place of its choosing.
• ✈️ Iran’s Aviation authority briefly suspended flights at some airports on Sunday due to operational restrictions.
• 📈 Tensions between Iran and Israel continue to escalate with no immediate resolution in sight.

Q & A

Who is Ismael K mentioned in the script?

Ismael K is the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Quds Force, who has reportedly not been heard from since strikes on Beirut.

What event led Ismael K to go to Beirut?

Ismael K went to Beirut after the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah last month.

What is the significance of Ismael K’s disappearance?

If Ismael K's death is confirmed, it could influence Iran's response to ongoing tensions with Israel.

How did tensions between Iran and Israel escalate last Tuesday?

Tensions escalated when Iran launched more than 180 ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for recent killings of senior Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, as well as a general in Iran's Revolutionary Guards.

What has Iran’s foreign minister said about Israeli attacks?

Iran's foreign minister, during a visit to Damascus, stated that Iran would retaliate for any Israeli attack, promising proportional and even stronger responses.

How has Israel responded to Iran’s missile strikes?

Israel has stated that it will respond to Tuesday's attack at a time and place of its choosing, emphasizing that its Air Force capabilities remain intact.

What does Israel claim regarding the damage from Iranian strikes?

Israel claims that no squadrons, jets, or runways have been hit, and its operations have not been disrupted.

What is the current state of Israeli-Iranian relations as described in the script?

Tensions are high, with both countries exchanging threats and actions. Iran launched ballistic missiles in retaliation, while Israel is preparing its response.

What is the significance of Iran’s Aviation Authority suspending flights?

The suspension of flights at some Iranian airports, later lifted, suggests that Iran may have been taking precautionary measures due to security concerns related to the conflict.

How might Ismael K’s potential death affect Iran’s strategy in the region?

If confirmed, Ismael K’s death could influence Iran’s strategy, especially its retaliatory actions and overall approach to the conflict with Israel.