IRGC

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is a branch of the Iranian military. While the Iranian Army is the Islamic Republic's traditional military, the IRGC is focused on ensuring Iran's "integrity," which is often interpreted as meeting Tehran's foreign objectives as well as safeguarding the country from foreign interference.

The IRGC is made up of five core branches: The Ground Forces, which focus on putting down internal dissent as well as projecting power abroad; the Aerospace Force, which operates aircraft, missiles, and satellites; the Navy, which uses fast attack boats for asymmetric hit-and-run tactics; the Quds Force, which focuses on military intelligence and extraterritorial operations; and the Basij, a volunteer paramilitary group.

Its current leader is Maj.-Gen. Hossein Salami.

Iran's top targets in retaliatory strikes likely to include key Israeli infrastructure, US bases

Iran and its proxies may attempt direct military action, and mobilize terror attacks or sabotage activity within Israel in retaliation for US strikes, the Alma Research and Education Center analyzed.

FEBRUARY 27, 2026|ByGOLDIE KATZ, JERUSALEM POST STAFF

A man walks past a mural depicting a damaged Statue of Liberty, on a street in Tehran, Iran, February 26, 2026.

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei looks on during a meeting at the IRGC Aerospace Force achievements exhibition in Tehran, Iran November 19, 2023.

‘Mouse Ali’: Khamenei’s hidden network sustains his authoritarian rule from hiding

Bayt-e Rahbari has allowed Khamenei’s authority to remain intact in his absence and, according to United Against Nuclear Iran, highlights the regime’s durability.

FEBRUARY 26, 2026|ByDANIELLE GREYMAN-KENNARD

Iran transferred $1.7b. to terror proxies through cryptocurrency service Binance last year - NYT

The crypto-currency exchange site reportedly fired or suspended at least four employees involved in the internal investigation, with the company blaming “violations of company protocol.”

FEBRUARY 25, 2026|ByDANIELLE GREYMAN-KENNARD

A sailboat sails as a boat approaches to the boarding ladder of the Iranian oil tanker Grace 1 as it sits anchored after it was seized in July by British Royal Marines off the coast of the British Mediterranean territory on suspicion of violating sanctions against Syria, in the Strait of Gibraltar,

US expands Iran sanctions, targets illegal petroleum 'shadow fleet,' weapon production

Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control also targeted multiple networks that enable Iran to secure the precursor materials and machinery required for ballistic missile and other weapons.

FEBRUARY 25, 2026|ByREUTERS

'Not worried at all': Killing Khamenei would not trigger collapse of regime, Iran's Araghchi says

"Our system does not depend on individuals. It is supported by the people. So I am not worried at all. Even in the middle of war, nothing collapsed," Araghchi said.

FEBRUARY 25, 2026ByTOBIAS HOLCMAN

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi addresses a special session of the Conference on Disarmament at the United Nations, aside of US-Iran talks in Geneva, Switzerland, February 17, 2026

AI modeling predicts IRGC support for military general to succeed Khamenei

Speculation over succession has intensified during periods of heightened regional tension, including the recent 12-day war in June.

FEBRUARY 25, 2026ByKATERYNA POBEREZHNA

Iranian parliament members chant in support of the IRGC while wearing military uniforms in Tehran, Iran, February 1, 2026.

Iranians turn universities into battleground against Islamic regime

One protester told The Media Line: “Left or right, what is certain and inevitable is the inevitable destruction of the Islamic Republic.”

FEBRUARY 25, 2026ByOMID HABIBINIA/THE MEDIA LINE

Students supporting Reza Pahlavi chanted slogans in his favor across several universities. Furthermore, for the first time, they also chanted against the leftists, who are considered the primary rivals of the monarchists.

IRGC kills, arrests at least 100 MEK fighters in clashes near Khamenei's Tehran headquarters

Iran’s IRGC said it killed or arrested at least 100 MEK fighters during clashes near Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s Tehran headquarters, with MEK confirming the incident and reporting heavy losses.

FEBRUARY 25, 2026ByJAMES GENN

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei waves during a meeting in Tehran, Iran, February 17, 2026.

Trump says Iran will 'never' have nuclear weapons during State of the Union address

As US-Iran tensions rise, US President Donald Trump stated that he will “never allow the world’s number one sponsor of terror to have a nuclear weapon.”

FEBRUARY 25, 2026ByGOLDIE KATZ, JAMES GENN

US President Donald J. Trump delivers the first State of the Union address of his second term to a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber of the United States Capitol in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

'Enmity against god': Iran issues death sentence linked to January unrest, source says

A Tehran revolutionary court has reportedly sentenced Mohammad Abbasi to death on charges of “enmity against god,” a ruling not yet confirmed by Iran’s judiciary or Supreme Court.

FEBRUARY 24, 2026ByREUTERS, JERUSALEM POST STAFF

An effigy resembling Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is hanged during a rally in support of Iranian protesters during a global day of action in Los Angeles, California, February 14, 2026.

IDF opens fire on Lebanese military, LAF claims, escalating for UNIFIL review

The office of the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Lebanese presidency did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

FEBRUARY 24, 2026ByJAMES GENN, REUTERS

The Lebanese military secures the streets in Kfar Kila, southern Lebanon, February 8, 2026; illustrative.

'Russia is to Ukraine what Hamas is to Israel': Ukrainian ambassador marks four years of war

He added that Ukraine has formally designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.

FEBRUARY 24, 2026ByGUY ELSTER

Ukrainian Ambassador to Israel Yevgen Korniychuk attends a ceremony marking the two years anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in Tel Aviv on February 23, 2023.

Trump weighs smaller strike ahead of 'bigger attack in coming months' if Iran refuses deal - report

Reported targets of the strikes could include the headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iran’s nuclear sites, or its ballistic missile program.

FEBRUARY 23, 2026ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM

A man shows a sign mentioning US President Donald Trump during a rally in support of nationwide protests in Iran, in Rome, Italy, January 13, 2026.

Loyalty to IRGC may not be worth the cost of sinking with it when it falls - editorial

As the US military buildup increases, Iran tightens its grip on proxy forces across the Middle East. The Islamic Republic prepares for a potential regional confrontation.

FEBRUARY 23, 2026ByJPOST EDITORIAL

An Iranian woman walk past anti-US mural depicting Iran and US negotiation table, painted on the outer walls of the former US embassy, in Tehran on February 6, 2026.