Unit 18000

Unit 18000 is a division of the Quds Force, the elite extraterritorial arm of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Led by IRGC commander Ali Hassan Mahdavi, the unit coordinates military activities and logistical support to bolster Iranian influence in the region Operating primarily within Syria, the unit plays a critical role in the transportation and coordination of illicit goods, including weapons and military equipment, to bolster Iran’s regional proxies and strategic interests.^[1][2][3]

Key activities

Coordination of Shipments

Unit 18000 oversees the organization and logistics of smuggling operations, ensuring the delivery of weapons and other contraband to Iranian-backed groups, such as Hezbollah and other militias operating in Syria and neighboring regions. These activities are a key component of Iran’s broader efforts to expand its influence in the Middle East.^[2][1]

Collaboration with other Quds Force units

The unit works closely with other divisions within the Quds Force in transporting weapons to Iranian proxies in Syria, Lebanon, the West Bank and Gaza. Together, with units such as Unit 190 that is Responsible for transportation logistics and arms smuggling, Unit 700, that Specializes in smuggling supplies under various guises to evade detection and unit 340 headed by Hamid Fazeli, this unit is involved in supporting armed groups intending to destabilize Israel, particularly overseeing rocket launches by Harakat Al-Nujaba.^[4][5] These collaborations form an extensive logistical network that supports Iran’s military and geopolitical objectives in Syria and beyond.^[2][6]

Use of humanitarian cover

Unit 18000 has been implicated in using humanitarian aid missions as a cover for covert arms transfers. Notably, during the aftermath of the February 2023 Syrian earthquake, the unit reportedly facilitated the smuggling of military equipment under the guise of aid deliveries. Such tactics have enabled the Quds Force to circumvent international sanctions and scrutiny while continuing to reinforce Iran's regional proxies.^[7][8]

Leadership

The unit is reportedly led by Commander Hassan Mahdavi, who plays a pivotal role in coordinating these covert operations. Under his leadership, Unit 18000 has been instrumental in sustaining Iran’s influence in Syria and the broader Middle East.^[1] One other leader was Mohammad Reza Zahedi who was killed in the 2024 Iranian consulate airstrike in Damascus.^[9]

Strategic importance

Unit 18000 exemplifies the Quds Force’s strategy of leveraging clandestine operations to expand Iran’s influence across the Middle East while evading international oversight. By utilizing covert smuggling networks and humanitarian disguises, the unit continues to support Iran’s military and political objectives in the region.^[10][11][12]

See also

• Unit 190
• Quds Force
• Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
• Unit 340
• Unit 400
• Unit 840