Iranian President: IRGC A Protector Of Shias, Sunnis, Non-Muslims

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has said that people of all faiths, Shias, Sunnis, and even non-Muslims regard the Revolutionary guard as a protector.

The president's remarks follow Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei comments this week describing the Revolutionary Guard as “the largest counter-terrorist organization in the world” and a forceful military power.

Raisi praised the IRGC and claimed its role has been “a source of security, tranquillity, and hope across various domains.” He went on to assert that the presence and actions of the “dedicated fighters have prevented the spread of ISIS influence in Europe” and criticized what he described as “labeling the Revolutionary Guard.”

Earlier this year, the European Parliament adopted a resolution urging member states to classify the IRGC as a terrorist organization. This development followed a movement initiated by Iranian and European activists and politicians, who have implored European states to designate the IRGC as a terror group. The movement gained traction due to the IRGC's involvement in widespread repression following the death of Mahsa Amini. However, the European Union claimed it cannot list Iran's IRGC as a terrorist entity until an EU court has determined that they are.

The IRGC has faced numerous accusations of supporting, training, funding, and arming various non-state entities and proxy groups throughout the Middle East. Organizations such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Palestine, Houthis in Yemen, and Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria have been recipients of IRGC support. Some countries have designated these groups as terrorist organizations due to their involvement in armed conflicts.

In recent years, the IRGC has also faced allegations of engaging in cyber activities, including cyber espionage, hacking, and disruptions targeting both regional and international entities.