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Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

Iranian military branch since 1979

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is a primary branch of the Iranian Armed Forces, established in May 1979 after the Iranian Revolution. It plays a crucial role in protecting the Islamic Republic's integrity and preventing foreign interference. With various divisions like the IRGC Navy and Basij, it also has a significant influence in Iranian politics and society. The IRGC has been described as an industrial empire with political clout and is led by Hossein Salami since 2019.

Related

Iranian Revolution Islamic State Al-Qaeda Ruhollah Khomeini Hezbollah Ali Khamenei Ebrahim Raisi MShirin Ebadi Arab Spring Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Timeline

Establishment of Pasdaran under Ayatollah Khomeini

Days after Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's return to Tehran on February 1, 1979, Mehdi Bazargan's interim administration formed the Pasdaran under Khomeini's decree on May 5. The Pasdaran was tasked with protecting the Revolution and enforcing the new government's Islamic laws.

Formation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)

The IRGC was established on May 5, 1979, after the Islamic Revolution in Iran. It was created to consolidate various paramilitary forces into a single loyal force to the new government and act as a counterbalance to the regular military.

Creation of the Qods Force

The Qods Force is the expeditionary arm of the IRGC, tasked with carrying out special operations and supporting proxy groups in other countries. It plays a significant role in Iran's foreign policy and regional influence.

Merge of Basij into IRGC

The Basij, originally established in 1980, was merged into the IRGC in 1981, solidifying its role as the IRGC's morality and antiriot police in Iran.

Quds Force Active in Lebanese Civil War

A contingent for foreign operations within the IRGC, known as the Quds Force, became active in the Lebanese Civil War in 1982.

Creation of IRGC Navy and Air Force

In 1985, Khomeini authorized the creation of a navy and an air force within the IRGC, further enhancing its force, structure, and complexity.

IRGC Entrenchment under Ali Khamenei

After Ali Khamenei became the leader of Iran in 1989, the IRGC became increasingly entrenched, remaining largely absent from the public sphere but taking on a substantial role in the economic development of postwar Iran.

Bombing of Jewish center in Buenos Aires

In 1994, a bombing targeted a Jewish center in Buenos Aires, Argentina. While Western and Middle Eastern intelligence officials linked the IRGC to the attack, Tehran denied involvement.

Dhahran Truck Bombing

A truck bombing in the city of Dhahran in June 1996 resulted in the death of 19 U.S. servicemembers. The attack was sponsored by the Qods Force as part of the ongoing conflict between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

IRGC Intervention in Political Affairs

In 1997, under the presidency of Mohammad Khatami, the IRGC began to intervene in political affairs, prompting the establishment of an intelligence wing to strengthen its hand.

Establishment of Saberin Unit

The Saberin Unit, an elite force within the IRGC Ground Forces, was established in 2000. It consists of highly trained commandos with specialized capabilities.

Formation of KH

The KH was established in 2003 with backing from Iran, serving as an anti-American Shia militia notorious for attacking U.S. and Coalition forces using roadside bombs and mortars.

Prevention of Turkish Company from Building Imam Khomeini International Airport

In 2004, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) prevented a Turkish company from constructing the Imam Khomeini International Airport in Iran citing national security reasons.

IRGC Personnel in Politics during Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's Term

During the first term of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the successor of Mohammad Khatami, the presence of former IRGC personnel in politics continued to grow. This further solidified the IRGC's role in domestic politics.

Establishment of AAH

The AAH was formed as an elite force in late 2006 with support, training, and funding from the IRGC, emerging as an offshoot of the Mahdi Army that engaged in conflict with the United States in Iraq.

Raid in Karbala, Iraq

Abdul Reza Shahlai, an IRGC financier, was allegedly responsible for a raid that resulted in the death of five American soldiers in Karbala, Iraq on January 20, 2007. The United States Department of State's Rewards for Justice Program offered a reward for information about the IRGC and Shahlai.

Establishment of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Ground Forces Territorial Commands

In 2008, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Ground Forces established 32 separate territorial commands known as 'Corps' (Sepah) to operate flexibly and independently from Tehran as part of the four-layered military doctrine for the defence of Iran.

12 June 2009 presidential election events

The events surrounding the 12 June 2009 presidential election in Iran were described by many analysts as a military coup orchestrated by the IRGC, leading to suppression of dissent. The IRGC was seen as an authoritarian military security government with significant influence over Iranian society.

Formation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was established as Iran's most powerful security and military organization in 2010, responsible for protecting and ensuring the survival of the regime.

Sanctions on Quds Force officials after assassination attempt

In 2011, the U.S. imposed sanctions on Quds Force officials following a failed assassination plot on the Saudi ambassador to the United States.

Establishment of Basij-only Beit al-Muqaddas and Kowsar battalions

Since September 2012, the IRGC and Basij established small Basij-only Beit al-Muqaddas battalions for male Basiji and Kowsar battalions for female Basiji to fulfill support roles in various missions.

IRGC Battalions in Iraq

Two battalions of Revolutionary Guards were reported to be operating in Iraq to combat the 2014 Northern Iraq offensive, supporting the Iraqi government against ISIS.

Iran's Elite Military In Regional Wars

Christian Science Monitor on September 4, 2015, questioned if Iran's elite military involvement in regional wars indicated mission creep.

IRGC Commander Discusses Afghan Militia and Syria

Amir Toumaj's report in FDD's Long War Journal features an IRGC commander discussing topics such as Afghan militia, 'Shia Liberation Army,' and Syria. The discussion likely involves Iran's military activities and strategies in the region.

IRGC Deputy Chief Boasts of Iran’s Role in Bombing U.S. Marine Barracks in Beirut

Iran Focus reports on the IRGC Deputy Chief boasting about Iran's involvement in the bombing of the U.S. Marine Barracks in Beirut.

Death of Shaaban Nassiri

In May 2017, senior IRGC commander Shaaban Nassiri was killed in combat near Mosul, Iraq, while fighting against ISIS.

U.S. Designates IRGC as Foreign Terrorist Organization

In October 2017, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a foreign terrorist organization, followed by the U.S. Department of State in April 2019. President Donald J. Trump emphasized that Iran, through the IRGC, actively engages in terrorism.

IRGC Tasked with Israel’s Destruction in 25 Years

According to Mehr News Agency, in April 2018, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was assigned the mission of destroying Israel within 25 years.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's support for IRGC terrorist designation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his approval of America's terrorist designation of the IRGC, stating that it fulfilled an important request of his. This move was met with criticism from various governments and organizations.

United States designates IRGC as a terrorist organization

On April 15, 2019, the United States officially labeled the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, a move opposed by some top CIA and Pentagon officials. This decision was criticized by several countries and organizations, including Turkey, Iraq, China, and Iran's parliament.

IRGC Cadets Graduation Ceremony

The graduation ceremony for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) cadets took place at Imam Hussein University in Tehran on October 14, 2019.

Assassination of Qassem Soleimani

Qassem Soleimani, a prominent general of the IRGC and commander of the Quds Force, was assassinated on January 3, 2020, leading to significant repercussions in the region.

Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 Incident

On 8 January 2020, the IRGC admitted responsibility for unintentionally shooting down Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 with a surface-to-air missile, leading to a tragic loss of civilian lives.

Assassination of Iran's Top Nuclear Scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh

Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, a key figure in Iran's covert nuclear program, was assassinated in Tehran on November 27, 2020. The attack was attributed to Israel's Mossad, leading to concerns about Iran's nuclear future and potential retaliatory actions.

IRGC Special Operation in Pakistan

On 3 February 2021, the IRGC conducted an intelligence-based operation inside Pakistani territory to rescue two border guards held hostage by Jaish ul-Adl, showcasing their cross-border capabilities.

Documenting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

Historian Dr. Annie Tracy Samuel discusses her research on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' self-depictions in histories of the Iran-Iraq War.

Creation of the Command for the Protection and Security of Nuclear Centres

The IRGC adopted a new independent branch called the 'Command for the Protection and Security of Nuclear Centres' on 16 March 2022, which is involved with Iran's nuclear program. This move showcases the IRGC's expanding role in various sectors beyond its traditional military functions.

Canada sanctions IRGC in response to protests

In reaction to the death of Mahsa Amini and the persecution of protestors, Canada officially sanctioned the IRGC on October 3, 2022. The sanctions targeted high-ranking officials and entities associated with the IRGC, including Major General Hossein Salami and Esmail Qaani.

IRGC Involvement in Russo-Ukrainian War

On 21 October 2022, Iranian troops were reported to be in Crimea assisting Russia in drone attacks, leading to tensions with Ukraine and potential escalation of the conflict.

European Parliament's call to include IRGC on EU's terrorist list

On January 18, 2023, the European Parliament passed an amendment urging the EU and its member states to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization. This decision reflects the growing consensus on the need to address the IRGC's actions.

Israel threatens to strike Iran directly

Israel warns of direct strikes on Iran if Iran initiates an attack from its territory.

End of the Timeline
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

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