![]() ![]() The third assesses IRGC-QF actions in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, and other countries. The second section analyzes trends in IRGC-QF activity, including patterns in the size of Iranian state and non-state partners. The first provides an overview of the IRGC-QF’s creation, activities, and organizational structure. The rest of this brief is divided into four sections. 1 Finally, it compiles and analyzes a data base of Israeli attacks against targets in Syria, which provides a useful indicator of Iranian activity. It also analyzes satellite imagery of bases in countries like Syria, Lebanon, and Iran used by the IRGC-QF to better understand Iranian force posture and activities. It compiles a data base of Iranian proxy groups over time-including their capabilities and size-in order to gauge trends. This brief analyzes IRGC-QF activities in several ways. Overall, Iranian actions have also created growing regional concerns about Tehran’s attempt to expand its power and influence, which can be leveraged for more effective balancing. Yet Iran-and the IRGC-QF in particular-have vulnerabilities and weaknesses that may be exploitable, such as possible long-term overextension with an already weak economy and continuing divisions among Iraq’s Shia community about Iran and its doctrine of velayat-e faqih (the Islamic system of clerical rule). Tehran wields influence in the Middle East through its use of non-state partners, despite renewed U.S. These developments are significant because Iranian leaders have assessed that irregular warfare- including support to non-state partners-is a critical element to competing with the United States in the region. ![]() Based in part on IRGC-QF assistance, Iran’s partners have improved their capabilities in such areas as missiles and drones. Iran’s expanding presence in Syria, for example, has led to concerns among Israeli leaders, who have authorized hundreds of military strikes against missile and other targets over the past few years. More broadly, there is a growing regional conflict with Iran, which consists of a war in Yemen (including the Houthi use of ballistic missiles against Saudi Arabia), an escalating conflict with Israel in Syria, a growth of Shia militia forces in Iraq, targeted assassinations, and cyberattacks. Iran is also attempting to establish land corridors across the region and increase its ability to move fighters and material from one theater to another. The IRGC-QF’s partners are in countries like Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen, and Afghanistan. According to data collected and analyzed in this brief, there has been an increase in the overall size and capability of foreign forces that are partnered with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps-Quds Force (IRGC-QF), Iran’s paramilitary organization responsible for foreign operations. If anything, Iranian leaders appear just as committed as ever to engagement across the Middle East using irregular methods. Iran’s economic woes have not contributed to declining activism in the region-at least not yet. Nevertheless, Iran has weaknesses and vulnerabilities that can be exploited by the United States and its partners. Iran is also working to establish a land bridge across the region. There has been an increase in the size and capabilities of militias supported by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps-Quds Force in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen collectively. ![]() and allied efforts to weaken Iran’s economy and politically isolate Tehran. Responding to Egregious Human Rights Abusesĭownload the Brief The Issue There is growing Iranian activism in the Middle East despite U.S.Building Sustainable and Inclusive Democracy.Family Planning, Maternal and Child Health, and Immunizations.Energy, Climate Change, and Environmental Impacts.Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation.Defense Industry, Acquisition, and Innovation.Intelligence, Surveillance, and Privacy. ![]()
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