Eliot Assoudeh’s presentation to the NSF on THE IRANIAN “ISLAMIC REVOLUTIONARY GUARDS CORPS” (IRGC): Power and Violence in Iran, Syria & Beyond was one of the most insightful discussions we have had. Assoudeh analyzed the current role of the IRGC in Iranian society, its prominent role in the economy, intelligence agencies and the politico-military sectors, as well as the relationships between the IRGC and President Rouhani, and more importantly with the Supreme Ruler, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), Assoudeh pointed out, maintains a major role not only in Iran’s politico-military areas, but is a dominant factor in the economy as well. The Revolutionary Guards oversee the Quds force and its activities in neighboring countries, directs the Basij in domestic oppression, conducts religious indoctrination internally, and owns a significant part of the Iranian economy—including the agro, industrial and military sectors.
As Assoudeh illustrated, the “Army of the Guardians of the Islamic Republic” (IRGC) has far reaching powers and functions within the Islamic Republic of Iran. It has the core responsibility of protecting the Islamic establishment as well as more traditional military functions. It also has the duty of protecting the national command authority, especially the Supreme Ruler, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
He demonstrated that the Guards have oversight of the intelligence agencies, maintains the long range missile stockpile, and supports Islamic causes abroad. The IRGC also has a primary role in stifling domestic dissent.
Iranian-born Assoudeh also said that the differences of opinion on the nuclear negotiations between new President Rouhani and the IRGC are real and deep. He noted that the populace as a whole does not share many of the precepts put forward by the IRGC or the conservative establishment, and that this schism will likely grow. He concluded with a discussion of ways in which the West might exploit those differences.
We asked PhD candidate Assoudeh to put together a more comprehensive PowerPoint on these issues, which he has done and we are very pleased to make available to you. To view the presentation please click here.
— Ty