IRGC Tightens Grip on Power Amid Iran's Political Turmoil and Regime Change Chatter

• The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is increasingly seen as the true power in Iran, overshadowing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
• Originating from the 1979 revolution, the IRGC has evolved into a vast organization with significant influence across Iran's political, economic, and security sectors.
• Former IRGC commanders now hold key positions in parliament, state industries, and media, blurring lines between civilian and military authority.
• The IRGC's control over force, intelligence, and economic resources positions it as the primary institution for maintaining order amidst succession fears and protests.
• Through conglomerates like Khatam al-Anbiya, the IRGC dominates key economic sectors and uses sanctions-evasion to fund operations, ensuring its financial autonomy.

Why It Matters: The IRGC has become the dominant force in Iran, controlling political, economic, and security spheres amidst national crises.