In a series of targeted strikes over the weekend, Israel has confirmed the deaths of two Iranian commanders within the Revolutionary Guard Corps. Behnam Shahriyari, who led the Quds Force’s Weapons Transfer Unit, was killed in a precise IDF airstrike while traveling in western Iran. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that Shahriyari was pivotal in coordinating arms transfers from Iran to various proxy groups across the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Saeed Izadi, identified as the architect of Iran’s strategy to undermine Israel, was assassinated when Israeli missiles struck an apartment in Qom province. Katz described Izadi’s role as significant, stating he was a key link between the Quds Force and Hamas, particularly in the lead-up to the terrorist group’s attack on October 7, 2023. His responsibilities included managing financial support for Hamas and overseeing operations from Lebanon.
Katz emphasized that Izadi’s activities were vital for maintaining Hamas’s control over Gaza and enhancing its military capabilities against Israel.
The IDF also reported the elimination of Shahriyari, highlighting that he was directly involved in supplying missiles and rockets to groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and Yemen’s Houthis.
“His elimination represents a severe blow to the ability of the terrorist organizations surrounding Israel to regroup and strengthen after being heavily damaged by the IDF during the war,” Katz stated.
While the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has not confirmed the deaths of either commander, these developments occur amid escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, which entered its ninth day with renewed attacks. Following these strikes, Iran reaffirmed its stance against negotiating over its nuclear program while under threat, as efforts persist in Europe to facilitate peace discussions.
Israel’s recent military actions have also included targeting the Isfahan nuclear facility and an attack on a building in Qom, which resulted in reported casualties including a 16-year-old.
The Quds Force has played a crucial role in fostering Iran’s relationships with various militant entities, establishing a network referred to as the Axis of Resistance, and has been instrumental in supporting groups like Hezbollah since its inception in 1982.