05.03.2026 14:22
While discussions about espionage continue to be relevant for Ismail Qaani, the commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's Quds Force, who narrowly escaped many attacks from the US-Israel, an Israeli-born human rights activist stated, "In Iran, they call him the head of the Quds Force. But in 1995, at Hillel in Los Angeles, I used to call him 'Reb Moshe.' He taught me Mishnah for three years."
The world opened its eyes to the attacks on Iran carried out in partnership with the US-Israel on the morning of February 28. It was announced that many high-ranking officials, including Iran's religious leader Khamenei, were killed in the attacks on Iran.
THE ONLY NAME TO SURVIVE THE ATTACK
Another noteworthy detail alongside these developments was that Ismail Qaani, the commander of the Quds Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, was the only name to emerge alive from the attack. Discussions about him being an 'agent' were reignited for this Qaani, who had miraculously survived attacks in previous years.
CONFUSING STATEMENTS
In light of these developments, Israeli human rights activist David Keyes made a striking statement regarding Ismail Qaani. Stating that his relationship with Qaani dates back to 1995, David Keyes said, "In Iran, they call him the head of the Quds Force. But in 1995 at Hillel in Los Angeles, I used to call him 'Reb Moshe'. How could the man who taught me Mishnah for three years become one of Iran's top terrorists? I have no idea, but I will keep asking until I get an answer."
MOSSAD HAD DENIED THE ALLEGATIONS
At one point, allegations of Qaani being an 'agent' had resurfaced. However, Mossad denied these allegations. In a statement from Mossad, it was said, "Ismail Qaani, the commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), is not our spy." It had denied months of speculation that the Iranian general had switched sides with the Israeli intelligence service.
HE WAS APPOINTED IN PLACE OF QASSEM SOLEIMANI
Qaani is known as the high-ranking commander responsible for foreign operations of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, appointed in place of the former Quds Force leader Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in 2020.