Unveiling Iran's Quds Force: Power, Purpose, And Global Reach

Curt Torp 22 Jun 2025

The Quds Force, an elite clandestine wing of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), stands as one of the most powerful and shadowy arms of Iran’s military. Responsible primarily for its foreign operations, this specialized unit has long played a central role in Tehran’s covert activities across the Middle East and beyond, shaping geopolitical landscapes and projecting Iranian influence far from its borders. Its unique position within the Iranian military establishment, coupled with its direct ties to the Supreme Leader, underscores its critical importance to Iranian strategy and national security.

Understanding the Quds Force is crucial for anyone seeking to grasp the complexities of Middle Eastern politics and Iran's strategic ambitions. From its foundational mission of exporting Iran's ideological and strategic interests to its direct involvement in major regional conflicts, this force operates with a blend of conventional and unconventional warfare tactics. This article delves into the origins, operations, leadership, and global implications of Iran's Quds Force, offering a comprehensive look at its past, present, and potential future trajectory.

The Genesis and Structure of the Quds Force
Qassem Soleimani: Architect of Influence
- The Fight Against ISIS: A Defining Chapter
The Quds Force's Role in Regional Conflicts
Exporting Revolution: Ideology and Strategy
- Arming and Training Regional Militias
The "Axis of Resistance" and Interoperability
Targets and Sanctions: International Scrutiny
Esmail Qaani: Navigating a New Era for the Quds Force
- Succession and Shifting Dynamics
The Future Trajectory of Iran's Quds Force

The Genesis and Structure of the Quds Force

The Quds Force, an elite unit within Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), is not merely a component of Iran's military; it is a distinct and highly specialized arm. Formed in the aftermath of the Iran-Iraq War, its primary mandate evolved to focus on extraterritorial operations, effectively becoming the vanguard of Iran's foreign policy and ideological outreach. Within Iran's armed forces, the Quds Force is one of eight branches of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), distinguishing itself through its unique mission set and direct line of command to the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This direct link grants it significant autonomy and resources, cementing its special place in the Iranian military establishment due to its centrality to Iranian strategy.

Understanding the IRGC's Elite Arm

Unlike conventional military units, the Quds Force operates largely in the shadows, executing covert operations across the Middle East and beyond. Its structure is designed for agility and deniability, allowing Tehran to project power and influence without direct conventional military engagement. This elite clandestine wing of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is responsible primarily for its foreign operations, encompassing intelligence gathering, training of allied militias, and direct intervention in conflicts deemed vital to Iran's national interests. The Quds Force has provided the mission of exporting Iran's ideological and strategic interests outside of its borders, making it a critical instrument in Tehran's regional strategy.

Qassem Soleimani: Architect of Influence

For decades, the face of Iran's Quds Force was inextricably linked with General Qassem Soleimani. As its powerful chief, Soleimani transformed the Quds Force into a formidable regional player, meticulously cultivating a network of allied and proxy groups. His strategic acumen and direct involvement in numerous regional conflicts earned him a near-mythical status within Iran and among its allies, while making him a primary target for adversaries. Soleimani was not merely a commander; he was a master strategist and an operational leader who frequently appeared on battlefields, directly overseeing operations. His presence symbolized the Quds Force's commitment and direct involvement in shaping regional outcomes.

The Fight Against ISIS: A Defining Chapter

One of the most prominent chapters in Soleimani's tenure, and indeed for Iran's Quds Force, was its crucial role in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). In 2014, as ISIS rapidly expanded its territorial control in Iraq and threatened Baghdad, the Quds Force was deployed into Iraq to lead Iranian action against ISIS. This was a critical moment; Iran sent three Quds Force battalions to help the Iraqi government repel ISIS's 2014 northern Iraq offensive. General Qassem Soleimani himself was heavily involved with both the planning as well as the execution of the operation to expel ISIS from Tikrit, a significant strategic victory.

Iranian officials expanded the Quds Force’s presence in both Iraq and Syria in response to the rise of the Islamic State group, demonstrating the force's adaptability and willingness to engage directly in large-scale conflicts. They warned that if the Sunni Muslim militant organization were to prevail, it would pose an existential threat to regional stability and Iranian interests. This period highlighted the Quds Force's operational capabilities and its capacity to act as a rapid reaction force to protect Iran's strategic depth. Soleimani's assassination in January 2020 marked a significant turning point, with supporters holding up flags and pictures to mark the fourth anniversary of his assassination in January 2024, underscoring his enduring legacy.

The Quds Force's Role in Regional Conflicts

The Quds Force's influence extends across the Middle East, deeply embedded in the region's most volatile conflicts. For years, it has been used to arm and train militias across the region to confront Israel, and to help Tehran expand its influence. This strategy involves supporting a diverse array of non-state actors, from Hezbollah in Lebanon to various Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria, and Palestinian factions. The Quds Force is one of the most powerful and shadowy arms of Iran’s military and has long played a central role in Tehran’s covert operations across the Middle East, making it a key player in the regional power balance.

Its involvement is not limited to proxy warfare; the Quds Force often provides strategic guidance, intelligence, and advanced weaponry. This multifaceted approach allows Iran to exert significant pressure on its adversaries without direct military confrontation, effectively creating a sphere of influence that challenges the traditional regional order. The Quds Force's activities are a testament to the "history of the creation of terrorist groups by the Iranian regime inside and outside the country," as alleged by some critics, highlighting the contentious nature of its operations and the international concerns they raise. The Quds Force's strategic importance means it is likely to take a central role in any future regional escalations or conflicts involving Iran's interests.

Exporting Revolution: Ideology and Strategy

At its core, the mission of Iran's Quds Force is deeply intertwined with the ideological tenets of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The Quds Force has provided the mission of exporting Iran's ideological and strategic interests outside of its borders, a principle enshrined in the Iranian constitution. This isn't merely about territorial expansion but about fostering a network of like-minded entities that share Iran's anti-imperialist and anti-Zionist stance. This strategic vision aims to create a regional environment more conducive to Iran's security and political objectives, often by challenging the influence of the United States and its allies.

Arming and Training Regional Militias

A primary method for achieving its objectives is the Quds Force's extensive program of arming and training militias across the region. This includes providing financial support, military training, and advanced weaponry to groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, various Popular Mobilization Units (PMUs) in Iraq, and Houthi rebels in Yemen. This strategy allows Iran to project power without deploying large conventional forces, creating a layered defense and offense capability. For years, it has been used to arm and train militias across the region to confront Israel, and to help Tehran expand its influence, establishing a robust network of non-state actors that serve Iran's strategic interests. The emphasis on interoperability among these groups has transformed them into a more cohesive "axis of resistance."

The "Axis of Resistance" and Interoperability

The Quds Force is the operational backbone of what Iran terms the "Axis of Resistance" – a loose but increasingly integrated coalition of state and non-state actors aligned against common adversaries, primarily the United States and Israel. This axis includes Syria, Hezbollah, various Iraqi Shiite militias, and Palestinian factions. The Quds Force has emphasized promoting interoperability among these groups in recent years, trying to transform the axis of resistance into a cohesive coalition. This involves standardizing training, sharing intelligence, and coordinating military operations, making the network more effective and resilient.

The Quds Force's long-standing enjoyment of a special place in the Iranian military establishment is largely due to its centrality to this strategy and its closeness to the Supreme Leader. This strategic depth allows Iran to respond to threats and pursue its interests through a diverse set of actors, complicating the calculations of its rivals. Here is a look at some of those complex influences within the Quds Force, highlighting its role not just as a military unit but as a political and ideological instrument. The recent targeting of senior Iranian officials, including Saeed Izadi, commander of the Palestinian division within the IRGC’s elite Quds Force, by Israeli airstrikes, as announced by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), underscores the ongoing, active nature of this axis and the direct threats it poses to regional stability.

Targets and Sanctions: International Scrutiny

Given its extensive foreign operations and support for various armed groups, Iran's Quds Force has become a prime target for international sanctions and military action. It has been among the key targets of Israel's recent airstrikes, which frequently aim to degrade its capabilities and disrupt its supply lines to proxies in Syria and Lebanon. The international community, particularly the United States and its allies, views the Quds Force as a destabilizing force in the Middle East, accusing it of sponsoring terrorism and undermining regional security.

Sanctions are a significant tool used to curb the Quds Force's activities. United Nations and European Union sanctions targeting Iran's military and missile programs remained in place until 2020 and 2023, respectively, and some unilateral sanctions continue. These sanctions target firms and individuals involved in these programs, including entities connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), of which the Quds Force is an integral part. The economic pressure aims to limit Iran's ability to fund and equip its extraterritorial operations, though the Quds Force has proven adept at circumventing such restrictions through illicit networks and creative financing. The ongoing nature of these sanctions reflects the persistent international concern over the Quds Force's role and its impact on global security.

Esmail Qaani: Navigating a New Era for the Quds Force

Following the assassination of Qassem Soleimani in January 2020, Brigadier General Esmail Qaani stepped into the formidable role of commander of the IRGC Quds Force. Esmail Qaani (also rendered as Ismail Qaani, اسماعیل قاآنی; born 8 August 1957) is an Iranian brigadier general in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) who serves as the commander of the IRGC Quds Force, an elite special operations force responsible for extraterritorial operations. As the powerful chief of the Quds Force, the unconventional warfare wing of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, Qaani is charged with overseeing Tehran’s network of allied and proxy forces. His appointment signaled continuity in the Quds Force's mission, despite the profound loss of his charismatic predecessor.

Succession and Shifting Dynamics

Qaani, while lacking Soleimani's public profile and direct battlefield experience, brings a deep understanding of the Quds Force's clandestine operations, having served as Soleimani's deputy for many years. His leadership has been characterized by a more discreet approach, though the core mission of projecting Iranian power and supporting regional allies remains unchanged. There have been conflicting reports regarding his status; for instance, while some reports, citing an Iranian source, initially claimed Esmail Qaani, commander of the Quds Force in the Islamic Revolutionary Guards, was killed during an Israeli strike in Iran, The New York Times reported on a Friday evening, other, more recent information indicates that Esmail Qaani, the leader of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s elite Quds Force, is alive and unhurt but under guard and being questioned as Iran investigates major security breaches, multiple sources confirmed. This highlights the opaque nature of the Quds Force's operations and the difficulty in obtaining definitive information.

Despite these challenges, Qaani has continued to oversee the Quds Force's activities, including the arrival of Iranian Quds Force commander General Esmail Qaani (R) for the inauguration of new Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the parliament in Tehran, on July 30, 2024, signaling his continued public role. Such changes in leadership raise fundamental questions about the composition of the Quds Force and how its operational methods might evolve under new command, particularly in an increasingly volatile regional landscape.

The Future Trajectory of Iran's Quds Force

The future of Iran's Quds Force is intrinsically linked to the broader geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East and Iran's evolving strategic calculus. As tensions remain high across the region, particularly with Israel and the United States, the Quds Force is likely to take a central role in any future escalations or defensive measures. Its proven ability to operate covertly, train proxy forces, and engage in asymmetric warfare ensures its continued relevance as a primary tool for Iranian foreign policy.

The Quds Force will likely continue to emphasize promoting interoperability among its allied groups, solidifying the "Axis of Resistance" into an even more cohesive coalition. This strategy allows Iran to maintain a significant deterrent capability and project influence without direct, large-scale military interventions. However, the increasing frequency and precision of counter-operations, particularly from Israel, targeting its commanders and assets, suggest that the Quds Force faces growing pressure and risks. The ongoing international sanctions also continue to pose challenges to its funding and logistical networks. The complex influences within the Quds Force, from its ideological foundations to its operational pragmatism, will continue to shape its actions and its impact on regional stability for years to come.

Conclusion

Iran's Quds Force is far more than just a military unit; it is a sophisticated instrument of state power, tasked with extending Tehran's ideological and strategic reach across the globe. From its pivotal role in combating ISIS under the command of General Qassem Soleimani to its ongoing efforts to consolidate the "Axis of Resistance" under Esmail Qaani, the Quds Force remains a critical, albeit shadowy, player in the Middle East. Its unique structure, direct access to the Supreme Leader, and emphasis on unconventional warfare make it a formidable force that continues to shape regional conflicts and challenge established power dynamics.

The international community's scrutiny, manifested through sanctions and targeted operations, underscores the perceived threat posed by the Quds Force's activities. Yet, its resilience and adaptability suggest that it will remain central to Iran's foreign policy for the foreseeable future. Understanding the nuances of Iran's Quds Force is essential for comprehending the complex tapestry of Middle Eastern geopolitics. We encourage you to share your thoughts on this critical topic in the comments below, and explore our other articles for more in-depth analyses of global security issues.

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