The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is a branch of the Iranian military. While the Iranian Army is the Islamic Republic's traditional military, the IRGC is focused on ensuring Iran's "integrity," which is often interpreted as meeting Tehran's foreign objectives as well as safeguarding the country from foreign interference.
The IRGC is made up of five core branches: The Ground Forces, which focus on putting down internal dissent as well as projecting power abroad; the Aerospace Force, which operates aircraft, missiles, and satellites; the Navy, which uses fast attack boats for asymmetric hit-and-run tactics; the Quds Force, which focuses on military intelligence and extraterritorial operations; and the Basij, a volunteer paramilitary group.
Its current leader is Maj.-Gen. Hossein Salami.
The testimonies provide a rare window into the fractures within Iran’s military and growing discontent among its ranks.
Experts call the drone carrier a significant boost to the naval capabilities of the IRGC but say that Israeli air and naval forces could easily track and neutralize the vessel in a conflict scenario.
The Islamic regime has domestically developed an air defense system and has Russian S-300s to protect its nuclear sites, the report says, though they are concerned it is not enough.
Iranian leadership views the funeral as a bold statement of resilience.
Statements and speeches at the event have all indicated that Iran’s axis believes that the 'resistance' is not defeated.
The IRGC, long the spearhead of Tehran’s expansionist ambitions and a state-within-a-state that thrives on destabilization, now finds in Algeria a new theater for its operations.
The Iranian mission at the UN said, “The Shahed drone is among the world’s most advanced unmanned aerial vehicles, possessing exceptional reconnaissance and operational capabilities."
Jabbari's threat marks the third time in a week that an IRGC commander has threatened to destroy Israel in Operation True Promise 3.
Hajizadeh justified ballistic missile attacks against Israel, saying it was due to Israel's "misconception that Iran would not take direct action."
The two have been named as Craig and Lindsay Foreman, and their family said on Saturday they were engaging with relevant authorities to ensure the pair's well-being and safe return home.
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