Following attacks by the United States and Israel on Saturday, President Donald Trump issued a demand to members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC): surrender and receive complete immunity, or face “certain death.” The IRGC did not comply, instead retaliating with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel and multiple Arab states hosting US assets.
Early Sunday morning, Iranian state television reported that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, was killed in one of the strikes on Tehran.
What is the IRGC?
Established in 1979 after the Islamic revolution, the IRGC is an elite armed force and a constitutionally recognised component of the Iranian military. It operates alongside the country’s regular army but answers directly to the supreme leader. Its doctrine centers on the protection of the Islamic revolution and loyalty to the supreme religious leader.
The IRGC is composed of ground, naval, and air forces, as well as the Basij, an internal security paramilitary militia, and the Quds Force, which handles special operations outside of Iran.
What does the IRGC do?
With approximately 190,000 active personnel and 600,000 including reserves, the IRGC plays a key role in Iran’s defence, foreign operations, and regional influence. It manages Iran’s ballistic missile program, secures the country’s nuclear program, and coordinates with regional allies.
The IRGC has faced heavy sanctions, with the US designating it a foreign terrorist organisation in 2019 and the European Union following suit in February 2026. The IRGC is also deeply involved in Iran’s political and economic structures, with firms affiliated with the group holding contracts in key sectors like natural resources and infrastructure.
What is the Basij?
Founded in 1979 by Ayatollah Khomeini, the Basij is a volunteer paramilitary force under the IRGC, recruiting civilians motivated by devotion to the country. The group has approximately 450,000 personnel and has been deployed during protests, including the 2009 Green Revolution and the 2022-23 Woman, Life, Freedom protests.
During the Iran-Iraq war, Basij members were deployed to the front lines and encouraged to undertake dangerous missions.
Will they listen to Trump?
According to Michael Mulroy, former deputy assistant secretary of defence for the Middle East, it seems unlikely the IRGC will comply with President Trump’s demands. Mulroy stated that Iran has multiple power centres – clerical, military, IRGC, and intelligence – and that statements from Iranian officials suggest an intention to escalate the conflict.
Analysts suggest that even if the current regime were to end, It’s unlikely to be replaced by a democracy, but rather a “military-controlled state.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is velayat-e faqih?
It is a doctrine built on the guardianship of the Islamic jurist, essentially the protection of the Islamic revolution and its fealty to the supreme religious leader.
What is the Quds Force?
It is the IRGC’s external operations force, focused on special operations outside Iranian territory.
What happened in Iran in January 2026?
Iran erupted in antigovernment protests, with economic hardships from years of sanctions and government mismanagement cited as key causes.
As the situation continues to unfold, will the IRGC’s response further escalate tensions in the region and what impact will the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have on Iran’s future?
