Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Day in Iran Date in the current year: October 9, 2024

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was formed following the Islamic Revolution of 1979 in order to consolidate paramilitary forces into a single force loyal to Ayatollah Khomeini’s government that would preserve the achievements of the Revolution and the country’s new political system. The IRGC actively participated in the Iran-Iraq War and is believed to be responsible for training and equipping the Hezbollah forces.

IRGC Day in Iran doesn’t commemorate the anniversary of its foundation. Its date was chosen to honor Husayn ibn Ali, the third Shia Imam. He refused to pledge allegiance to caliph Yazid I and was subsequently killed and beheaded in the Battle of Karbala that took place on October 10, 680. The death of Husayn ibn Ali ultimately led to the Abbasid Revolution that overthrew the Umayyad Caliphate.

IRGC Day was dedicated to Husayn ibn Ali for ideological reasons; according to the Iranian government, the IRCG is a perfect example of a Shiite army. It has been celebrated every year since 2002 in order to emphasize the importance of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for ensuring the rule of law and protecting the values of the Islamic Republic system.