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In focus — the IRGC(N) and its strategic effect

11th January 2021 - 10:45 GMT | by Richard Thomas in London

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Formed after the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has developed a unique approach to maritime force projection, and represents the force of choice for Tehran when it wants to bring about a strategic effect in the Gulf region and beyond

A year on from the death of Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) commander Maj Gen Qasem Soleimani, head of its Al Quds force, in a drone strike in Iraq, the boarding and seizure of a South Korean-flagged merchant vessel on 4 January by IRGC assets proved once again that Tehran is willing and able to extend its influence over the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz.

The seizure of the South Korean vessel (pictured above), in transit from Al Jubail to Fujairah, was purportedly due to oil pollution in regional waters, according to Iran’s IRNA news agency. However, media reports linked

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Richard Thomas

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Richard Thomas

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Richard Thomas is the Senior Editor, Naval at Shephard Media. Richard joined the company in …

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