As tensions escalate in the Middle East, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stands resolute against potential US ground forces. Following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28, 2026, and under the shadow of a mounting US-Israeli military presence, the IRGC is poised to defend Iranian territory with relentless determination. The group’s history of fierce resistance and strategic adaptability offers insight into how it will confront any invasion.
A Legacy of Resilience
The IRGC, comprising approximately 190,000 active members alongside an estimated 450,000 reserves from the Basij paramilitary group, has long been a formidable force in Iranian politics and society. Established during the 1979 revolution, the IRGC emerged from impromptu street militias that rallied to support Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s vision of an Islamic Republic. Its initial purpose was to guard against potential counter-revolutionary threats, particularly from the secular factions that sought to form a government after the monarchy’s downfall.
The IRGC quickly evolved into a praetorian guard for the Supreme Leader, demonstrating its significance in maintaining the Islamic Republic’s ideological and political integrity. It was instrumental in quelling counter-revolutionary movements and has fought numerous internal conflicts, including Kurdish and Baloch insurgencies that have erupted over the decades.
The Impact of War
The 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq War was a crucible for the IRGC, transforming it from a paramilitary force into a conventional military power. It played a crucial role in repelling Iraqi forces led by Saddam Hussein and faced the horror of chemical warfare, a bitter lesson that continues to inform its strategies today. Current IRGC leaders, many of whom were young soldiers during this tumultuous period, carry the weight of that history, fuelling their resolve against perceived threats.
As the IRGC evolved, it developed a robust counter-insurgency capability, suppressing various ethnic uprisings while simultaneously expanding its influence beyond Iranian borders. The creation of the Quds Force in 1982 marked a significant shift, enabling the IRGC to project power through regional proxies, notably Hezbollah in Lebanon. This strategic pivot allowed Iran to engage adversaries like Israel indirectly, employing tactics that have historically eroded the morale of occupying forces.
Lessons from Past Conflicts
The IRGC’s extensive experience in asymmetrical warfare against the US and its allies informs its current strategy. During the Iraq War, IRGC-supported militias conducted a relentless campaign against American troops, employing improvised explosive devices and guerrilla tactics. The US withdrawal from Iraq in 2011 was seen as a testament to the effectiveness of these strategies, which the IRGC is likely to replicate should a ground invasion occur.
Despite suffering significant setbacks from recent US-Israeli airstrikes, the IRGC’s history of resilience suggests that it will mobilise its well-honed tactics of attrition. While these methods may not suffice to repel an immediate and intense ground assault, they could set the stage for a prolonged conflict, drawing the US into another quagmire reminiscent of its past engagements in the region.
The Narrative of Conflict
The IRGC’s perception of its relationship with the US has morphed dramatically over the decades. Initially, there was a fleeting period of cooperation following the 9/11 attacks, as both nations found themselves united against the Taliban. However, the subsequent designation of Iran as part of the “Axis of Evil” in 2002 marked a definitive shift, solidifying the IRGC’s view of the US as a persistent adversary intent on undermining the Islamic Republic.
This antagonism reached a fever pitch under the Trump administration, which the IRGC perceives as a continuation of a long-standing campaign to weaken Iran through various means, including economic sanctions and proxy warfare. The death of Khamenei has only intensified the IRGC’s commitment to preserving its institutional power, as evidenced by its swift rallying around his son, Mojtaba, following the Supreme Leader’s assassination.
Why it Matters
The IRGC stands as a powerful embodiment of Iran’s will to resist external threats, and its historical legacy informs its current posture. As US forces prepare for potential confrontation, understanding the IRGC’s motivations and strategies is crucial. With a deep-rooted commitment to its ideological foundation and a network of influence that extends beyond traditional military roles, the IRGC is not merely a fighting force but a complex institution that safeguards the very essence of the Islamic Republic. The implications of any conflict involving the IRGC reach far beyond the battlefield, potentially reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East for years to come.