Since 1979, Iran has been portrayed as a “revolutionary state” governed by a theocracy; however, it is currently evolving into a military state. The Iranian government, formed post-revolution, is a theocratic system that includes an elected civil administration and military officials; however, these bodies are subordinate to a clerical Guardian Council, which is overseen by a supreme leader possessing veto authority over state and religious matters.

Following the 1979 revolution, Iran’s clerical rulers formed the IRGC, referred to in Persian as Sepāh e Pāsdārān e Enqelāb e Eslāmi, to serve as a counterweight to the conventional military forces, which they viewed with skepticism. The command structure of IRGC reports only to the supreme leader, bypassing the elected president. The IRGC ultimately became one of the most powerful government entities in the country, created as the principal protector of the 1979 revolution. The IRGC has exerted considerable influence on Iran’s national politics, although indirectly. A plethora of IRGC veterans ascended to significant governmental responsibilities, including positions in the cabinet, parliament, and provincial administrations. The guards were subservient to previous Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who, despite various hurdles, was a pragmatic participant in the Iranian political landscape. Khamenei skillfully preserved an equilibrium among the IRGC, the clergy (Valiyat-e-Faqih), and civilian governance. The........

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