Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
The IRGC was established in May 1979 following the Islamic Revolution to protect the new theocratic state from internal and external threats. It operates as a parallel military force alongside the Iranian regular army (Artesh), with its own ground, naval, air, and aerospace forces, as well as the Quds Force for extraterritorial operations. The IRGC controls significant portions of Iran's economy and oversees Iran's ballistic missile and drone programs.
- Founded: May 1979
- Comprises: Ground forces, Navy, Aerospace Force, Quds Force (external operations), Basij (paramilitary militia)
- Controls Iran's ballistic missile program and drone development
- Quds Force conducts proxy operations supporting Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthi militias, and Iraqi PMF groups
- Designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the US in 2019
- The IRGC Navy operates in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, deploying fast attack craft, sea mines, and anti-ship missiles
● Tracked since March 09, 2026 · last seen June 27, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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