What to know about Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, a powerful force within the country’s theocracy

Associated Press (AP)EN 4 min read 100% complete by By JON GAMBRELLMarch 2, 2026 at 06:53 AM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard is a powerful paramilitary force within Iran, established after the 1979 Islamic Revolution to protect the theocracy. It answers only to the Supreme Leader and operates independently of the regular armed forces. The Guard controls Iran's ballistic missile arsenal, conducts foreign operations through its Quds Force, and backs groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis. It also has significant economic power, running construction companies and other businesses. The Guard's Quds Force is accused of training militants and hiring criminals to target Iran's enemies abroad, which Iran denies.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

United Arab Emirates 30% Tehran 30% Mohammad Ali Jafari 40% Iraq ×250% Middle East 50% Hezbollah 50% United States ×360% Israel ×360% Quds Force ×270% Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ×280% Revolutionary Guard ×790% Iran ×890%

Keywords

revolutionary guard 100% iran 90% theocracy 80% ballistic missile arsenal 70% islamic revolution 60% quds force 60% middle east 50% supreme leader 50% axis of resistance 50% foreign operations 40%