The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is one of the most powerful and influential institutions in Iran. Created in the aftermath of the 1979 Iranian Revolution, it was established by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini to protect the Islamic Republic and its revolutionary values. Unlike the regular army, which is tasked with defending Iran’s borders, the IRGC’s main role is to safeguard the country’s political system and suppress internal and external threats against the Islamic regime.
The IRGC has grown into a vast organization with its own ground forces, air and missile units, naval division, intelligence agencies, and even a cyber division. It is also deeply involved in foreign operations through a specialized unit known as the Quds Force. The Quds Force has played a key role in supporting allied groups across the Middle East, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, militias in Iraq and Syria, and the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The IRGC’s Aerospace Force controls Iran’s strategic missile program, which includes long-range ballistic missiles such as the recently used Kheibar Shekan. These missiles are capable of reaching targets with high accuracy and are designed to evade modern air defense systems. The Aerospace Force is also responsible for the development of drone technologies and has used them in both surveillance and combat roles.
The IRGC Navy operates mainly in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transport routes. This naval unit often engages in confrontations with U.S. and allied ships, making it a significant force in regional security dynamics. The IRGC also commands the Basij, a volunteer militia that enforces domestic order, suppresses protests, and promotes loyalty to the Islamic government. The Basij has been used repeatedly to crack down on anti-government demonstrations and is known for its aggressive tactics.
Apart from its military activities, the IRGC is a major player in Iran’s economy. Through its construction arm, Khatam al-Anbiya, the IRGC controls hundreds of companies involved in oil, gas, telecommunications, construction, and transport. This economic empire provides the organization with vast financial resources, allowing it to operate independently of the civilian government in many areas. Its involvement in key industries has also made it a target of international sanctions.
In 2019, the United States officially designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. This marked the first time a U.S. government labeled a part of another nation’s military as a terrorist group. Other countries such as Bahrain and Saudi Arabia have also accused the IRGC of supporting terrorism, although the European Union has only imposed sanctions on certain IRGC members and not the organization as a whole.
One of the most significant events involving the IRGC occurred in January 2020 when the head of its Quds Force, General Qassem Soleimani, was killed in a U.S. drone strike near Baghdad Airport. His death led to a dramatic increase in tensions between Iran and the United States, prompting retaliatory missile strikes by Iran on U.S. bases in Iraq. The IRGC has since vowed to expand its missile and drone capabilities as a warning to its enemies.
Recently, the IRGC has taken a more aggressive role in the ongoing conflict with Israel. It launched dozens of missiles, including the powerful Kheibar Shekan, in direct response to U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. The attacks targeted key sites in Israel such as Ben Gurion Airport and military command centers. The IRGC claimed these strikes were precise and caused significant damage, marking a new phase in its strategic operations.
Today, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps remains a central force in Iran’s military, political, and economic life. With its advanced missile systems, foreign proxy network, and domestic control mechanisms, it has become one of the most formidable and controversial institutions in the Middle East. The organization continues to shape Iran’s regional strategy and influence events far beyond the country’s borders.
