By Pishtaz | 2026-03-20

A hypothetical world without the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) would likely reshape the balance of power inside the Islamic Republic's military establishment.

Since the 1979 revolution, the regime in Tehran has maintained two parallel armed forces: the conventional military known as the Artesh and the IRGC.

The IRGC was created as a politically loyal force tasked with protecting the regime and advancing its ideological mission domestically and abroad.

Over time, the IRGC accumulated greater resources and influence, often expanding its authority at the expense of the conventional military.

Removing this parallel structure could significantly alter funding priorities, institutional autonomy, recruitment patterns and overall military doctrine within Islamic Republic's armed forces.

Increased funding and modernization

One immediate consequence of a world without the IRGC would likely involve the redistribution of financial resources within Iran's defense establishment.

The IRGC currently receives a disproportionately large share of Iran's military spending and enjoys broader access to state resources.

Beyond formal defense budgets, the IRGC also controls a vast economic empire spanning construction, energy, telecommunications and transportation sectors.

These activities generate billions in additional revenue through state contracts and affiliated companies tied to the organization.

Without the IRGC monopolizing these resources, a larger share of funding could potentially be redirected toward strengthening the Artesh.

Such a shift could enable long-delayed modernization programs, particularly within the air force that still relies on aging aircraft acquired before 1979.

Recruitment patterns within the Islamic Republic regime's military could also change significantly under such circumstances.

The IRGC often attracts ambitious recruits by offering stronger career prospects, higher pay and broader political influence.

Without the IRGC, the Artesh could become the primary destination for elite recruits, strengthening its technical capabilities and professional standards.

Institutional autonomy

Analysts frequently describe the IRGC as both a military organization and a political economic power center deeply embedded within the Islamic Republic's governing system.

Without the IRGC acting as a supervisory force, the Artesh could potentially regain the institutional autonomy typical of conventional national militaries.

Freed from persistent political oversight, it might operate more like traditional armed forces focused primarily on professional competence and national defense responsibilities.

Such a shift could also improve morale inside the Artesh, which has historically received less recognition compared to the IRGC.

Becoming the country's sole national military defender could strengthen institutional pride and cohesion among its personnel.