Unveiling Four Decades of Terror

For over 40 years, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has been a driving force behind acts of terrorism, proxy wars, and human rights abuses. From its creation in 1979 as a guardian of the Iranian regime to its evolution into a global actor of violence and destabilization, the IRGC’s actions have touched nearly every corner of the globe.

The IRGC is not just a military organization; it is a paramilitary, economic, and ideological force that wields immense power. Its Quds Force, a specialized branch dedicated to exporting the Iranian regime’s revolutionary ideology, has played a key role in orchestrating terrorism worldwide. This article delves into 30 of the most significant actions attributed to the IRGC, offering a comprehensive look at its history of violence and why it remains a pressing global threat.

1. 1983 Beirut Barracks Bombing

One of the most infamous attacks connected to the IRGC occurred on October 23, 1983, in Beirut, Lebanon. Two truck bombs targeted barracks housing American and French military personnel, killing 241 U.S. servicemen and 58 French paratroopers. The explosions, among the deadliest non-nuclear attacks in history, devastated the international peacekeeping mission in Lebanon.

The attack was carried out by Hezbollah, a militant group established and supported by the IRGC’s Quds Force. At the time, Hezbollah was in its infancy but quickly became a major player in Middle Eastern terrorism under the IRGC’s guidance. The IRGC provided the training, logistics, and explosives used in the attack. Investigations revealed the involvement of Iranian operatives and their deliberate targeting of Western forces to weaken their influence in Lebanon.

The impact of the Beirut barracks bombing was far-reaching. It forced the withdrawal of international peacekeepers from Lebanon, emboldening Hezbollah and solidifying the IRGC’s strategy of using proxy groups to achieve geopolitical aims. The attack also set a precedent for modern terrorism, introducing large-scale suicide bombings as a tactic.

For the IRGC, this event was a victory in expanding its regional influence. For the world, it was a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by state-sponsored terrorism, with the IRGC at its core.

2. 1984 U.S. Embassy Annex Bombing in Beirut

Less than a year after the Beirut barracks bombing, the IRGC-backed Hezbollah orchestrated another devastating attack in Lebanon, this time targeting the U.S. Embassy Annex. On September 20, 1984, a suicide bomber drove a truck laden with explosives into the embassy compound, killing 24 people, including two Americans, and injuring dozens more.

The IRGC’s role in this attack was pivotal. As Hezbollah’s primary backer, the IRGC supplied the group with the training and materials necessary to carry out the bombing. The embassy annex bombing marked a continuation of the IRGC’s strategy to undermine U.S. presence in Lebanon and the Middle East at large.

This attack was not random. The IRGC and Hezbollah specifically targeted symbols of American influence, aiming to destabilize Western efforts in the region. It also served as a propaganda tool, demonstrating to the Iranian regime and its allies that they could successfully challenge a global superpower.

The psychological impact of the bombing was immense. For Americans and their allies, it highlighted the growing threat of Iran’s proxy network. For the IRGC, it reinforced the effectiveness of their asymmetrical warfare strategy.

In the decades since, the embassy annex bombing has been studied as a case study in state-sponsored terrorism, showcasing how the IRGC uses its proxies to achieve strategic goals while maintaining plausible deniability. The attack further cemented Hezbollah’s role as a key arm of the IRGC’s terror apparatus, a relationship that persists to this day.

3. Hostage-Taking in Lebanon (1980s)

Throughout the 1980s, the IRGC-backed Hezbollah orchestrated a series of high-profile kidnappings in Lebanon, targeting Western nationals, including journalists, academics, diplomats, and aid workers. These hostage-taking incidents served as a brutal and effective strategy to advance Iran’s geopolitical goals, often at the behest of the IRGC’s Quds Force.

The IRGC’s involvement in these kidnappings went beyond mere sponsorship. As the architects of Hezbollah’s early formation, the IRGC provided the group with the operational expertise to conduct these abductions and manage their outcomes. These hostages were often held under appalling conditions, subjected to physical and psychological torture, and used as leverage in negotiations with Western governments.

One of the most infamous cases was the kidnapping of journalist Terry Anderson, who was held captive for nearly seven years. Other victims included David Jacobsen, a hospital administrator, and William Buckley, the CIA station chief in Beirut, who tragically died in captivity. The IRGC and Hezbollah demanded political concessions, such as the release of prisoners and the cessation of Western interference in Lebanon, as ransom.

The hostage crisis strained diplomatic relations between Iran and Western nations, particularly the United States. It also revealed the IRGC’s ability to operate globally through proxies while maintaining a degree of plausible deniability. These abductions contributed to the narrative of Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism and highlighted the IRGC’s role in weaponizing human lives for political gain.

Decades later, the memory of these hostages remains a potent symbol of the IRGC’s ruthless tactics. The incidents also underscored the need for coordinated international efforts to combat state-sponsored terrorism, a challenge that persists today as the IRGC continues to influence similar operations.

4. 1992 Israeli Embassy Bombing in Buenos Aires

On March 17, 1992, a massive car bomb detonated outside the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina, killing 29 people and injuring over 200. This devastating attack marked the IRGC’s first known terror operation in South America, carried out through its proxy, Hezbollah. It was a grim warning of the IRGC’s ability to extend its reach far beyond the Middle East.

Investigations into the bombing revealed a complex operation involving Iranian diplomats and Hezbollah operatives, with the IRGC’s Quds Force providing logistical and material support. The embassy bombing targeted both Israeli diplomatic interests and Argentina’s Jewish community, making it a dual-purpose act of terror with wide-ranging implications.

The choice of Buenos Aires was strategic. Argentina was home to one of the largest Jewish communities in Latin America, and the attack sought to instill fear and disrupt Israeli ties in the region. Moreover, the IRGC’s involvement demonstrated Iran’s intent to project power globally through asymmetrical warfare.

Forensic evidence and intelligence reports pointed to the IRGC’s facilitation of the operation, including supplying the explosives and training Hezbollah operatives involved in the attack. The use of Iranian diplomatic channels to shield perpetrators highlighted how the IRGC exploits state mechanisms for terrorist activities.

The bombing not only devastated lives but also sent shockwaves through the international community, exposing the IRGC’s global ambitions. It remains a sobering reminder of the need for vigilance against state-sponsored terror networks. Efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice have been slow, but the attack continues to underscore the IRGC’s role in orchestrating acts of mass violence far from its home base.

5. 1994 AMIA Jewish Center Bombing

Two years after the Israeli embassy bombing, on July 18, 1994, a van packed with explosives rammed into the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, killing 85 people and injuring over 300. This was the deadliest terrorist attack in Argentina’s history and one of the most devastating acts of anti-Semitic violence since World War II.

The IRGC’s Quds Force, working through Hezbollah, was directly implicated in the bombing. The attack was meticulously planned, involving operatives from Iran and Hezbollah who coordinated logistics, selected the target, and executed the bombing. Investigations revealed that the explosives used were smuggled into Argentina with IRGC support, and Iranian officials played a key role in directing the operation.

The AMIA bombing was part of a broader strategy by the IRGC to target Israeli and Jewish interests worldwide. The timing of the attack coincided with increased tensions between Iran and Israel and served as a retaliatory act against Israeli actions in the region.

The human toll was catastrophic, with many victims being children and elderly members of the Jewish community. The attack decimated families and left an indelible scar on Argentina’s Jewish population. Despite mounting evidence of the IRGC’s involvement, including arrest warrants issued for senior Iranian officials, justice has been elusive. Argentina has faced significant political and diplomatic challenges in pursuing accountability.

The AMIA bombing underscores the IRGC’s willingness to commit atrocities on a massive scale to further its ideological goals. It also highlights the organization’s capacity to operate globally, leveraging its proxies to execute attacks with devastating precision. For the international community, this tragedy remains a stark reminder of the IRGC’s threat and the ongoing need for global cooperation in combating state-sponsored terrorism.

6. Support for Hamas

The IRGC’s support for Hamas has been a cornerstone of Iran’s strategy to undermine Israel and assert its influence in the Middle East. Hamas, a Palestinian Islamist organization governing the Gaza Strip, has received significant financial, military, and logistical backing from the IRGC over the past several decades.

The IRGC’s support for Hamas began in earnest during the 1990s as part of its broader campaign to counter Israeli influence. This partnership grew stronger after Hamas won the Palestinian legislative elections in 2006. The IRGC has provided Hamas with advanced weapons, including rockets and missiles, which have been used in numerous attacks targeting Israeli civilians.

One of the most devastating examples of this collaboration occurred during the 2014 Gaza-Israel conflict. Hamas launched thousands of rockets into Israeli territory, many of which were manufactured locally using Iranian technology and materials smuggled through tunnels. The IRGC’s Quds Force played a pivotal role in training Hamas operatives in the construction and deployment of these weapons, further enhancing their operational capabilities.

Beyond weaponry, the IRGC has also provided strategic and ideological support. Iranian leaders have publicly praised Hamas’s efforts to resist Israel, framing the organization as a key part of the “axis of resistance.” This alliance serves not only to destabilize Israel but also to bolster Iran’s standing among anti-Israel factions in the region.

The IRGC’s involvement with Hamas has had devastating consequences for both Israelis and Palestinians. For Israelis, it has meant living under the constant threat of rocket attacks. For Palestinians, it has contributed to cycles of violence that have devastated Gaza’s infrastructure and deepened humanitarian crises.

The IRGC’s support for Hamas underscores its role as a global sponsor of terrorism, using proxy groups to wage asymmetrical warfare while maintaining a veneer of plausible deniability. This relationship continues to pose significant challenges to peace and stability in the region.

7. Iran-Iraq War Tactics (1980–1988)

The Iran-Iraq War, which raged from 1980 to 1988, marked a critical period in the IRGC’s evolution. During this protracted and brutal conflict, the IRGC not only played a central role in Iran’s military strategy but also pioneered tactics that would become hallmarks of its operations in the decades to come.

One of the most notorious aspects of the IRGC’s conduct during the war was its use of human-wave attacks. These tactics involved deploying large numbers of poorly trained and often poorly equipped soldiers—many of them teenagers or even children—in frontal assaults against entrenched Iraqi positions. While these tactics achieved some battlefield successes, they came at an enormous human cost, with tens of thousands of Iranian lives lost.

The IRGC’s recruitment of child soldiers during the war remains one of the darkest chapters of its history. Children as young as 12 were sent to the front lines, often armed with little more than plastic keys symbolizing their passage to paradise. These young fighters were used to clear minefields or overwhelm enemy positions, a strategy that flagrantly violated international laws protecting children in armed conflict.

The war also saw the IRGC lay the groundwork for its future proxy operations. During the conflict, the IRGC began training and equipping Shiite militias in Iraq, such as the Badr Organization, to undermine Saddam Hussein’s regime. This marked the beginning of the IRGC’s strategy of using proxy forces to project Iranian influence abroad.

The Iran-Iraq War was a crucible that shaped the IRGC into a powerful and ruthless organization. Its willingness to sacrifice human lives, exploit vulnerable populations, and operate outside the bounds of international law set a precedent for its future actions both at home and abroad.

8. 1996 Khobar Towers Bombing

The 1996 Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia was a watershed moment in the IRGC’s campaign against the United States and its allies in the Gulf. On June 25, a massive truck bomb exploded outside a U.S. Air Force housing complex near Dhahran, killing 19 American servicemen and wounding nearly 500 others. The attack was one of the deadliest terrorist acts against American forces since the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing.

Investigations revealed that the attack was carried out by members of Saudi Hezbollah, a group trained and supported by the IRGC. The U.S. government later concluded that the IRGC’s Quds Force had provided the explosives, operational planning, and training necessary to execute the bombing. The attack was designed to send a clear message: Iran would not tolerate a continued American military presence in the region.

The Khobar Towers bombing demonstrated the IRGC’s ability to strike high-value targets with precision. The attackers meticulously scouted the site, carefully positioning the truck bomb to maximize casualties. The sheer scale of the explosion—equivalent to several tons of TNT—caused massive structural damage and left a crater over 80 feet wide.

For the United States, the attack highlighted the growing threat posed by the IRGC and its proxies. It prompted a re-evaluation of security protocols at overseas military installations and intensified efforts to counter Iran’s influence in the Gulf. For Saudi Arabia, the bombing exposed vulnerabilities in its security infrastructure and strained its already tense relations with Iran.

The Khobar Towers bombing remains a stark reminder of the IRGC’s capacity for violence and its willingness to target American forces directly. It also underscored the need for a coordinated international response to curb the IRGC’s terrorist activities and protect global security.

9. 2006 Israel-Hezbollah War

The 2006 Israel-Hezbollah War, also known as the July War, marked a significant escalation in the IRGC’s use of proxies to challenge its adversaries. The 34-day conflict, which began after Hezbollah captured two Israeli soldiers in a cross-border raid, demonstrated the IRGC’s strategic investment in Hezbollah as a tool for projecting Iranian power and destabilizing the region.

The IRGC’s role in this conflict was multifaceted and deeply entrenched. For decades, it had trained and equipped Hezbollah operatives, transforming the group into a formidable paramilitary force. By 2006, Hezbollah’s arsenal included thousands of rockets and missiles, many of which were supplied or funded by the IRGC. During the war, Hezbollah launched over 4,000 rockets into Israel, targeting civilian populations and causing widespread casualties and destruction.

Beyond weapons, the IRGC provided Hezbollah with advanced military training, enabling the group to deploy tactics such as ambushes, anti-tank missile strikes, and the use of fortified underground bunkers. These tactics allowed Hezbollah to inflict significant casualties on Israeli forces, disrupting their ground operations and prolonging the conflict.

The war also showcased the IRGC’s role in propaganda and psychological warfare. Hezbollah’s ability to withstand Israel’s superior military power and inflict damage on civilian and military targets was framed as a victory for the “axis of resistance,” boosting Iran’s regional influence and emboldening its allies.

The human cost of the war was staggering. Over 1,200 people, mostly Lebanese civilians, were killed, and thousands more were injured or displaced. Israeli cities and towns faced weeks of rocket barrages, leading to dozens of deaths and significant economic disruption.

The 2006 war underscored the IRGC’s commitment to using Hezbollah as a proxy to confront Israel while avoiding direct confrontation. It also highlighted the IRGC’s ability to create and sustain highly capable non-state actors, a model it has replicated with other groups across the Middle East.

10. Assassination of Kurdish Leaders in Vienna (1989)

The assassination of Kurdish leaders at the Mykonos Restaurant in Vienna on July 13, 1989, exemplifies the IRGC’s strategy of eliminating political dissidents abroad to maintain the Iranian regime’s control. This targeted killing was one of several high-profile assassinations carried out by the IRGC against Kurdish opposition figures.

The victims, prominent members of the Kurdish Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI), were attending a political meeting when IRGC-linked operatives attacked. Armed assassins stormed the restaurant, killing several attendees and wounding others in a calculated assault. The operation was later revealed to have been orchestrated by the IRGC and sanctioned by senior Iranian government officials.

The KDPI was a vocal opponent of the Iranian regime, advocating for Kurdish autonomy and democratic reforms. Its leaders had long been targets of the IRGC, which viewed any opposition to the regime as a direct threat to its survival. The Mykonos assassinations were part of a broader campaign to silence dissidents and deter others from challenging Tehran’s authority.

This assassination had profound implications for international relations. Western governments condemned the attack, and subsequent investigations implicated senior Iranian officials, including those with ties to the IRGC. The event strained Iran’s relations with Europe, leading to temporary diplomatic isolations.

The Mykonos killings also underscored the IRGC’s disregard for international norms and sovereignty. By carrying out assassinations on foreign soil, the IRGC demonstrated its willingness to violate international law to achieve its objectives. For Iranian dissidents, the attack served as a chilling reminder of the regime’s reach and the risks of opposition.

Decades later, the Mykonos incident remains a stark example of the IRGC’s use of violence to suppress dissent and project power beyond Iran’s borders. It also highlights the ongoing need for international vigilance against such state-sponsored terrorism.

11. 2007 Karbala Attack

The 2007 Karbala attack in Iraq was one of the most sophisticated and brazen operations attributed to IRGC-backed forces during the U.S. occupation of Iraq. On January 20, heavily armed militants disguised as American soldiers infiltrated a U.S. compound in Karbala, Iraq, and carried out a meticulously planned ambush. The attack resulted in the deaths of five U.S. soldiers, four of whom were abducted and later executed.

This operation was linked to Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, an Iraqi militia trained and equipped by the IRGC’s Quds Force. Investigations revealed that the attackers had received extensive training in Iran, including the use of advanced tactics and communications equipment. The IRGC’s Quds Force provided not only operational guidance but also the weapons and vehicles used in the assault.

The Karbala attack highlighted the IRGC’s ability to orchestrate high-profile operations through its proxies. The militants exploited intelligence and security gaps, successfully breaching a heavily fortified compound and inflicting significant casualties. The operation demonstrated a level of sophistication that was unprecedented at the time and underscored the IRGC’s role in escalating violence against U.S. forces in Iraq.

The implications of this attack were far-reaching. It intensified tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with American officials accusing the IRGC of directly contributing to the deaths of U.S. personnel. It also led to increased scrutiny of Iranian activities in Iraq and heightened calls for action against IRGC-backed militias.

For the IRGC, the Karbala attack was a tactical success, but it further cemented its reputation as a destabilizing force in the region. The attack also highlighted the need for comprehensive strategies to counter the IRGC’s influence and protect coalition forces from similar threats.

12. Suppression of the Green Movement (2009)

The IRGC played a central role in the brutal suppression of the Green Movement protests that erupted in Iran following the disputed 2009 presidential election. Millions of Iranians took to the streets to protest what they believed was a rigged election favoring Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The demonstrations quickly grew into a broader movement challenging the regime’s authoritarian rule.

The IRGC, alongside its paramilitary Basij forces, responded with overwhelming violence. Peaceful protesters were met with beatings, mass arrests, and in some cases, live ammunition. The IRGC not only deployed its ground forces but also engaged in extensive surveillance and intelligence operations to identify, track, and target activists and opposition leaders.

One of the most harrowing examples of the IRGC’s crackdown was the death of Neda Agha-Soltan, a young woman who became a symbol of the Green Movement after her killing was captured on video and widely shared online. Her death highlighted the regime’s brutality and galvanized international condemnation of the IRGC’s actions.

The IRGC also utilized cyber warfare to suppress dissent. Social media platforms were monitored, and activists were tracked down through their online activities. The IRGC’s cyber units played a significant role in identifying protest organizers and dismantling their networks.

By the end of the crackdown, hundreds of protesters had been killed, thousands were imprisoned, and countless others faced torture and intimidation. The IRGC’s actions were instrumental in quelling the movement and ensuring the survival of the regime, but at the cost of further alienating large segments of the Iranian population.

The suppression of the Green Movement demonstrated the IRGC’s dual role as both a military and political enforcer of the regime’s ideology. It also highlighted its ability to operate across multiple domains—physical, digital, and psychological—to maintain control and silence dissent.

13. Plot to Assassinate Saudi Ambassador (2011)

In 2011, U.S. authorities uncovered a shocking plot orchestrated by the IRGC’s Quds Force to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the United States, Adel al-Jubeir. The plan involved detonating a bomb at a Washington, D.C., restaurant where the ambassador was expected to dine, potentially killing hundreds of bystanders.

The plot was uncovered when Manssor Arbabsiar, an Iranian-American used by the Quds Force as an intermediary, approached a supposed member of a Mexican drug cartel to carry out the attack. The “cartel member,” in reality, was an undercover informant for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Arbabsiar’s confession revealed that the IRGC’s Quds Force had provided $100,000 as a down payment and promised millions more upon completion of the assassination.

The plot highlighted the IRGC’s willingness to conduct acts of terror on U.S. soil, signaling an alarming escalation in its operational reach. It also revealed the IRGC’s willingness to involve criminal organizations in its activities, blurring the lines between terrorism and transnational crime.

The discovery of the plot had significant diplomatic repercussions. It further strained already tense relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, with Riyadh condemning the IRGC’s actions as a direct attack on its sovereignty. The U.S. responded with additional sanctions against the IRGC, specifically targeting the Quds Force and its financial networks.

The plot to assassinate a foreign diplomat in the heart of Washington, D.C., demonstrated the IRGC’s brazen disregard for international norms and its capacity to execute complex, high-stakes operations. It underscored the urgent need for a coordinated global effort to counter the IRGC’s terror activities and protect diplomatic missions from similar threats.

14. Support for Assad Regime in Syria

Since the outbreak of the Syrian Civil War in 2011, the IRGC has been a cornerstone of support for Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Faced with a popular uprising against his authoritarian rule, Assad turned to Iran for assistance. The IRGC, through its Quds Force, quickly became instrumental in propping up the regime, ensuring its survival despite widespread international condemnation.

The IRGC provided a wide array of support to Assad, including financial aid, military advisors, weapons, and even direct combat forces. One of its most significant contributions was mobilizing and training tens of thousands of foreign fighters, including members of Hezbollah, Iraqi Shiite militias, and Afghan and Pakistani recruits. These forces played a crucial role in bolstering Assad’s depleted military and turning the tide of the war in his favor.

The IRGC’s involvement extended to orchestrating brutal siege tactics, such as the starvation of rebel-held areas like Eastern Ghouta and Aleppo. Its forces were implicated in numerous human rights violations, including indiscriminate bombings of civilian populations, extrajudicial killings, and the use of chemical weapons.

The IRGC also played a key role in restructuring Syria’s security apparatus to align more closely with Iranian interests. By embedding itself deeply in Syria’s military and intelligence structures, the IRGC ensured that Iran’s influence in Syria would remain entrenched for the foreseeable future.

The cost of the IRGC’s support for Assad has been staggering. Over half a million people have died in the Syrian conflict, millions have been displaced, and the country’s infrastructure lies in ruins. The IRGC’s actions in Syria highlight its role as a major destabilizing force in the region, perpetuating violence to secure Iran’s strategic interests.

15. Support for Houthi Rebels in Yemen

The IRGC’s support for Yemen’s Houthi rebels has been a key factor in the ongoing civil war that has devastated the country since 2014. The Houthis, a Shiite insurgent group, overthrew Yemen’s internationally recognized government and have since been locked in a brutal conflict with a Saudi-led coalition. The IRGC’s backing of the Houthis is part of its broader strategy to challenge Saudi Arabia, its regional rival, and expand Iran’s influence in the Arabian Peninsula.

The IRGC has provided the Houthis with advanced weapons, including ballistic missiles and drones, which have been used to target Saudi cities, oil facilities, and military installations. These attacks have escalated tensions in the region and disrupted global energy markets. The IRGC has also trained Houthi fighters in guerrilla warfare and provided them with strategic advice on managing the conflict.

The IRGC’s involvement has worsened Yemen’s humanitarian crisis, already one of the worst in the world. Its supply of weapons and support for continued fighting has prolonged the conflict, leading to widespread famine, disease outbreaks, and the displacement of millions.

The Houthis’ use of IRGC-supplied drones and missiles has also had significant geopolitical repercussions. Attacks on Saudi Arabia’s Abqaiq oil processing facility in 2019, for example, were linked to the IRGC’s provision of advanced weapons, showcasing its ability to project power beyond Yemen.

The IRGC’s support for the Houthis illustrates its role as a destabilizing force in the Middle East, using proxy groups to challenge adversaries and expand Iran’s influence. It also underscores the broader consequences of the IRGC’s actions, which often exacerbate humanitarian crises and fuel conflicts in already volatile regions.

16. Arming Shiite Militias in Iraq

The IRGC’s involvement in Iraq is a cornerstone of its regional strategy, with its support for Shiite militias playing a critical role in reshaping the country’s security and political landscape. Since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, the IRGC has actively armed, trained, and funded Shiite militias to influence Iraq’s future and counter American presence in the region.

Among the most prominent militias supported by the IRGC are Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, Kata’ib Hezbollah, and the Badr Organization. These groups have acted as both political forces and paramilitary units, frequently operating under the umbrella of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). While nominally part of the Iraqi security apparatus, these militias often pursue Iran’s interests, leveraging IRGC training and support.

The IRGC has provided these groups with advanced weaponry, including explosively formed penetrators (EFPs), a type of roadside bomb designed to penetrate U.S. armored vehicles. EFP attacks were responsible for hundreds of American troop casualties during the Iraq War. Intelligence reports have consistently linked the IRGC’s Quds Force to the supply and deployment of these devastating weapons.

Beyond military support, the IRGC has embedded itself in Iraq’s political system through these militias. Groups like the Badr Organization have secured seats in Iraq’s parliament, allowing Iran to exert significant influence over Iraqi policymaking. This dual approach—military and political—has made the IRGC a dominant force in Iraq, often undermining the country’s sovereignty.

The impact of the IRGC’s support for Shiite militias has been profound. It has fueled sectarian tensions, destabilized Iraq’s fragile democracy, and prolonged violence. For the IRGC, however, this investment has paid off, enabling Iran to maintain a strong foothold in Iraq and challenge American influence in the region.

17. Sponsorship of Hezbollah Rocket Attacks (2006)

The 2006 Israel-Hezbollah War, beyond its direct military confrontations, showcased the IRGC’s role in arming Hezbollah with a vast arsenal of rockets and missiles. These weapons formed the backbone of Hezbollah’s strategy during the conflict, as the group launched over 4,000 rockets into northern Israel over the course of 34 days.

The IRGC had long been preparing Hezbollah for such a confrontation, supplying the group with both short-range and medium-range rockets capable of targeting Israeli cities, military installations, and civilian areas. The rockets, many of which were Iranian-made, caused widespread devastation, killing dozens of Israeli civilians, injuring hundreds, and displacing over half a million people.

The IRGC’s involvement went beyond supplying hardware. Its Quds Force provided extensive training to Hezbollah operatives, teaching them how to deploy rocket barrages effectively and evade Israeli counterattacks. The IRGC also played a role in constructing Hezbollah’s underground bunkers and storage facilities, which allowed the group to sustain its rocket campaign despite Israeli airstrikes.

For Hezbollah, the IRGC’s support enabled it to inflict significant damage on Israel, challenging the perception of Israeli military invincibility. For the IRGC, the war was a strategic success, demonstrating the effectiveness of its proxy warfare model and its ability to strike at Israel without direct Iranian involvement.

The human toll of the rocket attacks was immense, with Israeli civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. Entire towns were forced into bomb shelters for weeks, and the psychological impact of living under constant threat was profound. The war also highlighted the dangers of the IRGC’s strategy, as it deliberately targeted civilian populations to achieve its political and military objectives.

This conflict remains a prime example of the IRGC’s ability to empower proxies like Hezbollah to wage asymmetric warfare, further destabilizing an already volatile region.

18. Assassinations of Dissidents in Berlin (1997)

The assassination of Iranian-Kurdish dissidents at the Mykonos Restaurant in Berlin on September 17, 1992, remains one of the most notorious extraterritorial operations attributed to the IRGC. The attack targeted leaders of the Kurdish Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI), a group advocating for Kurdish autonomy and opposing the Iranian regime.

Four KDPI members were gunned down during a meeting at the restaurant, including the party’s secretary-general. Investigations revealed that the operation was planned and executed by Iranian intelligence agents with direct support from the IRGC. The assassins had ties to the Quds Force, which provided logistical assistance and ensured the operation’s success.

The Mykonos killings highlighted the IRGC’s strategy of using targeted assassinations to eliminate opposition figures abroad. The attack sent a clear message to dissidents: no matter where they sought refuge, the regime would find and silence them. This extrajudicial killing violated international law and strained Iran’s relations with European nations.

The German government launched a thorough investigation, which culminated in a 1997 court ruling implicating senior Iranian officials, including former President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani and then-Minister of Intelligence Ali Fallahian. The ruling stated that the Iranian leadership, including the IRGC, had sanctioned the killings.

The Mykonos case exposed the IRGC’s reach and its willingness to flout international norms to achieve its objectives. It also prompted European countries to reassess their diplomatic ties with Iran, leading to temporary diplomatic isolations.

For Iranian dissidents, the Mykonos assassinations were a stark reminder of the regime’s ability to project terror abroad, often facilitated by the IRGC. Decades later, the attack remains a symbol of the IRGC’s role in suppressing dissent and violating international law with impunity.

19. Use of Child Soldiers During the Iran-Iraq War

One of the most egregious actions of the IRGC during the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988) was its systematic use of child soldiers. Thousands of Iranian boys, some as young as 12, were recruited, indoctrinated, and sent to the front lines to fight against Iraqi forces. The IRGC played a central role in this practice, organizing recruitment drives and using propaganda to encourage young boys to join the war effort.

These child soldiers, often called “Basijis” after the IRGC’s Basij paramilitary force, were told they were defending Islam and the Iranian Revolution. They were given rudimentary training and armed with little more than rifles, Qurans, and plastic keys that symbolized their passage to paradise if they were martyred.

The IRGC deployed these children in some of the most dangerous and inhumane ways. Many were sent to clear minefields by walking across them, a tactic that spared more experienced soldiers but resulted in horrific casualties among the young recruits. Others were used in human-wave assaults, charging enemy positions with little chance of survival.

The use of child soldiers during the Iran-Iraq War shocked the international community and drew widespread condemnation. It remains a glaring example of the IRGC’s willingness to exploit vulnerable populations to achieve its military objectives.

For Iran, the loss of thousands of young lives was a devastating consequence of the IRGC’s strategy. For the world, it was a sobering reminder of the horrors of war and the lengths to which the IRGC would go to secure its aims. Decades later, the practice stands as one of the darkest chapters in the IRGC’s history.

20. Cyberattacks Against the U.S.

In recent decades, the IRGC has expanded its capabilities into the cyber domain, using cyberattacks as a tool to target U.S. institutions, critical infrastructure, and private companies. These operations are typically carried out by the IRGC’s cyber units, which operate under its Intelligence Organization. The rise of Iran’s cyber warfare capabilities highlights the IRGC’s adaptability in pursuing its objectives in the digital age.

One of the most significant cyberattacks attributed to the IRGC occurred in 2012 and 2013, targeting major U.S. financial institutions, including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Citigroup. These attacks, known as distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, disrupted banking operations by overwhelming their systems with traffic, rendering online services inaccessible. The attacks caused millions of dollars in damages and demonstrated the IRGC’s ability to strike at the economic heart of its adversaries.

In 2013, the IRGC was implicated in a cyberattack on a dam in New York. Hackers gained access to the control systems of the Bowman Avenue Dam, demonstrating the potential for cyberattacks to target critical infrastructure. Although the attackers did not gain full operational control, the incident revealed vulnerabilities in U.S. infrastructure and underscored the IRGC’s growing threat in this arena.

Beyond direct attacks, the IRGC has also used cyber operations for espionage, stealing sensitive data from government agencies and private companies. These operations serve both to gather intelligence and to undermine the confidence of Iran’s adversaries.

The IRGC’s cyberattacks have not only caused financial and reputational damage but have also highlighted the broader risks posed by state-sponsored cyber threats. As the IRGC continues to refine its capabilities, the potential for more destructive attacks looms, emphasizing the need for robust defenses against cyber warfare.

21. Attack on Saudi Aramco Oil Facilities (2019)

On September 14, 2019, Saudi Arabia’s oil industry faced an unprecedented attack when drones and cruise missiles struck the Abqaiq and Khurais oil processing facilities. The attack temporarily halved Saudi oil production, disrupting global energy markets and underscoring the vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure. The IRGC, through its support for Houthi rebels in Yemen, was widely blamed for orchestrating the operation.

While the Houthis claimed responsibility, evidence pointed to the IRGC’s direct involvement. The drones and missiles used in the attack were consistent with Iranian designs, and their flight paths suggested they originated from Iranian or Iraqi territory. Intelligence reports indicated that the IRGC’s Quds Force had provided the technical expertise, equipment, and operational guidance necessary for the attack.

The attack on Saudi Aramco was a strategic move by the IRGC to demonstrate its ability to disrupt global oil supplies and to challenge Saudi Arabia’s dominance in the region. It also sent a clear message to the United States and its allies about the risks of escalating tensions with Iran, particularly in light of U.S. sanctions targeting Iran’s oil exports.

The economic impact of the attack was significant, causing a temporary spike in global oil prices and raising concerns about the security of energy infrastructure worldwide. It also highlighted the IRGC’s use of asymmetric warfare, leveraging relatively inexpensive drones and missiles to achieve strategic objectives.

For Saudi Arabia, the attack exposed gaps in its air defense systems and reinforced the need for stronger regional and international cooperation to counter the IRGC’s threats. For the IRGC, it was a demonstration of its growing capabilities and a reminder of the destabilizing role it continues to play in the region.

22. Support for Palestinian Islamic Jihad

Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), a militant group dedicated to the destruction of Israel, has been a key beneficiary of the IRGC’s support. Over the years, the IRGC has provided PIJ with funding, weapons, and training, enabling the group to carry out numerous attacks on Israeli civilians and military targets.

The IRGC’s relationship with PIJ is part of its broader strategy to undermine Israel and support armed resistance groups in the Palestinian territories. PIJ has received advanced rocket technology from the IRGC, allowing it to launch frequent attacks on Israeli cities and towns. These rocket barrages have caused civilian casualties, property destruction, and psychological trauma for communities living near the Gaza border.

One notable example of PIJ’s IRGC-backed activities occurred in 2019 when the group launched over 450 rockets into Israel following the killing of one of its commanders. The IRGC’s support was evident in the sophistication of the rockets used and the coordination of the attacks.

Beyond weapons, the IRGC has also provided ideological and strategic guidance to PIJ. Iranian leaders have publicly praised PIJ’s efforts, framing them as part of the “resistance” against Israel and its allies. This support has strengthened PIJ’s position as one of the most dangerous militant groups operating in the region.

For Israel, the IRGC’s backing of PIJ represents a significant security challenge, contributing to ongoing instability and cycles of violence. For the IRGC, it is a means of exerting pressure on Israel and maintaining its influence in the Palestinian territories. This relationship underscores the IRGC’s role as a sponsor of terrorism and its willingness to fuel conflict for strategic gain.

23. Suppression of 2019 Iran Protests

In November 2019, Iran witnessed one of the largest waves of anti-government protests in its history. Sparked by a sudden increase in fuel prices, the protests quickly evolved into a nationwide movement against government corruption, economic mismanagement, and political repression. The IRGC played a central role in brutally suppressing these demonstrations, further cementing its reputation as an enforcer of the regime’s authority.

The IRGC and its Basij paramilitary forces responded to the protests with overwhelming violence. Security forces used live ammunition, tear gas, and water cannons to disperse crowds, killing an estimated 1,500 protesters in just a few weeks. Thousands more were arrested, and many were subjected to torture and abuse in detention.

The IRGC also deployed its cyber units to disrupt communication among protesters. Internet access was shut down across the country, cutting off Iranians from the outside world and hindering the coordination of demonstrations. This move highlighted the IRGC’s control over Iran’s information infrastructure and its willingness to use it as a tool of repression.

The suppression of the 2019 protests revealed the IRGC’s deep involvement in maintaining the regime’s grip on power. By targeting not just activists but also ordinary citizens, the IRGC sent a clear message that dissent would not be tolerated.

The 2019 protests and their violent suppression had profound implications for Iran and the international community. They exposed the regime’s fragility and the population’s growing discontent, while also highlighting the IRGC’s role in perpetuating state violence. The events underscored the need for international attention to human rights abuses in Iran and the IRGC’s role in silencing dissent.

24. Hostage Crisis in Iran (1995)

In the mid-1990s, the IRGC orchestrated a series of hostage-taking incidents involving Western nationals within Iran. While the most infamous Iranian hostage crisis occurred during the 1979 U.S. Embassy seizure, the IRGC’s role in the 1995 hostage crisis illustrated its continued use of hostages as bargaining tools in geopolitical negotiations.

The 1995 hostage crisis primarily targeted business professionals and tourists who were detained under dubious accusations of espionage. Westerners were held without trial or subjected to mock trials in highly politicized courts. Many of these operations were directly overseen by the IRGC’s Intelligence Organization, which facilitated the abductions, detentions, and interrogations of hostages.

The IRGC’s motives were clear: to use the hostages as leverage to extract concessions from foreign governments. For example, the regime sought to pressure Western nations to ease sanctions, release frozen Iranian assets, or turn a blind eye to Iran’s controversial nuclear program.

The detained individuals endured severe psychological and physical abuse, including prolonged isolation, torture, and forced confessions. These tactics were meant to break their spirits and extract statements that could be used as propaganda by the regime. The IRGC’s role in these human rights violations highlighted its brutal approach to maintaining the regime’s dominance and advancing its international agenda.

The 1995 hostage crisis strained Iran’s relations with Western nations, further isolating the country diplomatically. However, for the IRGC, the crisis demonstrated its effectiveness in manipulating international actors through coercive measures. The incident reinforced the IRGC’s reputation as a tool of state terror, operating with impunity to achieve the regime’s objectives.

25. Support for Taliban Militias in Afghanistan

The IRGC’s relationship with the Taliban has been complex, marked by shifting alliances and strategic opportunism. Traditionally, Iran and the Taliban were adversaries, especially during the Taliban’s rule in the late 1990s when Sunni-Shiite tensions were at their peak. However, in recent years, the IRGC has provided covert support to Taliban factions as part of its broader strategy to counter U.S. influence in Afghanistan.

The IRGC’s Quds Force has supplied the Taliban with weapons, training, and financial resources. Reports have documented the provision of advanced weaponry, including small arms, explosives, and surface-to-air missiles, which have been used to target U.S. and NATO forces. This support has enabled the Taliban to sustain its insurgency, prolonging instability in Afghanistan.

The IRGC’s involvement goes beyond military assistance. It has also provided safe havens for Taliban leaders and facilitated the movement of militants across borders. By fostering these connections, the IRGC has sought to position itself as a key player in Afghanistan’s future, ensuring that Iran’s interests are safeguarded regardless of the political outcome.

For the IRGC, supporting the Taliban serves multiple objectives. It weakens U.S. influence in the region, creates pressure on Iran’s eastern border, and allows Tehran to assert its role as a regional powerbroker. However, this alliance has also fueled violence and contributed to the suffering of Afghan civilians, highlighting the IRGC’s willingness to exploit conflicts for strategic gain.

The IRGC’s support for the Taliban underscores its role as a destabilizing force, leveraging proxy relationships to undermine adversaries and expand its influence. This relationship, though opportunistic, has had lasting consequences for Afghanistan’s security and stability.

26. Drone Strikes in Northern Iraq (2022)

In 2022, the IRGC launched a series of drone and missile strikes in northern Iraq, targeting Kurdish opposition groups it accused of fueling unrest within Iran. The strikes were part of a broader campaign to suppress Kurdish dissidents and intimidate regional actors opposing the Iranian regime.

The IRGC’s attacks targeted bases and refugee camps in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, killing dozens of people and injuring many more, including civilians. These strikes were carried out with precision drones and surface-to-surface missiles, showcasing the IRGC’s advanced military capabilities.

The strikes were officially justified as a response to alleged Kurdish involvement in protests and uprisings within Iran, particularly during the widespread demonstrations sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022. However, the IRGC’s actions were widely condemned as an overreach and a violation of Iraq’s sovereignty.

The international community reacted strongly to the attacks, with many governments condemning the IRGC’s disregard for international law and civilian lives. Iraq called for an end to Iranian aggression, highlighting the destabilizing impact of the IRGC’s operations on the region.

The drone strikes served as a stark reminder of the IRGC’s ability to project power beyond Iran’s borders. By targeting dissidents in neighboring countries, the IRGC reinforced its role as an enforcer of the regime’s policies, willing to violate international norms to suppress opposition. The attacks also underscored the need for global accountability mechanisms to counter the IRGC’s extraterritorial aggression.

27. Smuggling Weapons into Gaza

For decades, the IRGC has played a pivotal role in smuggling weapons into Gaza, arming militant groups such as Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. This effort has been instrumental in enabling these groups to conduct frequent attacks on Israeli cities, exacerbating the ongoing conflict in the region.

The IRGC’s smuggling network spans land, sea, and air routes, with weapons transported through Sudan, Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, and underground tunnels into Gaza. These shipments include rockets, mortars, anti-tank missiles, and small arms, many of which are manufactured in Iran. The IRGC has also provided technical expertise, allowing militants in Gaza to build their own weapons using Iranian designs.

One of the most significant consequences of the IRGC’s support is the proliferation of long-range rockets in Gaza. These weapons have been used to target major Israeli cities, causing civilian casualties and widespread destruction. The IRGC’s involvement has also contributed to the militarization of Gaza, diverting resources from humanitarian needs and prolonging the suffering of the civilian population.

The IRGC’s weapons smuggling activities have drawn widespread condemnation from the international community. These actions violate international law and contribute to the cycle of violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. For the IRGC, however, the smuggling network represents a strategic investment in weakening Israel and maintaining Iran’s influence among Palestinian factions.

The IRGC’s role in arming Gaza underscores its broader strategy of fueling conflicts to achieve geopolitical objectives. By supplying weapons to militant groups, the IRGC perpetuates instability and undermines prospects for peace in the region.

28. Attacks in Bulgaria (2012)

On July 18, 2012, a suicide bombing targeted a bus carrying Israeli tourists in Burgas, Bulgaria. The attack killed five Israelis, their Bulgarian driver, and injured dozens more. Investigations quickly linked the bombing to Hezbollah operatives supported and directed by the IRGC’s Quds Force. This incident underscored the IRGC’s global reach and its willingness to strike civilian targets far from Iran’s borders.

The operation was sophisticated and meticulously planned. The bomber used forged identification documents and disguised himself as a tourist to gain access to the group. The explosives were hidden in a backpack, which detonated as passengers boarded the bus at Burgas Airport. Surveillance footage and forensic evidence linked the perpetrators to Hezbollah, which has long been supported by the IRGC as part of its broader campaign against Israel and its allies.

The IRGC’s involvement was apparent through the logistical support provided to the operatives, including training, financing, and the supply of materials used in the attack. Intelligence reports revealed that the Quds Force had coordinated the operation, leveraging Hezbollah’s network in Europe to execute the bombing.

The attack had far-reaching consequences. It heightened international scrutiny of Hezbollah’s activities and led the European Union to designate Hezbollah’s military wing as a terrorist organization. For Israel, the bombing was a tragic reminder of the persistent threat posed by the IRGC and its proxies. For Bulgaria and other European nations, the attack underscored the need to enhance security measures and counterterrorism cooperation.

The Burgas bombing remains a stark example of how the IRGC uses its proxy network to target civilians and destabilize regions far from Iran. It highlights the urgent need for coordinated international efforts to disrupt the IRGC’s global terror operations and protect innocent lives.

29. Militias in Bahrain

The IRGC has long sought to destabilize Bahrain, a Gulf nation with a Sunni monarchy ruling over a majority Shiite population. By supporting armed Shiite militias and insurgent groups, the IRGC aims to weaken Bahrain’s government, expand Iran’s influence, and challenge Saudi Arabia’s dominance in the region.

The IRGC’s involvement in Bahrain includes training and equipping militant groups such as the Saraya al-Ashtar Brigade and the February 14 Coalition. These groups have carried out numerous attacks on Bahraini security forces, government installations, and civilian infrastructure. The IRGC provides them with advanced weapons, including explosives and drones, and trains their operatives in guerrilla warfare tactics.

One of the most significant incidents attributed to IRGC-backed militants occurred in 2017, when a bomb attack killed a Bahraini police officer and injured several others. Investigations revealed that the explosives used were of Iranian origin, smuggled into Bahrain through clandestine networks operated by the IRGC.

The IRGC’s activities in Bahrain have had destabilizing effects, fueling sectarian tensions and undermining efforts to promote reconciliation and reform. For the Bahraini government, the IRGC’s involvement represents an existential threat, prompting crackdowns on suspected militants and increased collaboration with Saudi Arabia and other allies to counter Iranian influence.

For the IRGC, Bahrain is a strategic target due to its proximity to Saudi Arabia and its hosting of the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet. By destabilizing Bahrain, the IRGC seeks to weaken its adversaries and assert Iran’s dominance in the Gulf.

The IRGC’s interference in Bahrain exemplifies its broader strategy of exploiting sectarian divisions to achieve geopolitical objectives. It also highlights the risks posed by the IRGC’s regional ambitions, which continue to threaten stability in the Gulf and beyond.

30. EFP Attacks on U.S. Forces in Iraq

One of the most lethal tactics used by the IRGC against U.S. forces in Iraq was the deployment of explosively formed penetrators (EFPs), a type of roadside bomb designed to penetrate even the most heavily armored vehicles. These devices were responsible for hundreds of U.S. troop casualties during the height of the Iraq War, causing devastating injuries and deaths.

EFPs were manufactured using advanced technology, much of which was supplied by the IRGC. The devices were smuggled into Iraq and distributed to Shiite militias trained and equipped by the IRGC’s Quds Force. These militias, such as Kata’ib Hezbollah and Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, were instructed in the deployment of EFPs and other forms of asymmetrical warfare.

The IRGC’s use of EFPs was part of its broader strategy to counter U.S. influence in Iraq by making the American military presence costly and unsustainable. EFP attacks targeted U.S. convoys, patrols, and supply lines, forcing changes in tactics and equipment that strained resources and morale.

For U.S. forces, EFPs represented one of the most persistent and deadly threats during the Iraq War. The devices were difficult to detect and could be remotely detonated, making them a favored weapon for militias seeking to inflict maximum damage with minimal risk.

The IRGC’s role in supplying and enabling EFP attacks was well-documented, with U.S. intelligence officials tracing the devices back to Iranian workshops. This direct link to American casualties fueled tensions between the U.S. and Iran, leading to calls for stronger action against the IRGC.

The use of EFPs in Iraq underscores the IRGC’s capacity for sophisticated and deadly warfare, its reliance on proxies to achieve strategic goals, and its willingness to escalate violence against its adversaries. It remains a potent example of the IRGC’s destabilizing influence in the Middle East.