Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps: Evolution and Regional Role Since 1979

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), established in 1979 following Iran's revolution, has evolved from a paramilitary force into a powerful institution with military, political, ideological, and economic influence. It operates alongside Iran's regular army and plays a central role in the country's regional strategy and conflicts, including recent naval incidents in the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC is often described as a state within a state, projecting power across West Asia and beyond.