Mossad Involved? Iran’s Quds Chief Speaks After String of Explosions

In a rare public statement, Quds Force Commander Esmail Qaani addressed the recent wave of mysterious explosions across Iran, claiming they were not linked to sabotage or foreign involvement.

“These are not mysterious explosions,” Qaani said Tuesday. “They all occurred along gas pipelines due to natural wear and tear. I personally investigated them.”

His comments come as speculation intensifies within Iran and across Arabic media that Israel’s Mossad may be responsible for a string of fires and blasts that have rocked the Islamic Republic in recent weeks. Despite Qaani’s attempt to downplay the events, his remarks have only added fuel to the fire.

Denying the Obvious or Hiding Something Bigger?

In Iranian social networks and some Arab outlets, Qaani’s confident dismissal is being viewed with skepticism. Some analysts point to his name being whispered in recent weeks as a potential Trojan horse - an Iranian insider allegedly compromised by foreign intelligence.

The theory, dismissed officially but spreading quietly, suggests Qaani may be under suspicion himself. The idea that a man tasked with confronting Israel’s covert operations could secretly be entangled with them is viewed by some in Tehran’s power circles as far-fetched, but not entirely impossible.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told Al Jazeera on Monday that he is not optimistic about reaching a ceasefire with Israel any time soon, further hinting at the growing anxiety inside Iran’s leadership.

As the explosions continue and rumors swirl, Qaani’s attempt to restore calm may have had the opposite effect - amplifying questions rather than silencing them.