Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)

 Introduction
After the Iranian Revolution of 1979, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was formed as a military force. It was established to protect the newly established Islamic Republic of Iran and its principles. Over time, the IRGC has expanded in power and influence, becoming a significant political and economic force in the nation. This article will look at the IRGC's background, structure, and operations as well as its effects on Iran and the larger Middle East.

History
The IRGC was established on April 22, 1979, by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Its primary purpose was to defend the Islamic Republic and its revolutionary ideals against internal and external threats. The IRGC was formed in response to the failure of the Iranian military to protect the revolution against a coup attempt by military officers loyal to the former regime.

The IRGC was crucial in crushing dissident groups and establishing the new government's authority in the early years of the Islamic Republic. Involvement in the 1980–1988 Iran–Iraq War is another instance. The IRGC played a significant role in the war and acted independently of the regular Iranian military throughout.

Organization
The IRGC is divided into a number of branches, each with a distinct function. While the Air Force is in charge of air-based operations, the Ground Forces are in charge of land-based operations. The Quds Force is in charge of overseas operations, while the Navy is in charge of naval operations. The Basij is a paramilitary group that works under the IRGC's control and is in charge of upholding social order and organizing the populace in times of emergency.

The IRGC is led by a commander who is appointed by Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The current commander is Hossein Salami, who was appointed in 2019. The IRGC operates independently of the regular Iranian military and is not subject to the same level of government oversight.

Activities
Over the years, the IRGC has taken part in a variety of endeavors both inside and outside of Iran. It has been crucial in quashing internal dissent and preserving governmental authority. It has also participated in a variety of outside actions, such as assisting militant organizations in Yemen, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Lebanon.

The IRGC has gotten more and more involved in the Iranian economy in recent years. It has authority over a wide range of enterprises and sectors, including the building, telecommunications, and energy industries. Due to its economic clout, the IRGC now wields considerable political sway in Iran and is widely regarded as an adversary of the Iranian government.

Impact
The IRGC's influence extends far beyond Iran's borders. It has been accused of supporting a range of militant groups in the Middle East, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The IRGC's support for these groups has contributed to instability in the region and has drawn criticism from the international community.

Additionally, the IRGC has been charged of supporting terrorism. The Saudi ambassador to the United States was the target of an alleged assassination plot in 2011, according to the United States. Additionally, the IRGC has been charged with taking part in attacks against American forces in Iraq.

Iran has also experienced a huge impact from the IRGC's economic might. The organization has tremendous political sway in the nation due to its control over important sectors and corporations. Iranians have criticized this because they believe the IRGC to be a corrupt, self-serving institution that is more concerned with enriching itself than the people.

Structure of the IRGC

1. The IRGC is a complex organization with several branches and units. The IRGC’s command structure consists of a Supreme Leader, who is the ultimate authority, a Chief Commander, who oversees all operations, and various subordinate commanders.
2. The IRGC’s ground forces, known as the Basij, are a volunteer paramilitary organization that is responsible for enforcing Islamic law, suppressing dissent, and defending the Islamic Republic. The Basij also operates in the fields of health care, education, and social welfare.
3. The IRGC’s navy, known as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Navy (IRGN), is responsible for protecting Iranian waters and the Persian Gulf. The IRGN is equipped with fast attack craft, submarines, and ballistic missiles.
4. The IRGC’s air force, known as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force (IRGCAF), is responsible for protecting Iranian airspace and launching missiles.
5. The IRGC’s Quds Force is a special operations unit that is responsible for carrying out covert operations and supporting proxy groups in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and other countries.

Roles and Influence of the IRGC

1. The IRGC plays a crucial role in Iran’s political and economic spheres. The IRGC has significant influence over Iran’s foreign policy and is responsible for carrying out Iran’s proxy wars in the Middle East.
2. The IRGC also plays a critical role in Iran’s economy, with control over several key economic sectors, including construction, energy, and telecommunications. The IRGC’s economic power allows it to exert significant influence over Iran’s political and social spheres.
3. The IRGC is also responsible for suppressing political dissidents and cracking down on protests. The IRGC’s Basij force has been accused of carrying out brutal attacks on Iranian citizens who protest against the regime.
4. The IRGC’s Quds Force is responsible for carrying out terrorist attacks and supporting proxy groups in the Middle East. The Quds Force has been accused of supporting terrorist groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis in Yemen.
5. The IRGC has also been accused of human rights abuses, including torture, extrajudicial killings, and forced disappearances. The IRGC’s influence over Iran’s judiciary system has allowed it to carry out these abuses with impunity.

Conclusion
A prominent organization in Iran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps wields considerable military, political, and economic sway. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has been crucial to Iran's history, including the Iran-Iraq War and Iran's support for a number of regional Islamist movements. The IRGC has been charged with assisting terrorism and insurgency in the area, as well as engaging in a number of human rights violations. The IRGC will probably continue to play a substantial role in Iranian politics and society, and its deeds will continue to influence Iran's ties with other nations in the region and beyond.