Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced its support for the government in what Tehran describes as an economic war waged by external forces.
Speaking at a military conference, IRGC Commander Major General Hossein Salami emphasized that the force would stand with President Ebrahim Raisi's cabinet to overcome current economic challenges. He described the situation as a comprehensive confrontation in which U.S. and Western sanctions aim to strangle Iran's economy.
Salami stated: "The IRGC will stand beside the government in all areas, especially in the economic sphere." He argued that countering the "economic war" is a duty of all forces, including the military, to protect the people and the country's stability.
The announcement comes amid multiple rounds of severe economic sanctions from Washington following the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal. Iran's currency has sharply depreciated, inflation has risen, and imports of essential goods have faced difficulties.
Earlier, President Raisi's administration had repeatedly called on military and civilian organizations to join efforts to ease the economic burden on citizens. The IRGC's pledge underscores its growing role in Iran's political-economic life and reflects Tehran's strategy to mobilize all resources to counter international pressure.
Analysts suggest that the IRGC's involvement could help the government better control markets, combat smuggling and corruption, but may also raise concerns about the armed forces' political role in an economy already dominated by state-affiliated entities.
