The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has moved to the center of Iran's power structure and key military decision-making since the start of the US-Israeli operation, Reuters reports, citing Iranian and regional sources. Due to the redistribution of authority, mid-ranking IRGC officers may launch strikes on neighboring states.

As Reuters sources explained, the IRGC had long developed a decentralization system in case of an attack on the country's leader, with various powers delegated to rank-and-file officers to increase the structure's resilience in combat conditions.

After the US-Israeli attack on February 28, new IRGC chief Ahmad Vahidi — his predecessor Mohammad Pakpour was killed on the first day of the operation — attended every high-level meeting, an Iranian Security Service representative told Reuters. According to him, the IRGC chief's primary task is "the survival of Iran's Islamic revolutionary system."

The IRGC reports directly to the Supreme Leader. Its role has been gradually expanding in recent years, including after the corps became responsible for Iran's nuclear program. Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the IRGC vowed revenge, after which attacks on American facilities in Gulf states began. On March 4, a ballistic missile launched from Iranian territory entered Turkish airspace.