Who are Iran’s Revolutionary Guards? | DW News

Key Concepts:

• Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC): Iran's powerful military organization, separate from the regular armed forces.
• Supreme Leader: The ultimate authority to whom the IRGC answers.
• Proxy Forces: Allied governments and armed groups outside of Iran supported by the IRGC.
• Quds Force: A special unit within the IRGC responsible for external operations and ties with foreign armed groups.
• Ballistic Missiles: A key component of Iran's military capabilities, operated by the IRGC.

Establishment and Purpose:

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was established after the 1979 Iranian Revolution to protect the new regime. It served as a counterweight to the regular armed forces, which the revolutionary government distrusted. Opposition to the West, especially Israel, is a core ideological tenet. The IRGC's power and size significantly expanded during the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s under then-President Kamenei. Over time, it has become deeply involved in Iran's national politics and economy.

Activities and Influence:

The IRGC maintains Iran's influence in the Middle East by providing financial, military, and technological support, along with training and advice, to allied governments and proxy forces. It controls Iran's ballistic missile program. The Quds Force, a specialized unit within the IRGC, cultivates relationships with armed groups outside Iran, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and militias in Iraq.

Current Strength and Challenges:

The IRGC experienced steady growth in power since the 2000s, particularly with the ongoing conflicts in Syria and Iraq, which strengthened Iran's regional influence. However, the IRGC is now considerably weaker. The 2024 collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria was a major setback for Iran and the IRGC. Furthermore, Israeli strikes that killed the IRGC chief and other high-ranking officials have potentially weakened the organization.

Conclusion:

The IRGC, once one of Iran's most powerful institutions, is facing significant challenges and may be in decline. The implications of this potential decline for the Iranian regime remain to be seen.