Israeli Airstrike Claims Life of Senior IRGC Quds Force Officer Behnam Shahriari

In a significant military operation, Behnam Shahriari, a senior officer of the IRGC Quds Force, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in western Iran. Shahriari was responsible for overseeing arms transfers to various Iran-backed groups, including Hezbollah. The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed that this strike represents a major setback for terrorist organizations in the region. With intelligence efforts targeting Shahriari since 2009, his elimination is seen as a crucial blow to Iran's military strategy in the Middle East. This article delves into the implications of his death and the ongoing conflict dynamics.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 21, 2025, 15:50 IST

Behnam Shahriari's Elimination in Israeli Strike

Military sources from Iran have reported that Behnam Shahriari, a high-ranking officer in the IRGC Quds Force, was killed during an Israeli airstrike in western Iran at night. Shahriari led Unit 190 of the Quds Force, which was responsible for covertly supplying arms to Iran-aligned groups, particularly Hezbollah.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that Shahriari was targeted while traveling in a vehicle situated over 1,000 kilometers away from Israel. Israeli intelligence had been attempting to eliminate him since 2009. Unit 190 has been pivotal in facilitating the transfer of weapons from Iran to Hezbollah in Lebanon, terrorist factions in Gaza, and Houthi fighters in Yemen.

On their social media platform, the IDF confirmed the news of Shahriari's death, stating, “Shahriari was accountable for all arms transfers from the Iranian regime to its proxies throughout the Middle East, directly supporting the Iranian regime’s agenda to annihilate Israel.”

The IDF further elaborated that Shahriari oversaw the annual transfer of hundreds of millions of dollars to various terrorist organizations. His leadership in financing and arming these groups has led to numerous casualties among Israeli civilians and military personnel.

According to the IDF, “He was eliminated over 1,000 kilometers from Israel while traveling in western Iran. This action represents a significant setback for the terrorist organizations surrounding Israel, which have been severely impacted by IDF operations during the conflict.”