Table of Contents
The Quds Force’s past
Force Commander The Quds Force was created as an extraterritorial operations force during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s. It focuses on unconventional warfare, including clandestine operations, intelligence collection, and providing logistical assistance to allied parties. It works independently of Iran’s regular military. As “Jerusalem” in Arabic, the term “Quds” denotes the force’s ideological commitment to Palestine’s liberation and resistance to Israel’s presence in the area. Since thenForce Commander, has developed into a vital instrument of Iran’s foreign policy, expanding its influence throughout the Middle East through asymmetric warfare.
Commander’s Function and Impact
The Quds Force commander is incredibly powerful, not only in Iran but also in the wider regional and global arena. The wide-ranging nature of the Quds Force’s operations has led to this role being frequently referred to as one of the most influential military positions in the Middle East. In addition to supervising diplomatic and military operations, Force Commander concentrates on forming partnerships with governments and armed organisations that support Iran’s objectives. These organisations frequently serve as Iran’s proxies in wars, allowing Iran to project influence and strength while keeping a strategic distance from the action.
Among the most prominent commanders was Qassem Soleimani, who served in that capacity from 1998 until his murder by a U.S. drone attack in January 2020.
Commander in Chief: Esmail Qaani
Brigadier General Esmail Qaani took over as the new commander of the Quds Force after Soleimani’s passing. As Soleimani’s longstanding deputy, Qaani has spent decades serving in the Quds Force and is well-versed in its workings. He took part in several operations, most notably in Afghanistan, where he was instrumental in controlling Iran’s sway over several groups.
On the other hand, Qaani’s leadership is different from Soleimani’s in a few ways. While Soleimani was known for his charisma and personal contacts with militia leaders around the Middle East, Qaani has taken a more low-profile approach. Despite being perceived more as a bureaucrat than a field commander, he is nevertheless dedicated to the strategic plan that his predecessor outlined. Following Qaani, the QudsIran’s network of supporters, which includes the Houthis in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and other Shia militias in Iraq and Syria, is still supported by force.
Strategic Importance of the Quds Force
The main instrument of Iran’s asymmetrical warfare is the Quds Force, which uses novel strategies to sway regional affairs and offset the impact of other countries, especially Israel and the United States. Its actions span the gamut, from covert military operations meant to destabilise enemies to aiding proxy militias and non-state entities. Iran can fight while retaining plausible deniability by depending on these proxy troops, avoiding direct war with more potent foes.
For example, the Quds Force has ensured Iranian influence in Iraqi politics and supported Shia militias, helping to shape the country’s post-Saddam political scene. Likewise, the Quds Force has played a pivotal role in bolstering the Assad government in Syria, guaranteeing Iran’s strategicthe area’s ally and a land route between Tehran and Hezbollah in
The Quds Force’s Prospects in Iran
Iran’s foreign strategy continues to revolve around the Quds Force, especially when it comes to balancing against the US, Israel, and Saudi Arabia. Its activities now extend across Africa and Latin America in addition to the Middle East. The Quds Force’s future will depend significantly on its capacity to adapt to new geopolitical realities, including growing sanctions and diplomatic isolation.
With Esmail Qaani in charge, the military might pursue Iran’s goals in a more calculated but quieter manner. The Quds Force is expected to continue to play a significant role in determining the destiny of the region as long as its network of allies and proxy troops continues to function, despite obstacles like external pressure and internal discontent.
In summary
Whether it’s Qaani now or Soleimani in the past, the commander of the Quds Force is crucial in determining Iran’s military doctrine and foreign policy. Through its unorthodox strategies and partnerships, this specialised unit has allowed Iran to significantly expand its influence outside of its borders, positioning it as a key actor in the intricate power dynamics of the Middle East. The Quds Force will probably continue to be at the core of Iran’s regional aspirations for some time to come as long as there is violence and uncertainty in the area.