Israeli official: Iranian officers leaving Beirut are Quds Force members – Axios

Israeli official: Iranian officers leaving Beirut are Quds Force members – Axios

An Israeli official has stated that Iranian officers recently leaving Beirut are members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force (IRGC-QF), a key component of Iran's regional proxy network. This development occurs amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, with Israeli forces issuing evacuation orders for southern Beirut, a Hezbollah stronghold, and expanding strikes into Lebanese territory. The IRGC-QF, which directly supports groups like Hezbollah, has been central to Iran's strategy of projecting influence through non-state actors across the Middle East, including in Syria, Yemen, and Iraq.

The conflict has already disrupted global markets, with oil prices surging as U.S.-Israeli strikes and Iranian counterattacks disrupt shipping and energy infrastructure. Brent crude futures rose to $85 per barrel on March 5, 2026, reflecting heightened inflationary pressures and supply chain risks. European nations, including Britain and Italy, have deployed military assets to the region, further escalating regional expenditures. Meanwhile, the war's human and economic toll is mounting: at least 787 Iranians and 77 Lebanese have been killed since the conflict began, with displacement and infrastructure damage compounding long-term costs.

The financial implications extend beyond the Middle East. Sri Lanka, for instance, faces economic strain after hosting an Iranian naval vessel damaged in a U.S. attack, while global investors remain wary of prolonged instability. Analysts warn that Iran's reliance on proxy forces, though costly, may persist despite economic challenges, as regional rivals like Saudi Arabia and the UAE continue countering Iranian expansion. The conflict's trajectory will likely remain a critical factor for markets, with oil prices, defense budgets, and geopolitical risks under continued scrutiny.