Iran's IRGC
Structure, Role, and "Axis of Resistance"
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is a branch of Iran's armed forces established after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, charged with protecting the clerical government's institutions. Distinct from the regular Iranian army (Artesh), the IRGC reports directly to the Supreme Leader and operates a parallel military structure including ground forces, navy, air force, and the Quds Force (external operations branch).
- Established: May 5, 1979, by decree of Ayatollah Khomeini
- The Quds Force is the IRGC's extraterritorial operations arm, responsible for supporting allied non-state groups (Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthi, Iraqi militias) — collectively termed Iran's "Axis of Resistance"
- US designated the IRGC as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in April 2019
- The IRGC operates the Shahab, Fateh, and Hypersonic Fattah ballistic and cruise missile systems
- "True Promise" operations: Iran launched Operation True Promise 1 (April 2024, direct strikes on Israel), True Promise 2 (October 2024), and the current True Promise 4 — marking a significant escalatory ladder
● Tracked since February 28, 2026 · last seen March 04, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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