Understanding the Role of Iran’s Quds Force in Regional Conflicts

The Quds Force, a key unit of Iran's military, orchestrates covert operations across the Middle East, backing militant groups like Hezbollah and Hamas in opposition to Israel. Recent claims of an Israeli attack on Quds Force facilities spotlight this organization's significant role in regional tensions.

The Quds Force is one of Iran’s most significant and discreet military units, serving as a cornerstone in Tehran's covert operations throughout the Middle East. This elite division of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) is responsible for overseeing foreign operations and is directly under the command of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Its primary mission revolves around supporting various militias and political movements within the "axis of resistance," which strives against Israel and the United States.

On June 16, 2025, the Israeli military announced it had struck a command center belonging to the Quds Force in Tehran. While this claim remains unverified, it represents a noteworthy step in the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, potentially dealing a serious blow to Iran's military strategy.

The Quds Force has been instrumental in arming, training, and financially supporting multiple militant groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, Shiite militias in Iraq, and Houthis in Yemen. Before recent Israeli military actions significantly reduced its influence, this extensive network allowed Iran to exert considerable sway over the Middle East’s geopolitical framework, bolstering allies like the Assad regime in Syria and forming a defensive line against Israel through Hezbollah.

As the conflict in the region continues to evolve, understanding the Quds Force's operations and its crucial role in Iran’s military strategy is vital to grasping the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics.