The Islamic Republic Regime

How an unelected theocratic establishment controls every aspect of Iranian life — and how the IRGC exports terror worldwide while oppressing its own people.

IRGC designated as terrorist organization by US, EU, Canada, Australia & more
36,500+
Killed Jan 2026
40+
Countries Targeted
6+
Proxy Armies
15+
Assassination Plots
How the Regime Works

Anatomy of an Authoritarian Theocracy

Every institution is ultimately controlled by one unelected man — the Supreme Leader. "Elections" are a carefully managed illusion.

The Illusion of Democracy

While the Islamic Republic holds "elections" for president and parliament, every candidate must first be approved by the Guardian Council — whose members are appointed by the Supreme Leader. This creates a closed loop where no genuine opposition or reform can ever reach power through the system. The people vote, but only for regime-approved options.

Global Designation

The World Has Spoken

A growing list of nations have formally designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization.

United States
Since 2019
Full IRGC + Quds Force
European Union
Since 2026
All 27 member states, unanimous
Canada
Since 2024
Criminal Code designation
Australia
Since 2025
State sponsor of terrorism
Bahrain
Full designation
Saudi Arabia
Full designation
Israel
Full designation
Argentina
Quds Force
Documented Crimes

IRGC Crimes — Direct & Indirect

From massacring their own citizens to bombing embassies, arming proxies, and plotting assassinations on foreign soil.

2026

January 2026 Massacre

Domestic Oppression📍 Iran (nationwide)36,500+ killed

During the deadliest crackdown in the regime's history, IRGC and Basij forces killed over 36,500 Iranians in just two days (Jan 8-9, 2026). Security forces shot protesters with live ammunition, targeted heads and torsos, and fired "finishing shots" at wounded patients in hospitals. Internet was blacked out to conceal the massacre.

2022

Mahsa Amini Protests Crackdown

Domestic Oppression📍 Iran (nationwide)570+ killed, including 70+ minors

Following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in morality police custody, the IRGC and Basij killed over 570 unarmed civilians including children. Detainees were subjected to torture, sexual assault, and sham trials resulting in executions.

2019

November 2019 Uprising

Domestic Oppression📍 Iran (nationwide)1,500+ killed

In just days, IRGC forces killed at least 1,500 unarmed civilians during protests sparked by fuel price hikes. The regime imposed a complete internet blackout to hide the killings. Families were forced to pay "bullet fees" to retrieve bodies of their loved ones.

2020

Downing of Flight PS752

Domestic Oppression📍 Tehran, Iran176 killed

IRGC Aerospace Force shot down Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 minutes after takeoff from Tehran, killing all 176 passengers and crew — including 82 Iranians and 57 Canadians. The regime initially denied responsibility and attempted a cover-up.

1994

AMIA Bombing

International Terrorism📍 Buenos Aires, Argentina85 killed, 300+ injured

Iran and Hezbollah orchestrated the bombing of the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association building, the deadliest terrorist attack in Argentina's history. Argentine courts issued arrest warrants for Iranian officials.

1983

Beirut Barracks Bombing

International Terrorism📍 Beirut, Lebanon241 US Marines, 58 French soldiers killed

Iran-backed Hezbollah carried out simultaneous truck bombings against US Marine and French military barracks in Beirut, one of the deadliest terrorist attacks against Americans before 9/11.

2012

New Delhi Bombing

International Terrorism📍 New Delhi, India

IRGC operatives detonated a bomb targeting Israeli diplomats in New Delhi. Related attacks occurred in Bangkok, Thailand and Tbilisi, Georgia in the same period.

2024

Attacks on Jewish Targets in Australia

International Terrorism📍 Sydney & Melbourne, Australia

IRGC directed and carried out at least two terrorist attacks inside Australia — arson at a kosher restaurant in Sydney and a synagogue in Melbourne — targeting the Jewish community. This led to Australia designating the IRGC as a terrorist organization.

1982–present

Funding & Arming Hezbollah

Proxy Wars📍 Lebanon / Region

IRGC provides billions in financial aid, rockets, advanced weapons, air defense systems, cruise missiles, and training to Hezbollah — a designated terrorist organization responsible for attacks across the Middle East and beyond.

Ongoing

Arming Hamas & Palestinian Islamic Jihad

Proxy Wars📍 Gaza / West Bank

IRGC provides financial aid, weapons, rocket technology, and military training to Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, fueling violence and instability in the region.

Ongoing

Arming Houthis

Proxy Wars📍 Yemen / Red Sea

IRGC supplies advanced weapons, training, and intelligence to Houthis rebels. Houthis have attacked commercial shipping in the Red Sea and launched missiles at Saudi Arabia, destabilizing the entire region.

Ongoing

Iraqi Shia Militias

Proxy Wars📍 Iraq / Syria

IRGC trains and arms Iraqi Shia militias with IEDs, rockets, and anti-aircraft weapons. These US-designated terrorist groups have attacked American forces, contributing to thousands of casualties.

2011–present

Propping Up Assad Regime

Proxy Wars📍 Syria

IRGC Quds Force deployed advisors and fighters alongside Assad regime forces, helping sustain a civil war that killed 500,000+ people and displaced millions. Recruited Afghan refugees as cannon fodder (Fatemiyoun Brigade).

2022

Plot to Assassinate John Bolton

Assassinations & Plots📍 United States

IRGC member Shahram Poursafi was charged by the US DOJ for plotting to assassinate former National Security Advisor John Bolton. He also reportedly offered $1 million for a plot against former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

2021

Plot to Kidnap Masih Alinejad

Assassinations & Plots📍 New York, United States

IRGC plotted to kidnap Iranian-American journalist and human rights activist Masih Alinejad from her home in Brooklyn, New York. FBI disrupted the plot and charged four Iranian intelligence operatives.

2022–2023

15 Assassination/Kidnap Plots in UK

Assassinations & Plots📍 United Kingdom

MI5 reported that 15 kidnapping or assassination attempts targeting British citizens and UK-based Iranian activists were foiled since early 2022. IRGC also directly threatened journalists at Iran International TV in London.

2018

Danish Assassination Plot

Assassinations & Plots📍 Denmark

IRGC plotted to assassinate an Iranian Arab opposition figure on Danish soil. An Iranian diplomat in Austria was sentenced to 20 years in Belgium for a related bomb plot against an opposition rally in Paris.

2024

Plot Against Former President Trump

Assassinations & Plots📍 United States

US intelligence uncovered an IRGC murder-for-hire plot against former President Donald Trump, along with plots targeting Iranian-American dissidents and Jewish citizens on American soil.

2021–2022

Sea Piracy & Tanker Attacks

Cyber, Maritime & Arms📍 International Waters

IRGC naval forces attacked the Mercer Street oil tanker (2021), killing 2 merchant sailors including a Briton, and launched suicide drones at the Pacific Zireon tanker (2022). Ongoing maritime piracy in the Persian Gulf.

2022

Cyberattack on Albania

Cyber, Maritime & Arms📍 Albania

IRGC-linked hackers ("HomeLand Justice") launched destructive cyberattacks against the Albanian government, crippling public services. Albania severed diplomatic relations with Iran in response.

2022–present

Supplying Drones to Russia

Cyber, Maritime & Arms📍 Ukraine

IRGC supplied hundreds of Shahed suicide drones to Russia for use against Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure, making Iran complicit in war crimes against the Ukrainian people.

The Iranian People Deserve Better

The Islamic Republic does not represent the Iranian people — it oppresses them. The IRGC is not a national army — it is the regime's instrument of terror. Understanding this distinction is the first step toward supporting a free Iran.

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