The Pivotal Role of Iran's Revolutionary Guards

Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards, a central force in the country's military and political framework, are poised to retaliate for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. The IRGC, established post-1979 Islamic Revolution, holds substantial military capabilities and economic interests, influencing Iran's regional policies and proxy forces.

Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards stand ready to respond following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), founded after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, is a dominant military force with its own army, navy, air force, and intelligence wing. Tasked with protecting the Shi’ite Muslim clerical ruling system, the IRGC answers directly to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. With an estimated 125,000-strong military and commanding the Basij religious militia, the IRGC has proven instrumental in both peace and wartime operations.

The Quds Force, the IRGC's overseas arm, heavily influences allied militias across the Middle East, backing groups from Lebanon to Yemen. Notably, its members have aided President Bashar al-Assad in Syria and supported Iraqi forces against ISIS. The IRGC oversees Iran's ballistic missile program, uses its economic might across various sectors, and maintains a substantial presence in Iran's political establishment.