Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is a branch of the Iranian Armed Forces, established after the 1979 revolution to protect the country's Islamic system. It operates independently of the regular military and wields significant political and economic influence within Iran. The IRGC is newsworthy due to its role in regional security and its control over strategic waterways like the Strait of Hormuz. Recent events, specifically the ongoing war in Iran (as of March 2026), have highlighted the IRGC's control over the Strait. A senior advisor to the IRGC commander-in-chief announced disruptions to shipping through the Strait, contributing to rising oil prices and concerns about a global food crisis due to fertilizer shortages. Despite this, Pakistan secured a deal with Iran to allow 20 Pakistani-flagged vessels to transit the Strait. The IRGC's actions and influence over this vital waterway have significant implications for global trade, energy security, and international relations.