Though the IRGC is not a regular military, it is more powerful than any military could be. The IRGC is an elite military and security force in Iran that operates separately from the regular Iranian Army and answers directly to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Also known as the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, it is under the direct control of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Its main objective is to complement the more traditional role of the regular Iranian military, and the two forces operate separately and focus on different operational roles. Besides, as it possesses fast attack boats, anti-ship missiles, and naval mines, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards can disrupt shipping and threaten U.S. Navy operations through choke points like the Strait of Hormuz.

Source: dna January 12, 2026 09:23 UTC