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	\| caption = Zahedi in 2017		\| caption = Zahedi in 2017
	\| birth_name =		\| birth_name =
	\| other_name = {{Collapsible list		\| other_name = {{Collapsible list
	\| title = {{nobold\|''See list:''}}		\| title = {{nobold\|See list:}}
	\| Mohammad Riza Zahdi<ref name="US">{{cite web \|url=https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20100816\|title=Recent OFAC Actions \|date=16 August 2010 \|access-date=14 September 2016 \|publisher=U.S. Department of the Treasury \|archive-date=7 April 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407182339/https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20100816\|url-status=live }}</ref>		\| Mohammad Riza Zahdi<ref name="US">{{cite web \|url=https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20100816\|title=Recent OFAC Actions \|date=16 August 2010 \|access-date=14 September 2016 \|publisher=U.S. Department of the Treasury \|archive-date=7 April 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407182339/https://ofac.treasury.gov/recent-actions/20100816\|url-status=live }}</ref>
	\| Reza Mahdavi<ref name="US"/>		\| Reza Mahdavi<ref name="US"/>
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	\| Ali Reza Zahedi<ref name="US"/>		\| Ali Reza Zahedi<ref name="US"/>
	\| Ali Zahedi<ref name="IB"/>}}		\| Ali Zahedi<ref name="IB"/>}}
	\| nickname =		\| nickname =
	\| birth_date = {{birth date\|1960\|11\|2\|df=y}}<ref name="mehr">{{cite news \|date=1 April 2024 \|title=سردار محمدرضا زاهدی که بود؟ \|trans-title=Who was Sardar Mohammad Reza Zahedi? \|url=https://www.mehrnews.com/news/6066790/%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D9%85%D8%AD%D9%85%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%B6%D8%A7-%D8%B2%D8%A7%D9%87%D8%AF%DB%8C-%DA%A9%D9%87-%D8%A8%D9%88%D8%AF \|access-date=1 April 2024 \|work=Mehr News Agency \|language=fa \|archive-date=1 April 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401163732/https://www.mehrnews.com/news/6066790/%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D9%85%D8%AD%D9%85%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%B6%D8%A7-%D8%B2%D8%A7%D9%87%D8%AF%DB%8C-%DA%A9%D9%87-%D8%A8%D9%88%D8%AF \|url-status=live }}</ref>		\| birth_date = {{birth date\|1960\|11\|2\|df=y}}<ref name="mehr">{{cite news \|date=1 April 2024 \|title=سردار محمدرضا زاهدی که بود؟ \|trans-title=Who was Sardar Mohammad Reza Zahedi? \|url=https://www.mehrnews.com/news/6066790/%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D9%85%D8%AD%D9%85%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%B6%D8%A7-%D8%B2%D8%A7%D9%87%D8%AF%DB%8C-%DA%A9%D9%87-%D8%A8%D9%88%D8%AF \|access-date=1 April 2024 \|work=Mehr News Agency \|language=fa \|archive-date=1 April 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401163732/https://www.mehrnews.com/news/6066790/%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D9%85%D8%AD%D9%85%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%B6%D8%A7-%D8%B2%D8%A7%D9%87%D8%AF%DB%8C-%DA%A9%D9%87-%D8%A8%D9%88%D8%AF \|url-status=live }}</ref>
	\| birth_place = ], ]		\| birth_place = ], ]
	\| death_date = {{death date and age\|2024\|4\|1\|1960\|11\|2\|df=y}}		\| death_date = {{death date and age\|2024\|4\|1\|1960\|11\|2\|df=y}}
	\| death_place = ], Syria<ref name=intl/>		\| death_place = ], ], Syria<ref name=intl/>
			\| death_cause = ] by ]
	\| allegiance = {{flagcountry\|Iran\|name=Islamic Republic of Iran}}		\| allegiance = {{flagcountry\|Iran\|name=Islamic Republic of Iran}}
	\| branch = {{flag\|Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps\|name=IRGC}}		\| branch = {{flag\|Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps\|name=IRGC}}
	\| serviceyears = ~~1979–2024~~		\| serviceyears = 1980–2024
	\| rank = ~~Brigadier~~ General		\| rank = Major-General
	\| unit =		\| unit =
	\| commands = {{unbulletedlist		\| commands = {{unbulletedlist
			\| ]<ref name=AJ/>
	\| ]		\| ]<ref name=AJ/>
⚫	\| ]
	\| ]}}		\| ]<ref name=AJ/>
		⚫	\| ]<ref name=AJ/>}}
	\| battles = {{tree list}}		\| battles = {{tree list}}
	* ]<ref name="IB" />		* ]<ref name="IB"/>
		⚫	* ]<ref name="IB"/>
	* ]
	** ]
	*** ]
	*** ]
	*** ]
⚫	* ]<ref name="IB" />
	** ]
	* ]
	** ]
	{{tree list/end}}		{{tree list/end}}
	\| awards =		\| awards =
	}}		}}
	{{Use dmy dates\|date=April 2024}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=April 2024}}
	{{Use Oxford spelling\|date=April 2024}}		{{Use Oxford spelling\|date=April 2024}}

	'''Mohammad Reza Zahedi''' ({{~~lang-~~fa\|محمدرضا زاهدی}}; 2 November 1960 – 1 April 2024) was an Iranian military officer. A senior figure within the ] (IRGC), he had previously commanded the ] and the ],<ref name="Khamenei">{{cite web \|date=21 January 2006 \|title=Leader Appoints New IRGC Ground Force and Air Force Commanders \|url=http://english.khamenei.ir/news/233/Leader-Appoints-New-IRGC-Ground-Force-and-Air-Force-Commanders \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161020042156/http://english.khamenei.ir/news/233/Leader-Appoints-New-IRGC-Ground-Force-and-Air-Force-Commanders \|archive-date=20 October 2016 \|access-date=14 September 2016 \|publisher=The Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran}}</ref> and was commanding the ] in Lebanon and Syria at the time of his death.<ref name="IB">{{cite web \|date=28 January 2012 \|title=Brigadier General Mohammad Reza (Ali) Zahedi \|url=http://iranbriefing.net/brigadier-general-mohammad-reza-ali-zahedi/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161020042758/http://iranbriefing.net/brigadier-general-mohammad-reza-ali-zahedi/ \|archive-date=20 October 2016 \|access-date=14 September 2016 \|work=Iran Briefing}}</ref> ~~Bahrain, Canada, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, and the United States have designated either or both the IRGC and/or the Quds Force as terrorist organizations.~~		'''Mohammad Reza Zahedi''' ({{langx\|fa\|محمدرضا زاهدی}}; 2 November 1960 – 1 April 2024) was an Iranian military officer. A senior figure within the ] (IRGC), he had previously commanded the ] and the ],<ref name="Khamenei">{{cite web \|date=21 January 2006 \|title=Leader Appoints New IRGC Ground Force and Air Force Commanders \|url=http://english.khamenei.ir/news/233/Leader-Appoints-New-IRGC-Ground-Force-and-Air-Force-Commanders \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161020042156/http://english.khamenei.ir/news/233/Leader-Appoints-New-IRGC-Ground-Force-and-Air-Force-Commanders \|archive-date=20 October 2016 \|access-date=14 September 2016 \|publisher=The Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran}}</ref> and was commanding the ] in Lebanon and Syria at the time of his death.<ref name="IB">{{cite web \|date=28 January 2012 \|title=Brigadier General Mohammad Reza (Ali) Zahedi \|url=http://iranbriefing.net/brigadier-general-mohammad-reza-ali-zahedi/ \|url-status=live \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161020042758/http://iranbriefing.net/brigadier-general-mohammad-reza-ali-zahedi/ \|archive-date=20 October 2016 \|access-date=14 September 2016 \|work=Iran Briefing}}</ref>

	In 2024, Zahedi was killed by an ].<ref name="death">{{cite news \|title=Iran says Israel bombs its embassy in Syria, kills commanders \|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-bombs-iran-embassy-syria-iranian-commanders-among-dead-2024-04-01/ \|access-date=8 April 2024 \|work=Reuters \|location=Damascus \|date=2 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|title=Israeli airstrike on Iran consulate in Syria kills six including IRGC commander \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/01/israeli-airstrike-on-iranian-consulate-in-damascus-kills-six-including-irgc-commander \|access-date=1 April 2024 \|work=The Guardian \|date=1 April 2024 \|archive-date=1 April 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401163333/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/01/israeli-airstrike-on-iranian-consulate-in-damascus-kills-six-including-irgc-commander \|url-status=live }}</ref> According to '']'', he was most likely a critical figure in coordinating Iran's relationship with ] in Lebanon and ] in Syria.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Mohammad Reza Zahedi: who was the Iranian commander killed in an Israeli strike in Syria? \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/02/mohammad-reza-zahedi-who-was-the-iranian-commander-killed-in-an-israeli-strike-in-syria \|access-date=4 April 2024 \|work=The Guardian \|archive-date=3 April 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403052945/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/02/mohammad-reza-zahedi-who-was-the-iranian-commander-killed-in-an-israeli-strike-in-syria \|url-status=live }}</ref>		In 2024, Zahedi was killed by an ].<ref name="death">{{cite news \|title=Iran says Israel bombs its embassy in Syria, kills commanders \|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-bombs-iran-embassy-syria-iranian-commanders-among-dead-2024-04-01/ \|access-date=8 April 2024 \|work=Reuters \|location=Damascus \|date=2 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|title=Israeli airstrike on Iran consulate in Syria kills six including IRGC commander \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/01/israeli-airstrike-on-iranian-consulate-in-damascus-kills-six-including-irgc-commander \|access-date=1 April 2024 \|work=The Guardian \|date=1 April 2024 \|archive-date=1 April 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401163333/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/01/israeli-airstrike-on-iranian-consulate-in-damascus-kills-six-including-irgc-commander \|url-status=live }}</ref> According to the ], he was the only Iranian to sit on the '']'', or guiding council, of Hezbollah.<ref name=CAN>{{cite web\|last=Dyer\|first=Evan\|url= https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadian-embassy-damascus-damaged-1.7168176\|title=Canadian embassy in Syria damaged in Israeli strike on Iranian embassy next door\|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation\|date=9 April 2024}}</ref> According to '']'', he was most likely a critical figure in coordinating Iran's relationship with ] in Lebanon and the ] of Syria.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Mohammad Reza Zahedi: who was the Iranian commander killed in an Israeli strike in Syria? \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/02/mohammad-reza-zahedi-who-was-the-iranian-commander-killed-in-an-israeli-strike-in-syria \|access-date=4 April 2024 \|work=The Guardian \|archive-date=3 April 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403052945/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/02/mohammad-reza-zahedi-who-was-the-iranian-commander-killed-in-an-israeli-strike-in-syria \|url-status=live }}</ref>

			Canada, Israel, Saudi Arabia, ], ], and the United States have designated either or both the IRGC and/or the Quds Force as terrorist organizations.

	== Military career ==		== Military career ==
	Zahedi joined the IRGC in ~~1979~~ and served as a mid-level officer during the ]. He led the 44th Qamar Beni Hashem Division from 1983 to 1986 and later headed the ] from 1986 to 1991. He was also the commander of the ] in ] and had been the deputy of IRGC operations. On 21 January 2006, he was appointed as the commander of the IRGC Ground Forces.<ref name=Khamenei/> From 2007 to 2015, he headed the Quds Force in Syria and Lebanon~~, coordinating the IRGC's activities with ] in those countries~~.<ref name="mehr"/>		Zahedi joined the IRGC at the age of 19<ref name=AJ/> and served as a mid-level officer during the ]. He led the 44th Qamar Beni Hashem Division from 1983 to 1986 and later headed the ] from 1986 to 1991. He was also the commander of the ] in ] and had been the deputy of IRGC operations.<ref name=Khamenei/> He was briefly the commander of the IRGC Air Force in 2005.<ref name=AJ>{{cite news\|last=Motamedi\|first=Maziar\|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/2/who-was-mohammad-reza-zahedi-the-iranian-general-assassinated-by-israel\|title=Who was Mohammad Reza Zahedi, an Iranian general killed by Israel in Syria?\|publisher=]\|date=2 April 2024\|access-date=28 May 2024}}</ref> On 21 January 2006, he was appointed as the commander of the IRGC Ground Forces.<ref name=Khamenei/> From 2007 to 2015, he headed the Quds Force in Syria and Lebanon.<ref name="mehr"/>

	=== Quds Force ===		=== Quds Force ===
			In 2008, Soleimani appointed Zahedi to the position of commander of the Quds Force's Lebanon Corps for a second time.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2024-04-02 \|title=Who was the Iranian military commander killed in the Damascus strike? \|url=https://arab.news/683jw \|access-date=2024-07-18 \|website=Arab News \|language=en}}</ref> This tenure lasted until his assassination by Israel in 2024. Iran's involvement in the ] on the side of the government of ] has been a source of contention for Israel.<ref name=intl>{{cite web \|url=https://www.iranintl.com/en/202404014326 \|publisher=Iran International \|title=Israeli Airstrike Kills Iranian Commander in Syria \|date=1 April 2024 \|access-date=3 April 2024 \|archive-date=5 April 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405101638/https://www.iranintl.com/en/202404014326 \|url-status=live }}</ref> Irani advisors and Iran-backed fighters have aided in tipping the balance in favor of Assad's government.<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://apnews.com/article/syria-iran-israel-damascus-mazze-hezbollah-1a813bcbdcbb9eb574230b7f41103c47\|title=Car bomb in the Syrian capital kills one. Drone strike near Lebanon border targets two vehicles\|date=25 May 2024\|publisher=]}}</ref> According to ], Israeli media had frequently published images of him along with Saeed Izadi, a top Iranian military liaison to Palestinians who was initially rumored to have been killed in the same strike, as the main IRGC-Quds Force officials sought by the country.<ref name=AJ/>
	{{Unreferenced section\|date=April 2024}}
	In 1998, ], the Quds Force's new commander, appointed Zahedi as the organization's Lebanon Corps leader, responsible for providing arms and technical expertise to the ].{{citation needed\|date=April 2024}} According to Arash Azizi, this appointment and that of ] as the Iranian ambassador to Syria were indications of Soleimani's determination to strengthen Hezbollah in Lebanon and renew ].{{how?\|date=April 2024}}{{citation needed\|date=April 2024}}

	Zahedi's first tenure as the Lebanon Corps leader lasted until 2002. In this capacity, he was instrumental in upgrading Hezbollah's capability for attacks within ], and in planning Hezbollah's spring 2000 offensive that resulted in the defeat of the pro-Israel ], ending the ] in Hezbollah's favour after prompting Israel's withdrawal.{{citation needed\|date=April 2024}}

	Following the end of his first tenure as the Lebanon Corps' leader, Zahedi is thought{{by whom?\|date=April 2024}} to have been part of a small joint IRGC–Hezbollah command cadre—alongside Soleimani, IRGC commander ], and Lebanese Hezbollah chief ]—responsible for directing the construction of a large overground and underground fortification network in ], which aided Hezbollah during the ].{{citation needed\|date=April 2024}}

	In 2008, Soleimani appointed Zahedi to the position of commander of the Quds Force's Lebanon Corps for a second time.{{citation needed\|date=April 2024}} This tenure lasted until his assassination by Israel in 2024. ] for the purpose of supporting Syrian president ], who has also been aided by a protracted ], has been a source of contention for Israel.<ref name="intl">{{cite web \|url=https://www.iranintl.com/en/202404014326 \|work=Iran International \|title=Israeli Airstrike Kills Iranian Commander in Syria \|date=1 April 2024 \|access-date=8 April 2024 \|archive-date=5 April 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405101638/https://www.iranintl.com/en/202404014326 \|url-status=live }}</ref>

	== Death ==		== Death ==
	{{Main\|2024 Iranian consulate airstrike in Damascus}}		{{Main\|2024 Iranian consulate airstrike in Damascus}}
			{{quote box \| align = right \| width = 17em \| salign = right
			\| quote =
			"Ultimately, he reached his longstanding wish for martyrdom. I cannot say anything other than he was rewarded by God."
			\| source = Zahedi's son on his father's death.<ref name=AJ/>}}
		⚫	On 1 April 2024, Zahedi was killed by an Israeli airstrike that targeted the consulate annex building adjacent to the Iranian embassy in Syria's ].<ref name="death"/> Fifteen others were killed in the airstrike.<ref name="cghs2">{{Cite web \|date=3 April 2024 \|title=Woman and her son among 16 people killed in Israeli raid on building attached to Iranian embassy \|url=https://www.syriahr.com/en/330101/ \|access-date=3 April 2024 \|website=]}}</ref> The strike caused "massive destruction" to the consulate building as well as damage to neighbouring buildings,<ref>{{cite news \|title=Top Iranian commander killed in attack on consulate in Syria, Iran state-affiliated media reports \|first1=Hande \|last1=Atay Alam \|first2=Adam \|last2=Pourahmadi \|first3=Tara \|last3=John \|first4=Lauren \|last4=Kent \|first5=Allegra \|last5=Goodwin \|url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/01/middleeast/iran-syrian-consulate-attack-intl/ \|access-date=8 April 2024 \|work=CNN \|date=1 April 2024 \|archive-date=5 April 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405101646/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/01/middleeast/iran-syrian-consulate-attack-intl/ \|url-status=live }}</ref> including the Canadian embassy.<ref name=CAN/> Zahedi is the most senior IRGC officer to have been killed since the ] by the United States in January 2020.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Top Iranian general killed by Israeli airstrike: sources \|first=Barak \|last=Ravid \|url=https://www.axios.com/2024/04/01/iranian-general-israel-airstrike-assassination \|access-date=8 April 2024 \|work=Axios \|date=1 April 2024 \|archive-date=5 April 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405101654/https://www.axios.com/2024/04/01/iranian-general-israel-airstrike-assassination \|url-status=live }}</ref> After his death, the ] condemned the attacks and said that the country reserves the right to execute a "decisive response" against the "aggressors" behind the airstrike, though the Israeli government avoided issuing any statements claiming responsibility.<ref>{{Cite web \|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-68709133 \|title=Senior Iranian commander killed in Israeli strike, Iran state media says \|date=April 2024 \|work=BBC News \|access-date=1 April 2024 \|archive-date=1 April 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401175429/https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-68709133 \|url-status=live }}</ref>

			=== Retaliation ===
⚫	On 1 April 2024, Zahedi was killed by an Israeli airstrike that targeted the consulate annex building adjacent to the Iranian embassy in Syria's ].<ref name="death"/> ~~Between~~ ~~five~~ and ~~seven~~ ~~people~~ ~~were~~ killed in ~~the~~ ~~airstrike,~~ ~~according~~ to ~~Syria's~~ Iranian ~~ambassador~~ ~~Hossein Akbari~~. The strike caused "massive destruction" to the consulate building as well as damage to neighbouring buildings, ~~according to Syrian state-owned media.~~<ref>{{cite news \|title=Top Iranian commander killed in attack on consulate in Syria, Iran state-affiliated media reports \|first1=Hande \|last1=Atay Alam \|first2=Adam \|last2=Pourahmadi \|first3=Tara \|last3=John \|first4=Lauren \|last4=Kent \|first5=Allegra \|last5=Goodwin \|url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/01/middleeast/iran-syrian-consulate-attack-intl/ \|access-date=8 April 2024 \|work=CNN \|date=1 April 2024 \|archive-date=5 April 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405101646/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/01/middleeast/iran-syrian-consulate-attack-intl/ \|url-status=live }}</ref> Zahedi is the most senior IRGC officer to have been killed since the ] by the United States in January 2020.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Top Iranian general killed by Israeli airstrike: sources \|first=Barak \|last=Ravid \|url=https://www.axios.com/2024/04/01/iranian-general-israel-airstrike-assassination \|access-date=8 April 2024 \|work=Axios \|date=1 April 2024 \|archive-date=5 April 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405101654/https://www.axios.com/2024/04/01/iranian-general-israel-airstrike-assassination \|url-status=live }}</ref> After his death, the ] condemned the attacks and said that the country reserves the right to execute a "decisive response" against the "aggressors" behind the airstrike, though the Israeli government avoided issuing any statements claiming responsibility.<ref>{{Cite web \|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-68709133 \|title=Senior Iranian commander killed in Israeli strike, Iran state media says \|date=April 2024 \|work=BBC News \|access-date=1 April 2024 \|archive-date=1 April 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401175429/https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-68709133 \|url-status=live }}</ref> On 13 April 2024, Iran ]; the Israeli government stated that it intercepted 99% of the Iranian projectiles, but the attack critically injured a child.<ref name=Reuters>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-launches-drone-attack-israel-expected-unfold-over-hours-2024-04-13/\|website=]\|date=13 April 2024\|access-date=13 April 2024\|first1=Dan\|last1=Williams\|first2=Parisa\|last2=Hafezi\|title=Sirens and blasts sound across Israel after Iran launches drone attack}}</ref> On 19 April 2024, Israel ] in response to the drone and missile barrage a week prior.
			On 13 April 2024, Iran ]; the Israeli government stated that it intercepted 99% of the Iranian projectiles, but the attack critically injured a child.<ref name=Reuters>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-launches-drone-attack-israel-expected-unfold-over-hours-2024-04-13/\|website=]\|date=13 April 2024\|access-date=13 April 2024\|first1=Dan\|last1=Williams\|first2=Parisa\|last2=Hafezi\|title=Sirens and blasts sound across Israel after Iran launches drone attack}}</ref> On 19 April 2024, Israel ] in response to the drone and missile barrage a week prior.<ref>{{cite news \|title=Satellite imagery shows that a precision attack damaged an air defense system at an Iranian base. \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/04/18/world/israel-iran-gaza-war-news/satellite-imagery-shows-that-a-precision-attack-damaged-an-air-defense-system-at-an-iranian-base \|access-date=22 April 2024 \|work=The New York Times \|date=20 April 2024}}</ref>

	== References ==		== References ==
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Latest revision as of 08:37, 1 December 2024

Iranian military officer (1960–2024)

Sardar Mohammad Reza Zahedi
Zahedi in 2017
Native name	محمدرضا زاهدی
Other name(s)	See list: Mohammad Riza Zahdi Reza Mahdavi Hasan Mahdawi Ali Reza Zahedi Ali Zahedi
Born	(1960-11-02)2 November 1960 Isfahan, Imperial State of Iran
Died	1 April 2024(2024-04-01) (aged 63) Mezzeh, Damascus, Syria
Cause of death	Assassination by airstrike
Allegiance	Islamic Republic of Iran
Service / branch	IRGC
Years of service	1980–2024
Rank	Major-General
Commands	14th Imam Hossein Division Quds Force IRGC Ground Forces IRGC Aerospace Force
Battles / wars	Iran–Iraq War Syrian Civil War

Mohammad Reza Zahedi (Persian: محمدرضا زاهدی; 2 November 1960 – 1 April 2024) was an Iranian military officer. A senior figure within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), he had previously commanded the IRGC Aerospace Force and the IRGC Ground Forces, and was commanding the Quds Force in Lebanon and Syria at the time of his death.

In 2024, Zahedi was killed by an Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus. According to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, he was the only Iranian to sit on the Shura, or guiding council, of Hezbollah. According to The Guardian, he was most likely a critical figure in coordinating Iran's relationship with Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Assad government of Syria.

Canada, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Sweden, and the United States have designated either or both the IRGC and/or the Quds Force as terrorist organizations.

Military career

Zahedi joined the IRGC at the age of 19 and served as a mid-level officer during the Iran–Iraq War. He led the 44th Qamar Beni Hashem Division from 1983 to 1986 and later headed the 14th Imam Hossein Division from 1986 to 1991. He was also the commander of the Thar-Allah Headquarters in Tehran and had been the deputy of IRGC operations. He was briefly the commander of the IRGC Air Force in 2005. On 21 January 2006, he was appointed as the commander of the IRGC Ground Forces. From 2007 to 2015, he headed the Quds Force in Syria and Lebanon.

Quds Force

In 2008, Soleimani appointed Zahedi to the position of commander of the Quds Force's Lebanon Corps for a second time. This tenure lasted until his assassination by Israel in 2024. Iran's involvement in the Syrian Civil War on the side of the government of Bashar al-Assad has been a source of contention for Israel. Irani advisors and Iran-backed fighters have aided in tipping the balance in favor of Assad's government. According to Al Jazeera, Israeli media had frequently published images of him along with Saeed Izadi, a top Iranian military liaison to Palestinians who was initially rumored to have been killed in the same strike, as the main IRGC-Quds Force officials sought by the country.

Death

Main article: 2024 Iranian consulate airstrike in Damascus

"Ultimately, he reached his longstanding wish for martyrdom. I cannot say anything other than he was rewarded by God."

Zahedi's son on his father's death.

On 1 April 2024, Zahedi was killed by an Israeli airstrike that targeted the consulate annex building adjacent to the Iranian embassy in Syria's Damascus. Fifteen others were killed in the airstrike. The strike caused "massive destruction" to the consulate building as well as damage to neighbouring buildings, including the Canadian embassy. Zahedi is the most senior IRGC officer to have been killed since the assassination of Qasem Soleimani by the United States in January 2020. After his death, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran condemned the attacks and said that the country reserves the right to execute a "decisive response" against the "aggressors" behind the airstrike, though the Israeli government avoided issuing any statements claiming responsibility.

Retaliation

On 13 April 2024, Iran launched hundreds of drones and ballistic missiles at Israel; the Israeli government stated that it intercepted 99% of the Iranian projectiles, but the attack critically injured a child. On 19 April 2024, Israel attacked an Iranian air defense system in response to the drone and missile barrage a week prior.

References

^ "Recent OFAC Actions". U.S. Department of the Treasury. 16 August 2010. Archived from the original on 7 April 2024. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
^ "Brigadier General Mohammad Reza (Ali) Zahedi". Iran Briefing. 28 January 2012. Archived from the original on 20 October 2016. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
^ "سردار محمدرضا زاهدی که بود؟" [Who was Sardar Mohammad Reza Zahedi?]. Mehr News Agency (in Persian). 1 April 2024. Archived from the original on 1 April 2024. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
^ "Israeli Airstrike Kills Iranian Commander in Syria". Iran International. 1 April 2024. Archived from the original on 5 April 2024. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
^ Motamedi, Maziar (2 April 2024). "Who was Mohammad Reza Zahedi, an Iranian general killed by Israel in Syria?". Al Jazeera English. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
^ "Leader Appoints New IRGC Ground Force and Air Force Commanders". The Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. 21 January 2006. Archived from the original on 20 October 2016. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
^ "Iran says Israel bombs its embassy in Syria, kills commanders". Reuters. Damascus. 2 April 2024. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
"Israeli airstrike on Iran consulate in Syria kills six including IRGC commander". The Guardian. 1 April 2024. Archived from the original on 1 April 2024. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
^ Dyer, Evan (9 April 2024). "Canadian embassy in Syria damaged in Israeli strike on Iranian embassy next door". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
"Mohammad Reza Zahedi: who was the Iranian commander killed in an Israeli strike in Syria?". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 3 April 2024. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
"Who was the Iranian military commander killed in the Damascus strike?". Arab News. 2 April 2024. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
"Car bomb in the Syrian capital kills one. Drone strike near Lebanon border targets two vehicles". Associated Press. 25 May 2024.
"Woman and her son among 16 people killed in Israeli raid on building attached to Iranian embassy". Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. 3 April 2024. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
Atay Alam, Hande; Pourahmadi, Adam; John, Tara; Kent, Lauren; Goodwin, Allegra (1 April 2024). "Top Iranian commander killed in attack on consulate in Syria, Iran state-affiliated media reports". CNN. Archived from the original on 5 April 2024. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
Ravid, Barak (1 April 2024). "Top Iranian general killed by Israeli airstrike: sources". Axios. Archived from the original on 5 April 2024. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
"Senior Iranian commander killed in Israeli strike, Iran state media says". BBC News. April 2024. Archived from the original on 1 April 2024. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
Williams, Dan; Hafezi, Parisa (13 April 2024). "Sirens and blasts sound across Israel after Iran launches drone attack". Reuters. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
"Satellite imagery shows that a precision attack damaged an air defense system at an Iranian base". The New York Times. 20 April 2024. Retrieved 22 April 2024.

External links

Media related to Mohammad-Reza Zahedi at Wikimedia Commons

Military offices
Preceded byAhmad Kazemi	Commander of the Revolutionary Guard Air Force 25 August 2005 – 21 January 2006	Succeeded byHossein Salamias Commander of Aerospace Force
Preceded byAhmad Kazemi	Commander of the Revolutionary Guard Ground Force 21 January 2006 – 13 July 2008	Succeeded byMohammad Jafar Asadi

v t e Commanders of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
Commander-in-Chief	Agha-Zamani (1980) Morteza Rezaee (1980) Mohsen Rezaee (1980–97) Safavi (1997–07) Jafari (2007–19) Salami (2019–present)
Chief of Joint Staff	Afshar (1984–87) Forouzandeh (1987–89) Zolghadr (1989–97) Alaei (1997–00) Ahmadian (2000–07) Hejazi (2007–08)
Ground Force	Safavi (1985–89) Izadi (1989–92) Jafari (1992–05) Kazemi (2005–06) Zahedi (2006–08) Asadi (2008–09) Pakpour (2009–present)
Aerospace Force	Refan (1985–90) Dehghan (1990–91) Jalali (1991–97) Ghalibaf (1997–00) Kazemi (2000–05) Zahedi (2005–06) Salami (2006–09) Hajizadeh (2009–present)
Navy	Alaei (1985–90) Shamkhani (1990–97) Ahmadian (1997–00) Saffari (2000–10) Fadavi (2010–18) Tangsiri (2018–present)
Quds Force	Vahidi (1988–98) Soleimani (1998–2020) Qaani (2020–present)
Mobilization Force	Rahmani (1984–90) Afshar (1990–98) Hejazi (1998–07) Taeb (2007–09) Naqdi (2009–16) Gheybparvar (2016–19) Soleimani (2019–present)
Intelligence	Taeb (2009–22) Kazemi (2022–present)
Intelligence Protection	Saeedi (1984–94) Morteza Rezaee (1994–06) Ramezani (2006–08) Kazemi (2008–22)
Supreme Leader Representative	Lahouti (1979) Mahallati (1980–81; 1983–86) Taheri (1981–82) Faker (1982–83) Nouri (1989–90) Mohammadi (1990–91) Movahedi (1991–06) Saeedi (2006–18) Hajisadeghi (2018–present)
Ministers	Rafighdoost (1982–88) Shamkhani (1988–89)
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps sardars

Israel–Hamas war

Engage-
ments

Hamas-led
attack on
Israel

Attacks on civilians	Netiv HaAsara Alumim Be'eri Elhanan Team Holit Kfar Aza Kissufim Nir Oz Nir Yitzhak Nahal Oz Nirim Nova music festival Death Shelters Psyduck music festival
Battles	Re'im Sderot Sufa Zikim Israeli female tank crew fight
General topics	Allegations of genocide Allegations of involvement of UNRWA employees Death Shelters Denial Sexual and gender-based violence "Screams Without Words" Bearing Witness Screams Before Silence

Israeli
invasion
of Gaza

Beit Hanoun Gaza City Khan Yunis Rafah Background
Attacks on refugee camps	Jabalia 31 October Al-Shati Al-Shati and Tuffah dual airstrikes Al-Maghazi Tel al-Sultan attack Al-Mawasi (May) Nuseirat refugee camp massacre Al-Mawasi (June) Al-Shati (July) Deir el-Balah (August) Al-Mawasi (September) Al-Mawasi (December) Nuseirat (December)
Attacks on schools	Al-Fakhoora Shadia Abu Ghazala Al-Sardi Al-Awda Khadija Hamama Al-Tabaeen Al-Jawni Rufaida Abu Hussein
Attacks on health facilities	Al-Ahli Arab Hospital explosion Al-Shifa Hospital siege alleged military use ambulance airstrike Gaza Strip mass graves Kamal Adwan Hospital sieges Killing of health workers Nasser Hospital siege Nasser Hospital mass graves 14 October 2024 Al-Aqsa Hospital attack
Other attacks	Airstrikes on municipal services in Gaza Attacks on religious sites Engineer's Building airstrike Rafah strikes Flour massacre Kuwait Roundabout mass killings Palestinians evacuating Gaza City World Central Kitchen aid convoy attack 9 July 2024 attacks 13 July 2024 al-Mawasi attack Khan Yunis Deir al-Balah mosque Beit Lahia attacks Beit Lahia airstrike Kerem Shalom aid convoy looting
General topics	AI-assisted targeting Bombing of the Gaza Strip Destruction of cultural heritage during the Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip Environmental impact of the Israel–Hamas war Gaza genocide Israeli generals' plan Torture

Other
theaters

Israeli incursions in the West Bank 2024 Israeli military operation Killing of Benjamin Achimeir April 2024 Israeli settler rampages Lehi Street bombing Givat Shaul shooting Majdal Shams attack Tower 22 drone attack Israeli incursions in Tulkarm 2024 Masyaf raid 2024 Jaffa shooting 2024 Tulkarm Camp airstrike
Iran–Israel conflict	Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus Iranian strikes in Israel April 2024 October 2024 Israeli strikes on Iran April 2024 October 2024 Assassination of Ismail Haniyeh
Israel–Hezbollah conflict (Timeline)	Attacks on journalists Lebanese displacement Assassinations Hezbollah headquarters Fuad Shukr Ibrahim Aqil Saleh al-Arouri August 2024 Nabatieh attack August 2024 Israel–Lebanon strikes 2024 Lebanon electronic device attacks September 2024 Israeli attacks against Lebanon Israeli invasion of Lebanon ceasefire Israeli attacks on the Lebanese health sector Destruction of cultural heritage during the Israeli invasion of Lebanon
Red Sea crisis (Timeline)	Operation Prosperity Guardian Attacks on the MV Maersk Hangzhou 2024 missile strikes in Yemen Marlin Luanda missile strike 2024 Houthi drone attack on Israel Israeli attack on Yemen (July 2024) Attacks on the Sounion Israeli attacks on Yemen (September 2024)

Hostages

Hostage–prisoner exchange Kidnapped from Israel Hostages and Missing Families Forum Hostages Square
Captive	Bibas family Oded Lifshitz Naama Levy
Rescued	Operation Golden Hand Ori Megidish Nuseirat operation Noa Argamani Rescue of Qaid Farhan Al-Qadi
Released	Rachel Edry Yarden Roman-Gat Mia Schem
Deceased	Alex Dancyg Hersh Goldberg-Polin Alon Shamriz, Yotam Haim, and Samer Talalka

General
topics

Historical context

Effects

Reactions

Calls for a ceasefire Three-phase proposal September 2024 Israel hostage deal protests Diplomatic impact University donors European Union Islamic Summit Conference Arab–Islamic extraordinary summit Hurmat-e-Masjid Aqsa Conference Cancellation of the 2023 MTV EMA Proposed Israeli resettlement of the Gaza Strip 2024 Beijing Declaration
Military aid	US support for Israel UK support for Israel
Discrimination	Antisemitism Riots in the North Caucasus Anti-Palestinianism Islamophobia Violent incidents Killing of Wadea al-Fayoume Death of Paul Kessler Vermont student shooting
Protests	University campuses Columbia Sciences Po UCLA France March for the Republic and Against Antisemitism Indonesia 2023 Bitung clashes Israel Humanitarian aid blockade Spain 2024 pro-Palestinian strike United Kingdom United States Artists4Ceasefire DNC protests March on Washington for Gaza March for Israel National March on Washington: Free Palestine Protest votes Self-immolation of Aaron Bushnell Pakistan D-Chowk Dharna 2024 Faizabad sit-in
UN resolutions	A/RES/ES-10/21 S/RES/2712 A/RES/ES-10/22 S/RES/2720 S/RES/2728 A/RES/ES-10/23 S/RES/2735 A/RES/ES-10/24
UN inquiry	Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory War crimes and crimes against humanity report
Global courts	South Africa v. Israel (Genocide Convention) Nicaragua v. Germany Legal Consequences of Israeli Policies and Practices ICC investigation in Palestine Arrest warrants
Courts	Defense for Children International – Palestine v. Biden

Casualties

Israel

Security forces	Alim Abdallah Yitzhak Ben-Bashat Jayar Davidov Eli Ginsberg Salman Habaka Asaf Hamami Yitzhar Hofman Roi Levy Izhar Peled Yonatan Steinberg Ehsan Daxa
Civilians	Lior Asulin Yuval Castleman Hayim Katsman Ofir Libstein Shani Louk Aner Shapira Vivian Silver Yahav Winner

Palestine

Hamas	Ismail Haniyeh Yahya Sinwar Saleh al-Arouri Abdul Fatah Dukhan Mohammed Dababish Wissam Farhat Ahmed Ghandour Mohammed Deif Marwan Issa Fursan Khalifa Rafa Salama Osama Mazini Ayman Nofal Jamila al-Shanti Ali Al Qadi Alaa Shreiteh Faiq Al-Mabhouh
Other militants	Fouad Abu Butihan Jihad Shehadeh
Civilians	Tawfic Abdel Jabbar Majed Abu Maraheel Hiba Abu Nada Refaat Alareer Hammam Alloh Nahida and Samar Anton Ibrahim al-Astal Ahmad Bahar Mohammed Barakat Mohammad Bhar David Ben Avraham Adnan al-Bursh Rashid Dabour Mohamed al-Dalou Awni El-Dous Omar Ferwana Fathi Ghaben Ihab al-Ghussein Medo Halimy Sidra Hassouna Yazan al-Kafarneh Mohammad Khdour Hani Al-Masdar Ibrahim Qusaya Hind Rajab Mohammed Shabir Rashad Abu Sakhila Omar Abu Shawish Sufian Tayeh Wael Al Zard Talal Abu Zarifa Shaban al-Dalou Mahasen al-Khateeb Nagham Abu Samra

Spillover

Journalists

General topics

Related
people

Israelis	Nimrod Aloni Rachel Goldberg-Polin Eitan Okun Yagel Oshri Inbal Rabin-Lieberman Amir Tibon
Palestinians	Wael Al-Dahdouh Plestia Alaqad Motaz Azaiza Bisan Owda Mustafa Moien Ayyash