Iran Revolutionary Guards Could Gain Major Economic Power if US Sanctions Are Lifted

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) could become one of the biggest winners if sanctions on Tehran are eased under a future agreement with the United States.

New discussions between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict have raised expectations that Iran could regain access to global markets, increase oil exports, and receive billions of dollars in economic support. However, analysts and senior Iranian officials believe much of that financial activity may ultimately strengthen the IRGC, which already controls a large part of Iran’s economy.

The Guards have built powerful business networks over many years of sanctions, expanding their influence across oil, shipping, construction, telecommunications, logistics, tourism, and infrastructure projects.

IRGC Business Empire Expands Across Iran

The IRGC’s engineering division, Khatam al-Anbia, manages hundreds of companies connected to major energy and development projects inside Iran. Officials and public records show the organization also has links to ports, transportation, manufacturing, and trade operations.

Iranian investment laws also require many foreign businesses to work with local partners. Because IRGC-linked companies are deeply connected to key sectors, international firms entering Iran may find it difficult to avoid indirect business relationships with entities tied to the Guards.

Sanctions Relief May Create New Challenges

Under the interim agreement announced this week, Iran could receive waivers allowing increased oil sales. A wider future deal may reportedly unlock access to a reconstruction fund worth nearly $300 billion and remove additional sanctions.

The IRGC strengthened its economic position during years of international sanctions by building networks that handled oil exports and trade through intermediaries and front companies. Even if a larger agreement is delayed, Iranian officials believe the Guards will continue benefiting from oil export waivers and their long experience operating under sanctions pressure.