Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps: A Resilient Force Against U.S. Invasion

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has demonstrated a strong and enduring capacity to resist foreign military intervention, particularly in light of recent U.S. ground force deployments to the Middle East. Following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28, 2026, by an Israeli airstrike, U.S. President Donald Trump urged the IRGC to disarm in exchange for immunity. The IRGC, however, rejected this offer and has shown no inclination to capitulate, despite suffering significant leadership losses and ongoing U.S.-Israeli military actions.

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Established during the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the IRGC was formed from street militias loyal to Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, aiming to protect the nascent Islamic Republic. The IRGC evolved into a conventional combat force during the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), where it played a crucial role in repelling Iraqi forces. This historical experience has shaped the IRGC's identity and operational strategies, making it a formidable opponent against perceived threats.

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The IRGC has extensive experience in asymmetric warfare through its support of proxy groups, notably the Quds Force, which was instrumental in forming Hezbollah in Lebanon. This strategy has allowed the IRGC to engage U.S. and Israeli forces indirectly, employing tactics designed to wear down occupying forces. The IRGC's historical reliance on such tactics suggests that, while it may struggle against a high-intensity invasion, it is well-prepared for a prolonged conflict should U.S. objectives remain unclear.

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In the wake of Khamenei's assassination, the IRGC has rallied behind his son, Mojtaba, to maintain its institutional power. The IRGC perceives the current U.S. military actions as part of a long-standing campaign to undermine the Islamic Republic, a narrative that has persisted since the 1980s. The organization’s leadership has emphasized its commitment to resist any form of surrender, fearing accountability for past actions in a potential new political order.

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Critics of the IRGC argue that its entrenched power and economic interests—controlling approximately 20% of Iran's economy—complicate the political landscape. Some analysts suggest that the IRGC's fear of losing its privileges may drive its resistance to U.S. forces, potentially prolonging conflict and instability in the region.

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While the IRGC has been significantly weakened by recent military actions, the extent of its operational capacity remains debated. Some sources indicate that the IRGC's leadership is in disarray, while others assert that its historical resilience and corporate identity will enable it to continue resisting foreign intervention effectively.

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• “As US ground forces deploy to the Middle East, it is imperative to understand that – despite a month of widespread US-Israeli bombing, damaged infrastructure, internal fractures and decimated leadership – the IRGC will likely resist any invasion of Iranian territory with tenacity.” — Ibrahim Al-Marashi, Adjunct Professor

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• “If the events of history – and of the conflict thus far – are anything to go by, it will fight to the bitter end rather than capitulate.” — Ibrahim Al-Marashi, Adjunct Professor

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The IRGC's history of resilience and adaptation suggests that it will continue to pose a significant challenge to U.S. military objectives in the region. As the situation evolves, the IRGC's capacity to leverage its historical experiences and proxy warfare tactics will likely shape the dynamics of any potential conflict.

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