The initiative to put the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on a terrorist list is being driven by Italy.
The IRGC was formed in Iran shortly after the 1979 Islamic Revolution to protect the new religious state from possible coup attempts, especially by the Iranian national army. Loyalty lies with the religious regime, not with the Iranian people.
The IRGC consists of ground forces, an air force and a navy, but also the infamous Basij militia and the Quds Force, which is responsible for operations abroad. The IRGC also has its own intelligence agency.
