IRGC Is ‘Iran’s State Within A State’: Commanders Of The Security Force & Its Role In Hormuz & War Explained

Last Updated:March 18, 2026, 19:30 IST

The IRGC is described as a “state-within-a-state” or a “business empire”, as it controls 20% to 50% of Iran's economy, How is it controlling Strait of Hormuz amid war, explained

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), or Sepah-e Pasdaran, is Iran’s most powerful military, political, and economic institution.

The IRGC is often described as a “state-within-a-state" or a “business empire". Here’s all you need to know.

IRGC: The mandate, structure and personnel

Founded in 1979 by Ayatollah Khomeini, IRGC’s primary mandate is to protect the Islamic Republic’s system from internal and external threats, serving as a counterweight to the traditional regular army (Artesh).

As of early 2026, the IRGC maintains approximately 190,000 to 200,000 active personnel. It is composed of five main branches:

Ground Forces: Focused on internal security and increasingly on expeditionary operations.

Aerospace Force: Manages Iran’s strategic ballistic missile and space programs.

Navy: Operates primarily in the Persian Gulf using asymmetric “guerrilla" tactics with speedboats and mines.

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Quds Force: The elite unit responsible for unconventional warfare and operations abroad, managing regional proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas.

Basij: A paramilitary volunteer militia used for domestic surveillance and suppressing protests.

Who are IRGC’s other key commanders?

Aerospace Force: Brigadier General Majid Mousavi, oversees current regional missile operations.

Ground Forces: Brigadier General Mohammad Karami, is currently managing the defense of strategic Persian Gulf islands like Kharg Island.

Who does IRGC report to? Who heads IRGC?

The IRGC reports directly to the Supreme Leader of Iran.

The current commander-in-chief is Ahmad Vahidi, who was appointed on March 1, following the deaths of previous high-ranking officers.

The corps has suffered significant leadership losses, including Mohammad Pakpour, Vahidi’s predecessor, Hossein Salami (killed in June 13, 2025 Israeli strikes) and Gholam Reza Soleimani (commander of the Basij, reported killed in March 2026).

In March 2026, the IRGC claimed responsibility for launching over 100 missiles at Israel in retaliation for the assassination of security chief Ali Larijani.

Economic and political power

IRGC controls up to 20% to 50% of Iran’s economy, with major stakes in oil, gas, construction, telecommunications, and finance.

Khatam al-Anbia, its massive engineering firm, which has been awarded over 17,000 government contracts, handles major infrastructure and nuclear projects.

It is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, Canada, the European Union, and several other nations.

IRGC and US-Israel-Iran war

The IRGC is currently engaged in a large-scale regional conflict, which it has codenamed ‘Operation True Promise 4’ (or Operation Honest Promise 4).

March 17: The IRGC announced a “new phase of heavy strikes" across the Middle East, utilizing drones and missiles with multiple warheads against what it calls the “American-Zionist enemy".

Iran-Israel War News Live Updates HERE

The IRGC claims to have struck at least 27 bases hosting US troops and multiple Israeli military facilities. Reported targets include the US Embassy in Riyadh and Fifth Fleet facilities in Bahrain.

The IRGC has declared the Strait of Hormuz closed and warned that US “hideouts" in the UAE and other Gulf states are legitimate targets. It is suspected of laying mines in the strait to disrupt global oil passage.

Due to the “decapitation" of its central leadership, the IRGC has shifted to a decentralized “Mosaic Defense". This allows provincial units to act independently to sustain the war effort even if communications with Tehran are severed.

FAQs

What is the IRGC?

The IRGC is a powerful branch of the armed forces of Iran created after the Iranian Revolution. Its main role is to protect Iran’s Islamic political system and national security.

How is the IRGC different from the regular army?

Iran has two main military forces: Islamic Republic of Iran Army – the regular army that defends the country’s borders. IRGC focuses on internal security, strategic military programs, and regional influence. The IRGC also controls groups like the Quds Force and the Basij.

Why is the IRGC important in Middle East politics?

The IRGC plays a major role in Iran’s regional military and political strategy, supporting allied groups and operations in countries like Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon.

With agency inputs

News explainers IRGC Is ‘Iran’s State Within A State’: Commanders Of The Security Force & Its Role In Hormuz & War Explained

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