Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is a branch of the Iranian Armed Forces, established after the 1979 revolution to protect the country's Islamic system. Recent news highlights the IRGC's alleged role in controlling passage through the Strait of Hormuz, with reports suggesting ships are paying the IRGC for safe passage. This activity occurs amidst a larger conflict between the US and Iran, involving military actions and diplomatic efforts by other nations like Pakistan, Turkiye, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia to mediate. The conflict has escalated to the point where the US has issued ultimatums regarding the Strait of Hormuz and considered military strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure. Furthermore, relatives of the late IRGC commander Qassem Soleimani have been arrested in the US, adding another layer of tension to the already complex relationship between the two countries. The IRGC's actions and the broader US-Iran conflict have significant implications for regional stability and global oil markets.