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Iranian commander’s death sparks speculation

High-ranking Quds Force deputy commander Brig. Gen. Mohammad Hejazi has died.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (C) attends with Revolutionary Guards commander Yahya Rahim Safavi (R) and Basij senior official Mohammad Hejazi (L) a parade held by the Islamic volunteer Basij militia at the mausoleum of the late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini, just outside Tehran, Nov. 26, 2006.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (C) attends with Revolutionary Guards commander Yahya Rahim Safavi (R) and Basij senior official Mohammad Hejazi (L) a parade held by the Islamic volunteer Basij militia at the mausoleum of the late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini, just outside Tehran, Nov. 26, 2006. — ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images

Iranian media announced the death of the Quds Force deputy over the weekend. However, the words used to describe his death have left doubts among citizens and led to speculation about the true cause of his death.

Mohammad Hejazi, 62, reportedly died of a heart attack according to Iranian media. Immediately after the announcement, some media outlets began referring to him as a “martyr,” which is a reference only used for individuals who are killed while engaged in official duty. On state television, another theory was put forward. The presenter suggested that Hejazi had no previous illnesses and had died within 24 hours after contracting a virus. He added that the virus was not the coronavirus, which continues to spread wildly across the country.

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