Israel Claims Major Blow: Top Iranian Commander Allegedly Killed
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have announced they killed a senior Iranian commander allegedly instrumental in planning and coordinating the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel by Hamas. The targeted individual, identified as Mohammad Saeed Izadi, a commander within the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was reportedly killed in a strike on the city of Qom, Iran, on Saturday.
The IDF described Izadi as a key figure and one of the “main orchestrators” of the devastating October 7 assault, which resulted in the deaths of some 1,200 people and the taking of many hostages into Gaza. IDF Chief Eyal Zamir stated that “the blood of thousands of Israelis is on his hands,” hailing the killing as a “tremendous intelligence and operational achievement.” He further characterized Izadi as a “founder of the Iranian regime’s plan to destroy Israel.”
Iran has not officially confirmed Izadi’s death and has previously denied involvement in the October 7 attack.
Alleged Deep Involvement with Hamas
According to Israeli military statements, Saeed Izadi held the significant position of commander of the Palestine Corps within the IRGC’s Quds Force, the branch responsible for managing Iran’s ties with Palestinian armed groups like Hamas. His alleged roles were extensive and deeply linked to Hamas operations:
Key Coordinator: Responsible for military coordination between senior IRGC commanders and Hamas leaders.
Funding & Arming: Reportedly instrumental in increasing financial funding and supplying arms to Hamas, specifically for “terrorist activities against Israel.”
October 7 Orchestrator: Identified as a major figure who helped orchestrate and had advance knowledge of the October 7 attack.
Directing Operations: During the current conflict, he was allegedly responsible for directing Hamas forces operating from Lebanon.
Rebuilding Hamas: Following October 7, the IDF claims Izadi was committed to rebuilding Hamas’s military wing and maintaining its control in Gaza.
Direct Contact: Maintained direct contact with Palestinian groups across Gaza, Judea, and Samaria.
Izadi reportedly survived an earlier Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus in April 2024 that killed several high-ranking Quds Force officers.
Broader Strikes Amidst Escalation
The reported killing of Izadi came amidst escalating tensions and mutual strikes between Israel and Iran, now entering their ninth day. On the same Saturday, Israel also claimed to have killed two other senior Quds Force commanders in separate actions:
Behnam Shahriyari: Identified as the head of Unit 190, allegedly responsible for transferring missiles and rockets to proxy groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, and also for transferring funds. An Israeli official drew a parallel, stating, “What Izadi was for Hamas, Shahriyari was for Hezbollah,” and described Unit 190’s goal as the “annihilation of Israel.”
Aminpour Judaki: Allegedly in charge of the IRGC’s drone unit and responsible for “hundreds of UAV attacks against Israel.”
If confirmed, the elimination of Izadi, Shahriyari, and Judaki represents a significant blow to the IRGC’s command structure, particularly concerning its proxy operations in the region.
Simultaneously, Iran reported that Israel targeted a nuclear facility near Isfahan, marking the second strike on the site since the conflict began. Israel confirmed targeting military infrastructure in south-west Iran (near Ahvaz) and reported an impact from Iranian drones in northern Israel.
Regional Tensions and Casualties
The escalating conflict has led to significant casualties on both sides. Iranian officials reported over 430 deaths, including military commanders and civilians, and 3,500 injuries since June 13, with a human rights group (HRANA) reporting a higher unofficial toll of 657. In Israel, officials reported 25 deaths.
Adding to regional volatility, the Tehran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen threatened to resume attacks on US-linked vessels in the Red Sea if the United States were to join Israel’s war against Iran. Meanwhile, police in Iran’s Qom province reported arresting 22 people allegedly linked to “Israeli spy services,” along with a European national accused of spying.
The latest developments underscore the dangerous trajectory of the conflict between Israel and Iran and its ripple effects across the Middle East.
