In what appears to be a significant escalation in the ongoing covert conflict between Iran and Israel, two top-ranking officials of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have reportedly been assassinated in targeted strikes within Iranian territory. Saeed Izadi, a commander in the elite Quds Force known for managing relations with Palestinian militant groups, was reportedly killed in the Shia holy city of Qom, while Behnam Shahryari, the head of the IRGC's Unit 190—responsible for coordinating arms and fund smuggling to Iranian proxies—was killed in a drone strike while traveling in a car in western Iran. If confirmed, these high-profile killings would mark one of the most serious blows to Iran’s internal security apparatus in recent years.
The coordinated nature of the strikes has raised new concerns within Iranian intelligence circles, particularly about how such senior figures could be located and neutralized within what are considered secure zones of the country. The fact that both men were reportedly operating under tight security and still fell victim to precision targeting highlights serious flaws in Iran's counterintelligence and protection protocols. These assassinations follow a recent pattern of mysterious deaths and targeted eliminations of senior Iranian military and intelligence figures, all occurring within a short span of time. The growing list of losses within the upper echelons of the IRGC suggests a possible deep infiltration of Iranian intelligence networks by external actors.
Observers point toward Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, as the likely force behind the operations. Although Israel has not officially claimed responsibility, the pattern, precision, and strategic nature of the attacks align with previous covert operations attributed to its spy agency. Successfully eliminating figures like Izadi and Shahryari within Iran—where security is typically tight around senior officials—would require extensive local human intelligence assets, advanced surveillance capabilities, and perhaps even inside cooperation. The effectiveness of these operations underscores long-standing claims that Israel has developed a powerful intelligence network within Iran.
The internal ramifications for Tehran are likely to be severe. These incidents not only demoralize key military units but also expose glaring weaknesses in the government’s ability to protect strategic figures and safeguard sensitive operations. Iran’s intelligence credibility has been repeatedly questioned in recent years, and the current wave of assassinations may reinforce perceptions that foreign agencies are operating within Iran with relative ease. This sentiment is further emphasized by a resurfacing statement made years ago by former Iranian intelligence minister Ali Younesi. He had revealed that former president Hassan Rouhani warned Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei that Israeli intelligence was dangerously close, saying, “Mossad is closer to us than our own ears.” That cautionary remark now resonates strongly amid the current climate of uncertainty.
These developments are likely to trigger a heightened security response from Tehran. The government may initiate widespread internal investigations, ramp up efforts to root out moles, and possibly retaliate in regions where it maintains influence through proxy groups. However, the immediate damage—both operational and psychological—has already been done. The loss of Izadi and Shahryari will not only impact Iran’s regional proxy strategies but may also shift the balance of power in ongoing conflicts where Iranian support has been instrumental.
In the broader geopolitical context, the assassinations come at a time of rising tensions in the Middle East. With ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon, the strategic targeting of IRGC figures directly involved in weapons logistics and foreign military coordination suggests a focused attempt to weaken Iran’s extended military influence. These targeted killings, if indeed part of a broader Israeli campaign, reflect a calculated effort to undermine Iran’s capacity to project power across the region without engaging in direct confrontation.
The recent operations, while silent in official diplomatic circles, have sent a loud message across intelligence communities worldwide. The breach of Iranian defenses at such a high level not only signals exceptional execution on the part of the assailants but also reveals how vulnerable seemingly impenetrable state systems can become when infiltrated effectively. As investigations continue and more information comes to light, the deaths of Saeed Izadi and Behnam Shahryari will likely be remembered as pivotal moments in the shadow war between Iran and Israel—a war increasingly fought not on open battlefields, but in quiet cities, moving vehicles, and whispered exchanges in the dark.
