A rare image from the Ashura mourning ceremonies in Tehran overnight shows IRGC Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani standing pressed against a wall, his face somber, beside the empty chair of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, according to reports by Abu Ali Express. Also visible in the photo is Mohammad-Baqer Zolqadr, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, marking his first public appearance after months of absence. The unusual positioning and the prominent empty chair have prompted discussion among observers.
A rare nighttime photograph from the Ashura mourning ceremonies in Tehran, circulated by the Abu Ali Express outlet, shows IRGC Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani standing pressed against a wall with a somber expression, beside the empty chair of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Also in the frame, marked in red in the original circulation, is Mohammad-Baqer Zolqadr — secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council and replacement for Ali Larijani — appearing publicly for the first time after months of absence.
The image's symbolism — a senior military commander physically marginalized in the frame, next to the leader's conspicuously empty seat — has drawn immediate commentary. Qaani has faced months of speculation over his status, including reports that he may step down from his command, as The Zioneer previously reported. Zolqadr's return to public visibility after a prolonged absence also adds to the political resonance of the photograph.
As The Zioneer has noted in prior coverage, Qaani's position has been the subject of persistent regional rumors, with some reports claiming he is expected to step down. The image does not confirm any change in command but captures the current atmosphere inside Iran's leadership circles. As of now, no official Iranian comment on the photograph or its framing has been published.
3 developments
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- DevelopingMojtaba Khamenei's empty chair at Ashura eve ceremony noted in Iran
- DevelopingIRGC Quds Force chief Qaani praises Iranian negotiating team, calls Trump 'desperate'
- DevelopingYair Goldblatt: Ismail Qaani expected to step down as IRGC Quds Force commander
Source and signal
- Internal intake