Understanding Iran's Quds Force: The Shadowy Power Behind Tehran's Military Operations

The Quds Force, an elite unit of Iran's military, conducts covert operations throughout the Middle East, training and supplying militant groups to further Tehran's influence, particularly against Israel.

The Quds Force, an integral part of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), has been engaged in covert military operations across the Middle East for years. Tasked with overseeing Iran's foreign military initiatives and supporting proxy groups that oppose American and Israeli interests, this elite unit has cultivated alliances with various militias and political factions in the region.

With its name derived from the Arabic word for Jerusalem, the Quds Force works under the direct authority of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader. This unit has been instrumental in nurturing what is known as the “axis of resistance,” a coalition comprising militant groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon, Shiite militias in Iraq, Hamas in Gaza, and the Houthis in Yemen. Through training and funding these groups, the Quds Force has endeavored to enhance Tehran's regional influence and counter threats posed by its adversaries, particularly Israel.

Recent developments underscore the intense rivalry between Israel and Iran, with the Israeli military claiming to have targeted the Quds Force’s command center in Tehran. Although this assertion awaits verification, such actions signify a broader strategy aimed at diminishing the operational capabilities of this critical Iranian military facet. The Quds Force’s role in supporting the Assad regime in Syria and fortifying Hezbollah as a deterrent against Israel’s northern border illustrates its strategic significance within Iran's military aspirations.

By consolidating power through proxies, the Quds Force has profoundly impacted the geopolitical landscape of the Arab world. The effectiveness of its operations, however, has been challenged lately due to Israeli military interventions that have curtailed some of its regional networks. Nonetheless, the Quds Force remains a pivotal player for Iran, resonating with the country’s long-term objectives in the context of its confrontation with Israel.