Domestic influence
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), known as “Sepah” in Iran, is an influential and powerful military force. Formed after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the IRGC’s primary objective is to protect the revolutionary principles and safeguard the regime and promote hegemonic expansion of the Islamic revolution principles through the Middle East. The IRGC operates independently from the regular Iranian military, known as the “Artesh”, and has its own ground, naval, and aerospace forces.
Over the years, the IRGC has expanded its reach, gaining substantial political, security, and economic control within Iran. With its involvement in politics, defence, and control over key sectors of the economy, the IRGC has emerged as a central pillar of the Iranian regime, shaping the country’s trajectory and wielding considerable power in domestic and regional affairs.
International influence
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is an integral part of Iran’s security apparatus, established after the 1979 Islamic Revolution to protect the newly formed Islamic Republic and its political system. Over the years, the IRGC has evolved into a powerful military, political, and economic force in Iran, with significant influence both domestically and internationally.
The IRGC comprises several units, including the Quds Force, responsible for extraterritorial operations and supporting various proxy groups in the region. Some of these proxy groups are designated as terrorist organisations by various countries due to their involvement in acts of terror, violence, and destabilisation in the Middle East and beyond.
The IRGC’s activities are a cause for concern among the international community for several reasons.
Major General Hossein Salami
Commander-in-Chief
Hossein Salami serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC, having been appointed to the position in April 2019. Salami has been involved in various roles within the IRGC since the 1980s.
Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naghdi
Deputy Commander-in-Chief
Naghdi serves as the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC, having been appointed to this position in 2019. He previously led the IRGC's Basij paramilitary force.
Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani
Commander of the Quds Force
Following Soleimani's death, Ghaani was appointed as the Commander of the Quds Force. He had previously served as Soleimani's deputy.
