Gravitas Plus: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

Summary

In 1979, Iran's new regime formed the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to protect the Islamic regime. The IRGC, initially created to defend against internal and external threats, has since expanded its influence across military, political, and economic sectors in Iran and West Asia. The force includes multiple branches, such as the elite Quds Force and the Basij militia, and has been involved in various controversial activities, leading to its designation as a terrorist organization by several countries. The IRGC's extensive control over Iran's economy and its involvement in international conflicts underscore its significant power.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was established in 1979 after the Islamic Revolution to defend Iran's new regime.
• 🛡️ The IRGC was created on the orders of Ayatollah Khomeini, the first Supreme Leader of Iran, to protect the Islamic regime from internal and external threats.
• 🏛️ Over time, the IRGC has grown beyond its original role, now exerting control over Iran's foreign policy, economy, society, military operations, and politics.
• 📊 The IRGC is often described as a 'regime within a regime,' with significant influence across Iran and the broader West Asia region.
• ⚔️ The IRGC has multiple branches, including the Basij militia, the elite Quds Force, and divisions across Iran's provinces, which contribute to its vast power and reach.
• 💼 The IRGC also operates as a business conglomerate, controlling a large portion of Iran's economy, with involvement in various sectors such as construction, engineering, and manufacturing.
• 🕵️ The Quds Force, a specialized branch of the IRGC, is responsible for unconventional warfare and military intelligence, particularly in supporting non-state actors in West Asia.
• 🚫 The IRGC has been accused of numerous violations, including cyberattacks, espionage, and supporting terrorist organizations, leading to its designation as a terrorist group by countries like the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain.
• 💸 The IRGC generates significant revenue, with estimates suggesting it controls nearly two-thirds of Iran's economy, making it a powerful economic force as well.
• 🔧 The IRGC’s construction arm, Khatam al-Anbia, is a major contractor for industrial and developmental projects in Iran, further solidifying its economic and political influence.

Q & A

What was the purpose of forming the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)?

The IRGC was formed to defend the Islamic regime established after the 1979 Iranian Revolution from both internal and external threats.

Who ordered the formation of the IRGC?

The formation of the IRGC was ordered by Ayatollah Khomeini, the first Supreme Leader of Iran.

How has the role of the IRGC evolved over time?

The IRGC has evolved from defending the regime to having a significant influence over Iran's foreign policy, economy, military operations, and politics, effectively becoming a regime within a regime.

What are some recent activities the IRGC has been accused of?

Recent accusations against the IRGC include harassing American ships, transporting weapons to Hezbollah, targeting oil tankers, and being involved in cyber attacks and espionage.

Which countries have designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization?

Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the United States have designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization.

What is the Quds Force, and what is its role?

The Quds Force is an elite unit within the IRGC responsible for unconventional warfare and military intelligence operations, primarily focusing on supporting non-state actors across West Asia.

What are some non-state actors supported by the Quds Force?

The Quds Force supports groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Palestine, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the Houthis in Yemen, and Shia militias in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan.

How does the IRGC control a significant portion of Iran's economy?

The IRGC controls a significant portion of Iran's economy through various sectors such as construction, engineering, real estate, and manufacturing. Its construction arm, Khatam al-Anbiya, holds numerous contracts for large infrastructure projects.

What are bonyads, and how do they relate to the IRGC?

Bonyads are charitable foundations that operate as large holding companies, often used by the IRGC to control economic and societal aspects within Iran and to enrich the clerical leadership.

What actions has the IRGC taken against anti-government protests in Iran?

The IRGC has launched crackdowns against anti-government protests, including arrests, detentions, and even conducting missile and drone strikes, particularly in the Kurdish region.