The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is Iran’s elite military force established after the 1979 revolution to safeguard the Islamic system. It operates parallel to Iran’s regular military forces and includes its own army, navy, air force, and the Quds Force, which manages overseas operations.
What is the IRGC’s primary role?
The primary role of the IRGC is to protect the Islamic Republic’s regime and its values, both domestically and internationally. It plays a crucial role in Iran’s security policies and has more influence than the regular armed forces.
How did the IRGC become so powerful?
The IRGC’s significance and power were cemented through its active participation in the Iran-Iraq War. Over the years, it has expanded its influence by building a network of allied militias across the Middle East through the Quds Force, extending Iran’s influence in the region.
What does the Quds Force do?
The Quds Force is responsible for the IRGC’s clandestine operations abroad. It supports and arms various groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Palestinian territories and has played a significant role in supporting President Assad’s regime during the Syrian civil war.
Why is the Quds Force a significant part of the IRGC?
The Quds Force enables Iran to project its power beyond its borders, predominantly through proxy warfare rather than direct military engagement. This branch of the IRGC is critical for Iran’s strategy of influence in geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East.
Why is the IRGC a target for Israel?
Israel views the IRGC, particularly its backed militias, as a significant threat due to their presence and activities near Israeli borders. The IRGC’s support for anti-Israel groups and its direct threats have led Israel to conduct various strikes against IRGC targets in regions like Syria to diminish Iranian influence.
How has the IRGC responded to Israeli attacks?
In response to Israeli strikes, the IRGC has occasionally launched retaliatory attacks, though these have generally been limited in scale. Iran faces internal and external pressures to respond more decisively to maintain its credibility among its allies and within its regime.
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