IRGC in control of war: Iran's tough resistance despite losing top commander

Amid the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has taken a stronger stance on Iran's military and strategic decisions. Even after several top commanders were killed in military operations by the United States and Israel, the force has strengthened its leadership structure to keep the war situation under control. According to relevant sources, in this situation, the IRGC's role is most visible in planning and executing Iranian-backed drone and missile attacks in various areas of the Middle East.

Before the possibility of war arose, the IRGC took an important strategy on February 28. The force gave field-level commanders the power to make direct decisions so that the military resistance would not stop even if the central leadership suffered any losses. Although this decentralization strategy allows for a quick response, it also carries risks. Because giving the decision to attack to mid-level officials could lead to a wider regional war due to any misunderstanding or unexpected action.

Meanwhile, there was a recent attack in Turkey, in which Iran was implicated, but Iran denied it. Analysts of the security situation in the Middle East say that the IRGC has influence at almost every level of Iran's internal security and military structure. As a result, the possibility of large-scale mass protests or anti-government movements within the country despite external attacks is still limited.

Kasra Aarabi, a researcher at the US-based organization United Against Nuclear Iran, believes that the process of selecting a new leadership after the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei could further strengthen the IRGC's power. Analysts believe that the IRGC has close ties with Mojtaba Khamenei, who is being discussed as a possible successor. His influence within the force, especially among young and hardline officers, is significant.

According to analysts, if the current conflict suddenly stops and the existing regime in Iran survives, the IRGC's influence in the country's military and political decision-making may increase in the future. Already, several important figures in the country's top political leadership are former IRGC members, making this force a stronger position in the state's policy-making level.

However, the IRGC is not a force that is completely guided by a single ideology. There are also various factions, personal conflicts and differences of opinion about the future role of the force within it. However, according to analysts, when Iran is directly attacked from outside, these divisions are greatly reduced and the force becomes relatively unified in terms of resistance.

In the current situation, the IRGC is not only playing an important role as a military force to respond to external attacks, but also in maintaining the country's internal security and political stability. However, if more high-ranking and mid-ranking commanders are killed in a series of attacks, analysts believe that the strategic cohesion and effectiveness of this force may face a major test in the future.

Source: Reuters