Iran's Revolutionary Guard Expands Economic Interests Amid US Sanctions, Monopolizes Telecom

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is an elite military organization directly under the Supreme Leader, distinct from the regular armed forces. It is responsible for border security, foreign operations, and supporting militia groups in neighboring countries. Its affiliate, Khatam al-Anbiya, functions as a logistics arm and general contractor, deeply involved in Iran's infrastructure development and participating in natural gas and oil field projects.

As sanctions by the United States and other countries intensified, foreign capital withdrew from Iran, forcing the country to rely on domestic development. Companies with technical expertise began diversifying into multiple sectors, allowing Khatam al-Anbiya and similar entities to expand their economic interests.

The IRGC has entered petrochemicals, finance, and even pension funds. The United States has designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization, but the group participated in the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s and expanded its economic activities in the 1990s. Retired personnel and associates of the IRGC are active in various fields. The IRGC's affiliated companies have nearly monopolized the telecommunications market, hold a one-third share of the domestic petrochemical sector, and control 15% to 20% of the financial industry.