The Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) in Iran has used international sanctions to spread its activities through affiliated companies.
Western diplomats say the IRGC pocketed the highest amount of profits under these sanctions and if such limitations are lifted these profits will actually increase.
Report:
Reports in the media show that the IRGC is one of the most important pillars of Iran’s military forces and has made the most profit out of the sanctions.
The IRGC was formed by Khomeini back in 1980 to not only form a military force but also, according to observers, become a very influential empire.
The IRGC expanded its activities and influence when former member Mahmoud Ahmadinejad reached the presidency. The IRGC took over the activities carried out by European oil companies who ended their work in Iran due to heavy punishments from international sanctions. Now, the IRGC has been able to obtain massive contracts.
IRGC’s annual revenue reaches over $10 billion a year through its trade companies, according to Western diplomats. This accumulates to 1/6th of Iran’s GNP. IRGC has now gained control over vital branches such as tourism, transportation, energy, construction, communications and the Internet. IRGC-affiliated contract companies have huge revenues. If sanctions are lifted there is a possibility that Iran’s economy will be boosted and thus the IRGC will be able to pay less to procure goods, obtain bank credits and technology to add to its assets. The IRGC is currently through its companies ‘opposing’ other Iranian institutions and agreeing with the nuclear agreement, as it seeks to further expand its activities and control over Iran’s entire economy.