sepah

Sepah, also known as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), is a branch of the Iranian armed forces. It was founded in 1979 following the Iranian Revolution. The IRGC's stated mission is to protect the country's Islamic system and prevent internal and external threats. It operates in parallel with the Iranian regular army (Artesh) and has distinct responsibilities.

The IRGC controls significant portions of Iran's military, naval, and air forces. It also plays a substantial role in Iran's economy and political landscape. The organization oversees various paramilitary forces, including the Basij, which is a volunteer militia. The IRGC's influence extends to Iran's ballistic missile program and its nuclear activities.

The IRGC has been designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States. This designation stems from accusations of involvement in terrorism, support for militant groups, and human rights abuses. Iran disputes these accusations, asserting that the IRGC is a legitimate national defense force. The organization's activities and influence remain a subject of international scrutiny and debate.