The Iranian General Mohammad Reza Zahedi was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike on April 1, and an organization affiliated with the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran revealed that he played a key role in the mass murder of 1,200 people on October 7. The U.S.-based Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) shared this shocking revelation in English, detailing Zahedi’s involvement in the October 7 massacre. Iran’s Coalition Council of Islamic Revolution Forces released a notice of mourning and recognition for Zahedi, emphasizing his strategic role in strengthening the resistance front and planning the Al-Aqsa Flood operation that resulted in mass casualties.
Both the U.S. State Department and Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs have labeled the IRGC as a terrorist organization, emphasizing its role in supporting threats against Israel and U.S. interests through arming and funding terrorist groups and militant proxies. The Trump administration designated the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organization in 2019, but major world powers like France, Britain, Germany, and Canada have resisted calls to sanction the IRGC. MEMRI’s analysis of Zahedi’s involvement in the October 7 atrocities revealed an official admission by a senior Iranian regime figure that Iran was indeed involved in planning and executing the attack, contradicting Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s denial.
Tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran have escalated as Tehran has increased saber-rattling about launching military strikes against Israel. The MEMRI report on Zahedi’s involvement in the October 7 attack came days before a London Times article revealed letters showing Iran’s financial support to its proxy, Hamas. The Iranian announcement mourning Zahedi’s death warned of a pending attack against Israel, suggesting a wide-ranging open war in the Middle East is imminent. Iran recently staged antisemitic demonstrations calling for the seizure of Jerusalem and the elimination of Israel.
The MEMRI translation of the Iranian Coalition Council of Islamic Revolution Forces announcement highlighted Zahedi’s role in the October 7 massacre and his contribution to strengthening the resistance front against the occupation by the Zionist regime. The State Department echoed Israel’s views on the IRGC, emphasizing its designation as a terrorist organization and taking steps to sanction IRGC members for sanctionable activities. The notice mourning Zahedi’s death hinted at future responses to attacks against Iran, indicating that tensions in the region are escalating and a divine impact on future equations in the region is expected.
Overall, the revelation of Zahedi’s involvement in the October 7 massacre has exposed Iran’s state-sponsored terrorist activities, prompting calls for further sanctions and international condemnation. The possibility of a wide-ranging open war in the Middle East looms as Iran continues to increase its saber-rattling against Israel, while the U.S. and its allies remain vigilant in monitoring and sanctioning Iran’s malign activities. The ongoing tensions in the region underscore the need for diplomatic efforts to address the root causes of conflict and prevent further bloodshed.
