IRGC Navy
Structure, Authority, and Past Incidents
The IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) maintains a parallel naval force — the IRGC Navy (Sepah Navy) — distinct from Iran's regular Islamic Republic of Iran Navy (IRIN). The IRGC Navy has jurisdiction over the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, while the IRIN operates in the Gulf of Oman and open waters. The IRGC Navy has historically been more aggressive in enforcing Iran's maritime interests and has been responsible for multiple tanker seizures, naval skirmishes, and incidents involving foreign vessels.
- IRGC established: 1979, after the Islamic Revolution
- IRGC Navy (Sepah Navy): Controls Persian Gulf; operates speedboats, submarines, and shore-based anti-ship missiles
- Past incidents: Seizure of UK-flagged tanker Stena Impero (2019), detention of U.S. Navy sailors (2016), tanker attacks in 2019
- IRGC designated FTO by the U.S.: April 2019 — first time a state military entity was so designated
- IRGC budget: Operates independently with revenues from business holdings; semi-autonomous from Iran's regular government
● Tracked since March 13, 2026 · last seen April 18, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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