Growing Resentment Within Iran’s Army Toward the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

2016 Islamic Republic of Iran Army Day parade in Tehran by Mahmood Hosseini, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 | Image: Jihad Watch

Iran’s military is reportedly experiencing severe logistical problems, increasing desertions, and mounting tensions between the regular armed forces (Artesh) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Sources familiar with the situation describe a defense establishment under growing pressure as the conflict intensifies.

Among the most troubling claims are reports that wounded soldiers from the regular army have been denied medical assistance by the IRGC. Some frontline units are said to be operating with very limited supplies of ammunition, food, and drinking water. Efforts to mobilize reserve forces have also struggled to gain traction.

Rising tensions between the army and the Revolutionary Guards

One of the most contentious issues centers on medical support for injured soldiers.

According to sources, regular army units have suffered significant casualties, but IRGC personnel have reportedly refused to transport wounded army soldiers to hospitals, even though they have access to medical facilities. Army requests for assistance were allegedly turned down by Revolutionary Guard officials, who cited shortages of ambulances and blood supplies.

These incidents have intensified resentment and distrust between members of the two forces, adding to the long-standing institutional rivalry between the Artesh and the IRGC.

Desertions and shortages within the ranks

Reports also indicate that large numbers of soldiers have deserted their bases in groups, seeking shelter among sympathetic civilians in nearby towns.

The difficulties are not confined to the regular army. Sources say that even IRGC missile units—traditionally among the best supplied segments of Iran’s military—are facing equipment malfunctions, including communication failures, along with shortages of food and other basic necessities.

Although elite IRGC units responsible for missile operations historically receive the regime’s best resources, they too are reportedly dealing with limited access to food and water. While their conditions are not as severe as those faced by the regular army, many soldiers are said to be undernourished.

The senior leadership of the IRGC appears primarily focused on maintaining the functionality of missile systems, ensuring that critical components remain available. As a result, the welfare of personnel receives far less attention, with food supplies arriving only irregularly.

Growing uncertainty among elite units

Even within the IRGC’s elite ranks, confidence in reserve forces responding when called is reportedly declining. Increasing numbers of soldiers are said to be ignoring mobilization orders.

In some cases, personnel have reportedly begun relocating their families closer to Iran’s borders—particularly near Iraq and Turkey—apparently hoping to keep open the option of leaving the country if conditions worsen.

Meanwhile, resentment continues to grow among members of the regular army over what they view as the IRGC’s heavy-handed behavior. The refusal to allow IRGC medical staff to treat wounded army soldiers has become a particularly bitter grievance.

Although tensions have not yet escalated into open defiance, dissatisfaction within the regular army is said to be rising. Some observers warn that if unrest spreads within Iran, a scenario could emerge in which the national army refuses to act against protesters, potentially leaving the IRGC confronting both civilians and elements of the military itself.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)