Iran Israel Airstrikes: What is Quds Force and why is Israel targeting its commanders? Here's how Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is involved

Time of India

4 hours ago

Two Quds Force Officials Targeted
Role of Quds Force
IRGC Structure
Live Events
Iran's Ties with Armed Groups
Previous Major Strike Against Quds Force
FAQs
Two commanders from Iran's Quds Force were reportedly killed in Israeli airstrikes. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the operation, linking the officials to arms transfers and operations in the Middle East. The strike is part of ongoing regional tensions that have intensified since 2023.Israel said it carried out overnight airstrikes that killed Behnam Shahriyari and Saeed Izadi. Shahriyari was identified as being responsible for weapons transfers from Iran to groups supported by Iran. Saeed Izadi , who was killed earlier, was said to lead the Palestine branch of the Quds Force. He is sanctioned by the United States.The Quds Force is a part of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ( IRGC ). It is responsible for conducting operations outside Iran. It works with armed groups in the region, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. The Quds Force helps these groups through coordination, funding and logistical support.The IRGC was formed after Iran's 1979 revolution. It reports directly to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Quds Force is a division within the IRGC and handles regional influence efforts through indirect military support.Since the attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, Israeli officials have linked Iran to the group Hamas. Both the US and Israel blame Iran because of its long-term support for Hamas and similar groups.In January 2020, the United States killed Qasem Soleimani in a targeted strike in Baghdad. Soleimani had led the Quds Force since 1998. This action increased regional tensions and marked a turning point in US-Iran relations.The United States labeled the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organization in 2019. This includes the Quds Force. The designation limits IRGC's international activities and allows for sanctions against its members.The Quds Force operates outside Iran. It supports and works with groups like Hezbollah and Hamas through military, financial and logistical assistance.Israel claims the commanders helped transfer weapons to groups hostile to Israel. These actions are seen as part of Iran's regional influence.