Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is a branch of the Iranian Armed Forces, founded after the 1979 Iranian Revolution. It is distinct from the regular military and is tasked with protecting the country's Islamic system. The IRGC wields significant political and economic power within Iran, controlling vast sectors of the economy and exerting influence over domestic and foreign policy. The IRGC is newsworthy due to ongoing tensions in the region. Recent reports suggest that Iranian Kurdish opposition groups are prepared to challenge Tehran, potentially impacting the IRGC's security role. Furthermore, discussions of potential military conflict involving the US and Iran highlight the IRGC's role as a key player in any such confrontation. The IRGC's involvement in regional conflicts and its perceived threat to U.S. allies contribute to its continued relevance on the international stage.