By: Web Desk on June 21st 2025.
Israel Defense Minister Israel Katz publicly confirmed today that Israeli military forces conducted an assassination operation against Mohammad Saeed Izadi, a veteran officer with Iran’s Quds Force accused of providing arms and funding for Hamas militant factions in Gaza and other West Bank regions. This strike took place near Qom and resulted in his death.
Speaking on Saturday, Katz revealed the operation had “effectively eliminated” Izadi who reportedly was shot and killed inside his Qom apartment, according to reports on JPost and Tradingview.com.
The minister characterized Iran’s assassination as a significant blow against their ability to support anti-Israeli militant networks, such as Hamas or other terror organizations. Katz pointed out that Palestine Corps Commander was directly involved with providing arms and finance to Hamas or other terror organizations.
Mohammad Saeed Izadi was described by Israeli officials as a veteran member of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC’s) overseas operations who quietly rose through its ranks to coordinate with Palestinian groups. While Iranian state media has yet to issue an official response regarding Izadi’s strike, recent weeks have witnessed covert operations believed to have targeted senior military officials within Iran.
Although Israel has historically shied away from taking credit for such operations publicly, Katz’s statement marked an unprecedented change toward transparency – suggesting a strategic decision by Israel to make known its operations within Iran’s heartland.
Analysts note that Qom–a predominantly religious city–has long been exempted from Israeli strikes. But its assassination signifies a major step upped intensity by Israel to undermine Iran’s regional military infrastructure even within sacred areas of Qom.
Western and regional experts regard the operation as part of Israel’s campaign to degrade Iran’s ability to support proxies across the Middle East. Sites beyond Israel’s borders have increasingly been targeted, as Jerusalem attempts to exert direct pressure on Tehran’s strategic leadership and create deterrence through direct pressure on them. According to Reuters’ reporting, Izadi led “Palestine Corps,” coordinating funding, weapons transfers, tactical support to Palestinian militant groups located both inside Gaza and on its territory as well as tactical assistance during battle.nettoyage aljazeera.com +8 and tradingview.com +8 and Jpost.com +8
Iran will likely issue a strong condemnation and threaten punitive measures, which could include additional air defenses or increased patrols by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps units in sensitive regions, or targeted actions against Israeli interests. Tehran could even temporarily suspend IAEA inspection processes as a sign of defiance.
Israeli officials have hinted at more targeted operations. Defense Minister Katz stated that Israel’s intelligence capabilities remained at “high levels,” and assured that further actions would be taken should Iran support hostile actors. Israel reserved its right to act when necessary and “will not tolerate any threats,” as stated by Defense Minister Katz.
Though international response remains muted–some Western capitals quietly express concern about potential escalation–the United States has indicated its willingness to open dialogue channels to avoid wider conflict. Yet this assassination comes at a time of rising regional tensions where both sides are testing strategic limits and potential.
Key Developments: Targeted Strike in Qom: Israeli forces conducted a targeted strike and executed Mohammad Saeed Izadi, Commander of Iran’s “Palestine Corps”, at his Qom residence (tradingview.com/+1 and jpost/+1 for more).
Strategic Message: Israel Katz highlighted Izadi’s involvement in arming Hamas, branding his operation a message of deterrence for future attacks, in publications including Reuter, Jpost and Tradingview (all +11 each).
Iran’s Reaction: Tehran may condemn the strike and adjust IAEA inspection cooperation or intensify IRGC patrol escalation as responses.
Region Implications: Israel’s strike represents its intent to penetrate Iran’s religious heartland in order to undermine its proxy networks.
As Israel escalates its covert campaign, tensions rise in an intensifying struggle that spans intelligence operations, regional influence, and potential confrontation with Iran. Izadi’s death reinforces Israel’s goal to disrupt Iran’s strategic command channels even within Qom’s sacred environs.