Summary
The article discusses Iran's Revolutionary Guard, a powerful military and economic force that operates under the authority of Iran's supreme leader. It has a significant role in Iran's military operations, foreign activities, and internal security, particularly in the Middle East.
Key Facts
- The Revolutionary Guard was founded after Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution to protect the Shiite cleric-led government.
- It has grown in power and operates separately from Iran's regular armed forces.
- The Guard manages various business enterprises, including construction, telecommunications, and more.
- Its Quds Force is involved in supporting groups like Hezbollah and Hamas and has engaged in foreign military operations.
- The Guard has a history of arresting and charging individuals with Western ties or dual citizenship on espionage charges.
- Recent regional conflicts, such as the war with Israel, have put pressure on the Guard's operations.
- The Guard's Basij force is used to suppress domestic protests in Iran.
