The official IRNA news agency reported that Qaani made his first public appearance on Tuesday during "victory" celebrations in central Tehran, following the ceasefire between Israel and Iran.
Qaani was seen in the photos walking around the celebration square accompanied by his bodyguards, chatting with citizens. IRNA accompanied the photos with the caption: "Qaani's first appearance 12 days after the Israeli aggression."
On June 13, the New York Times, citing "unnamed Iranian sources," claimed that Qaani was killed in Israeli attacks targeting sites inside Iran.
The Iranian capital, Tehran, witnessed "victory celebrations" on Tuesday, with large crowds of citizens participating, following the announcement of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel after nearly two weeks of mutual attacks.
On June 13, Israel, with US support, launched a 12-day attack on Iran, targeting military and nuclear sites, civilian facilities, and the assassination of military leaders and nuclear scientists. The attack resulted in 606 deaths and 5,332 injuries, according to the Iranian Ministry of Health.
Iran responded by targeting Israeli military and intelligence headquarters with ballistic missiles and drones, a large number of which penetrated defense systems, causing unprecedented destruction and panic, as well as 28 deaths and 3,238 injuries, according to the Ministry of Health and Hebrew media.
As Iran responded to Israel's missile attacks, inflicting heavy losses, the United States attacked nuclear facilities in Iran, claiming the "end" of its nuclear program. Tehran responded by bombing the U.S. Al-Udeid military base in Qatar. Washington then declared a ceasefire between Tel Aviv and Tehran on June 24.
