Iranian Army 65th Division
The 65th Airborne Special Forces Brigade (Nohed) is the primary elite special operations unit of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army (Artesh), specialized in unconventional warfare, hostage rescue, and cross-border sabotage.
The 65th Airborne Special Forces Brigade, often referred to as the 65th Division in operational contexts, represents the pinnacle of the Iranian regular army's (Artesh) ground capabilities. Established before the 1979 Revolution with training influenced by international special forces standards, the unit is colloquially known as the 'Green Berets' of Iran. Unlike the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) which focuses on asymmetric proxy warfare, the 65th Division is a professional military cadre trained for high-intensity special operations, including long-range reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, and psychological warfare.
Historically, the unit's deployment outside Iranian borders was rare, as most foreign expeditions were reserved for the IRGC's Quds Force. However, the Syrian Civil War marked a strategic shift, where 65th Division personnel were deployed to support the Assad regime, signaling a more integrated role for the regular army in Iran's regional power projection. This shift reflects a broader Iranian doctrine of utilizing elite regular forces to augment proxy networks and conduct precise kinetic strikes against perceived threats.
Recent intelligence reports indicate that the 65th Division has become increasingly active in northern Iraq. These operations target separatist groups that Tehran views as a threat to its internal security. By conducting ground incursions and targeted eliminations in coordination with local pro-Iranian factions, the division demonstrates its role as a surgical instrument of Iranian state power. For Israel and regional security analysts, the increased operational tempo of the 65th Division outside Iran's borders serves as a signal of the Artesh's growing involvement in the 'Campaign Between Wars' and its readiness to execute complex ground missions far from its home bases. The unit remains a critical component of Iran's national resilience and its ability to respond to security challenges through direct, elite military intervention.