Global Solidarity Against the IRGC: How the World Can Act

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a powerful military and ideological branch of Iran’s regime, has evolved into one of the most dangerous instruments of authoritarian control and international destabilization. From its repressive domestic tactics—especially against women and minorities—to its coordination of global proxy militias, terrorist operations, and digital warfare, the IRGC poses a growing threat to regional and global security.

The international community is increasingly recognizing this danger. While the United States designated the IRGC as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) in 2019, other governments have begun to take action, though unevenly. To effectively weaken the IRGC’s grip on power and support the Iranian people—especially women, human rights activists, and journalists—a unified global strategy is urgently needed.

This report explores the nature of the IRGC’s threat, how global solidarity is taking shape, and most importantly, what steps the world can take now to confront and contain the IRGC.

1. Understanding the IRGC’s Threat

A. Domestic Repression

The IRGC is not just a military organization; it functions as a political, economic, and intelligence force. Domestically, it:

 • Controls intelligence agencies that arrest, torture, and silence dissidents.

 • Manages elite units like the Basij, used to crush peaceful protests.

 • Oversees prisons like Evin and Qarchak, infamous for abuse, especially against women political prisoners.

 • Enforces laws like mandatory hijab through surveillance and violence.

B. Global Terrorism and Proxy Wars

The IRGC’s Quds Force is its external operations arm, responsible for:

 • Funding and arming militias like Hezbollah (Lebanon), the Houthis (Yemen), and various Iraqi and Syrian groups.

 • Orchestrating attacks against U.S. and allied forces.

 • Attempting assassinations of dissidents abroad, including in Europe and North America.

 • Smuggling weapons to destabilize the Middle East and beyond.

C. Digital Warfare

The IRGC conducts:

 • Cyberattacks against critical infrastructure in rival nations.

 • Online surveillance and censorship within Iran.

 • Disinformation campaigns to manipulate international perception and suppress opposition.

2. The Importance of Global Solidarity

Why It Matters

Authoritarian regimes rely on isolation to silence dissent. Solidarity—especially international political, economic, and cultural pressure—can:

 • Protect vulnerable activists.

 • Strengthen local resistance.

 • Undermine authoritarian legitimacy.

 • Disrupt financial and military operations.

Lessons from Past Movements

Examples like South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement and the global response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine show that coordinated international action can yield results, even against powerful regimes.

3. Current Global Actions Against the IRGC

A. The United States

 • Officially designated the IRGC as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) in 2019.

 • Imposed extensive financial sanctions on IRGC-linked individuals, companies, and banks.

 • Pursues active enforcement of sanctions violations globally.

B. The European Union

 • Sanctioned various IRGC officials for human rights violations.

 • Debates continue over whether to formally designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization. Resistance stems from legal and diplomatic challenges, but pressure is growing.

C. Canada and the UK

 • Canada has sanctioned dozens of IRGC individuals and entities and banned IRGC affiliates from entry.

 • The UK is currently considering terrorist designation of the IRGC after multiple assassination plots were uncovered on British soil.

4. How the World Can Act: A Unified Strategy

A. Officially Designate the IRGC as a Terrorist Organization

 • Encourage countries and coalitions (EU, UK, Australia, etc.) to follow the U.S. example.

 • Justification: The IRGC funds terrorism, violates human rights, and threatens global security.

• Terror designation freezes assets, criminalizes support, and cuts off international legitimacy.

B. Target the IRGC’s Financial Empire

 • Sanction companies controlled by Khatam al-Anbia, the IRGC’s economic conglomerate.

 • Track and freeze offshore assets, real estate, and shell companies linked to the IRGC elite.

 • Partner with intergovernmental bodies (like FATF) to blacklist IRGC’s financial channels.

C. Support Iranian Civil Society

 • Fund secure communication tools (VPNs, encrypted apps) for activists and journalists.

 • Provide legal aid to imprisoned women, students, and minority rights defenders.

 • Offer asylum and relocation support to those facing threats from the IRGC.

D. Amplify the Voices of Iranian Women and Dissidents

 • Promote campaigns like #WomenLifeFreedom globally.

 • Encourage media to feature stories of Iranian political prisoners, especially those abused by IRGC forces.

 • Use global platforms (UN, parliaments, universities) to spotlight Iranian women’s leadership in the resistance.

E. Monitor and Counter Disinformation

 • Expose IRGC-run media networks and social media manipulation.

 • Strengthen fact-checking initiatives targeting Iranian state propaganda.

 • Sanction media companies directly run or funded by the IRGC.

5. What Citizens and Organizations Can Do

A. Raise Awareness

 • Share content from Iranian activists.

 • Host local events, panels, and screenings on the IRGC’s abuses.

 • Push for IRGC terrorist designation with petitions and open letters.

B. Lobby Governments

 • Demand lawmakers in your country take legislative action against the IRGC.

 • Advocate for sanctions on IRGC officials involved in human rights violations.

 • Encourage support for asylum protections for Iranian activists.

C. Support Iranian Media and NGOs

 • Donate to independent Iranian journalism efforts.

 • Support organizations helping Iranian political prisoners and their families.

 • Promote voices from the Iranian diaspora.

Conclusion: The World Has a Role to Play

The IRGC is not just Iran’s problem—it’s a global threat. It sustains a system of gender apartheid, regional warfare, and digital authoritarianism. But that system is fragile. It survives only through fear, censorship, and global inaction.

Iranian women and youth are already leading a revolution of dignity inside Iran. What they need now is international solidarity.