The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) serves as a “powerful arm” that guards the Islamic Republic and its national interests while infuriating the sworn enemies, says Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman.
Marking the anniversary of the IRGC’s establishment, Nasser Kan’ani said in a tweet on Saturday that the elite force is a source of honor and power for the country.
“The IRGC is a powerful arm that guards the Islamic Revolution and the Islamic Republic of Iran, supports the nation, and protects the country’s national security,” Kan’ani wrote.
“These are the reasons behind the anger of the Revolution’s avowed enemies towards the IRGC,” he added.
Defense Ministry vows to equip IRGC with state-of-the-art products
Iran’s Defense Ministry congratulated the Iranian people and Armed Forces on the anniversary of the IRGC’s establishment.
The ministry paid tribute to the IRGC martyrs, particularly its legendary Quds Force commander Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, who was assassinated by the US in January 2020.
“Over the past years, the IRGC … has been a solid barrier against the enemies of the Revolution and Iranian nation, as well as a reliable fulcrum in crises, natural disasters and incidents. The revolutionary organization is not bound to the borders of Islamic Iran as it has rushed to the aid of the oppressed across the world. Today, it is a true role model for the youth and fighters of the Islamic world,” the Defense Ministry said.
“This revolutionary institution has played an effective and decisive role in regional and global equations, disrupting the trans-regional enemies’ plots and conspiracies.”
It also noted that the assassination of IRGC commanders, the sanctions and the media hype against the elite military force demonstrate the enemies’ frustration with its capabilities, progress and success.
“Today, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps is at the peak of its growth. It is not only advancing its missions and tasks but is also a driving force in the country,” the ministry added.
It further pledged to “support the strategic institution as a manifestation of the Islamic Revolution’s power, supply it with state-of-the-art products, equipment and advanced technologies, and spare no efforts to meet its needs.”
The IRGC, also known as the “Sepah”, was established on April 22, 1979, by the founder of the Islamic Republic Ayatollah Khomeini as a paramilitary organization charged with protecting the newborn Islamic Republic. The force closely cooperates with the Iranian Army in the face of foreign threats as manifested during the 8-year war imposed by former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein on Iran in the 1980s.
The IRGC has also made great sacrifices in the fight against terrorist groups operating in the region. It has also helped the Iranian people during tough times such as natural calamities.
In 2019, the US State Department designated the Guards as a terrorist organization – an unprecedented action against the military of a sovereign state.