Iran's watchful eye faces a new threat.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Faces Uncertain Future After Military Setbacks

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), once a formidable militia, is now grappling with an uncertain future following devastating military setbacks. Founded after the 1979 revolution, the IRGC has become the most powerful force in Iran, tasked with safeguarding and spreading the Islamic Republic's values.

Recent U.S. and Israeli strikes in Iran have reportedly crippled the IRGC's military capabilities, including its nuclear facilities and missile programs. Experts believe these losses have significantly diminished the group's regional influence and forced the regime to reconsider its strategy.

The IRGC's legitimacy has waned over the years, primarily due to its violent tactics and close association with the clerical elite. Many Iranians now yearn for better relations with the West and an end to the regime's isolationist stance.

Internally, the IRGC's economic empire is under severe strain due to sanctions, cyberattacks, and battlefield losses. Foreign banks are wary of any connection with Iran due to fear of inadvertently dealing with IRGC-linked entities.

While the IRGC is unlikely to turn against the regime, experts predict they may shift focus inward, resorting to increased repression of their own people instead of external aggression. This could potentially lead to greater isolation and authoritarianism in Iran.

The future trajectory of the IRGC remains uncertain. Some experts suggest the younger generation of IRGC members may embrace a less religious but equally hardline ideology, while others envision a more moderate path focused on normalization and growth.