Islamic Revolutionary Guard

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 escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil trade. US intelligence reports suggest a heightened risk of direct attacks by Iran, specifically the IRGC, on oil tankers in the region. This follows perceived provocations and an ongoing US-Israeli conflict against Iran. The IRGC's actions are particularly relevant as they directly impact global oil supplies and prices, and contribute to broader geopolitical instability in the Middle East. Calls for regime change in Iran, such as those from exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, further highlight the IRGC's central role in maintaining the current government's power.