IRGC
Structure and Maritime Role
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was established on May 5, 1979, by order of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini following the Islamic Revolution, as a parallel military force loyal to the revolutionary government rather than to the traditional armed forces.
- The IRGC comprises five branches: Ground Forces, Aerospace Force, Navy, Quds Force (expeditionary), and the Basij (paramilitary militia).
- The IRGC Navy specifically controls operations in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, operating fast patrol boats, submarines, and anti-ship missile batteries.
- The IRGC is constitutionally accountable only to the Office of the Supreme Leader, not to the elected government, giving it an independent command authority in decisions like closure declarations.
- The Quds Force is the IRGC's overseas operations arm, responsible for support to regional allied groups.
- The United States designated the IRGC as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation in 2019.
● Tracked since February 16, 2026 · last seen June 11, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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