Why is the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps considered a powerful actor beyond the formal branches?

• A. It guards mosques
• B. It has no political influence
• C. It controls security and intelligence operations and has extensive economic interests, enabling influence over both domestic policy and foreign policy
• D. It is a ceremonial body

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that power comes from a parallel security apparatus paired with a vast economic base. The IRGC runs major security and intelligence operations—through units like the Quds Force abroad and the Basij at home—and it also controls extensive economic interests across construction, energy, banking, and other sectors. This combination lets it shape both domestic policy (security decisions, budgets, and political influence) and foreign policy (proxies and regional action), giving it influence well beyond the formal branches. Guarding mosques isn’t what drives its power, and the force is not without political influence nor ceremonial.