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Understanding Iran's Quds Force: A Player in the Israel-Iran Conflict

An exploration of Iran's military elite and its pivotal role in regional dynamics.

By Euan WardSource: nytimes.com1 min read
Understanding Iran's Quds Force: A Player in the Israel-Iran Conflict
Image via nytimes.com

In brief

The Quds Force is a key player in Iran's military strategy, particularly in its ongoing conflict with Israel.

The Quds Force, the covert yet powerful arm of Iran's military, has been at the forefront of Tehran's secret operations in the Middle East. Known for its support of various militias opposing Israel, it plays a vital role in Iran's influence across the region. Recently, the Israeli military announced an attack on the Quds Force's command center in Tehran, which could represent a crucial development in the Israel-Iran tensions.What exactly is the Quds Force? This elite unit is part of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and is responsible for Iran's foreign operations, focusing on backing proxy groups throughout the Middle East. Reporting directly to Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Quds Force has been instrumental in bolstering what Iran refers to as the "axis of resistance," a coalition against Israel and the US.Historically, the Quds Force has trained and equipped militia groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and various Shiite factions throughout Iraq and Yemen. These alliances have enabled Iran to expand its political influence, notably providing support to Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria and solidifying a defensive line against Israel on its northern borders. Understanding the Quds Force is essential to grasp the complexities of the ongoing regional conflicts, especially as tensions continue to escalate.

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