Iran's IRGC: From Revolutionary Force to 'Monster,' Says Co-Founder Mohsen Sazegara

Origins of the IRGC

• 💡 The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was founded in late 1978 with the initial goal of a people's army to fight the Shah's regime and potential US invasion.
• 🧠 The founders envisioned a guerrilla warfare approach, inspired by the Vietnam War, believing it was the path to victory.
• ⚠️ Nonviolent civil resistance tactics, though ultimately successful in toppling the Shah, were not initially part of the IRGC's strategic thinking.

Transformation into a 'Monster'

• 🐉 Mohsen Sazegara describes the IRGC as having gradually transformed into a "monster" or a "dragon with seven heads."
• ✊ Certain units, like the intelligence and ground forces, are now seen as actively fighting against the Iranian people, as evidenced by recent crackdowns.
• 💰 The IRGC controls approximately 30% of Iran's GDP through its affiliated companies, indicating significant economic power.

Role in Repression and Crackdowns

• 🎯 The IRGC takes command during protests when a situation escalates to stages three or four, directing other forces like the police and Basij.
• 🩸 During recent crackdowns, the IRGC allegedly deployed trained Afghan mercenaries, leading to a high death toll.
• ⚖️ The European Union's designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization is supported, but Sazegara suggests excluding those with mandatory military service and those who defect from the organization.

Regime Legitimacy and Future Prospects

• 📉 Sazegara asserts that the current regime lacks legitimacy and popularity among the Iranian people.
• 🚫 The populace believes their problems, including economic, environmental, social, and political issues, will not be solved while the current regime and dictator remain in power.
• ⏳ While the regime may have temporarily suppressed protests, Sazegara predicts that further unrest is inevitable due to unresolved public grievances.