Responses to Information Requests

Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada

1. Organization and Structure of Military

Sources report that the security forces are made up of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army [also known as the Islamic Republic of Iran Regular Forces], the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and the National Police (also called the Law Enforcement Forces) (Adjunct Research Professor 2022-11-07; US 2022-11-09; Associate Fellow 2022-11-09).

A 2019 policy note published by the Washington Institute for Near East Policy (TWI) [1] and written by Saeid Golkar, an assistant professor at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga who specializes in international and comparative politics of authoritarian regimes, with a focus on the Middle East and North Africa (Golkar 2022-10-28), indicates that the military has "two main branches," which are "the conventional army, known as the Artesh, and the revolutionary military forces, or the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps" (TWI 2019-02-25, 2). The same source notes that the army's main role is to guard "the independence and territorial integrity of the country" and that the role of the IRGC is "primarily" to defend and protect the "Islamic regime" (TWI 2019-02-25, 2). The US Department of State's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2021 states that the IRGC and the army provide "external security" (US 2022-04-12, 1).

The US CIA World Factbook 2022 reports that there are "approximately" 550,000–600,000 active armed forces personnel, noting that "information varies" (US 2022-11-09). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

2. IRGC

The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran provides the following:

Article 150

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, organized in the early days of the triumph of the Revolution, is to be maintained so that it may continue in its role of guarding the Revolution and its achievements. The scope of the duties of this Corps, and its areas of responsibility, in relation to the duties and areas of responsibility of the other armed forces, are to be determined by law, with emphasis on brotherly cooperation and harmony among them. (Iran 1979, bold in original)

The Constitution of the Revolutionary Guards (1982) provides the following:

Section 1: Goal

Article 1: The Revolutionary Guards is an institution under the Leader's supreme command. Its goal is to protect Iran's Islamic Revolution and its achievements and persistently struggle to achieve the divine aims, spread the rule of the law of God in accordance with the Islamic Republic of Iran's laws, and to fully strengthen the Islamic Republic's defensive foundations through cooperation with other armed forces and through the military training and organizing of popular forces.

Section 2: Mission

Article 2: Legal struggle with agents and currents which aim to sabotage or destroy the Islamic Republican system or act against the Iranian Islamic Revolution.

Article 3: Legal struggle with agents who try to eliminate the rule of the Islamic Republic's laws through force and violence.

Article 4: Taking the same measures which other security forces take towards disarming those who carry and keep arms and supplies without legal permission.

Article 5: Cooperation with the security forces when necessary towards establishing order and security and the rule of law in the country.

Note: The Revolutionary Guards shall act as bailiff for the Judiciary in matters of the aforementioned missions in the abovementioned articles.

Article 6: Cooperation with other security forces to protect political and religious locations and individuals as directed by the neighborhood security council. (The boundaries of duties and powers of this council shall be in accordance with the law to be ratified by the Islamic Consultative Council.)

…

Article 9: Planning, organizing, administering, commanding, and implementing the ideological, political, and military education of the members of the Basij of the Abased shall be in accordance with Islamic values.

Article 10: Participation in aid operations in the event of disasters or accidents and providing support for aid, education, production, and the Jihad for Reconstruction services in times of peace shall be at the request of the government and in full accordance with the values of Islamic justice, as stipulated by the Revolutionary Guards' Supreme Council, such that that it not lose the military preparedness required to fulfill its missions.

Article 11: The training and education of members of the Revolutionary Guards [shall be] in accordance with Islamic teachings and values, based on the guidance of the Velayat-e Faqih in the ideological, political, and military realms in order to obtain the strength necessary to perform the duties assigned to them.

…

Article 34: The Conditions of the Revolutionary Guard. Someone is called a Revolutionary Guard who has entered the Revolutionary Guards, considers an all-sided jihad for the sake of God and to protect the Islamic Revolution and its achievements to be a duty under the sharia, and fulfills the following conditions:

1. Belief in the foundations of Islam, the Islamic Revolution, and the Islamic Republican system.
2. Belief and commitment in action to the velayat-e faqih.
3. Commitment in action to Islam's commandments, the Islamic Republic's laws, and following Islam's moral values.
4. Good repute and lack of a bad record. (Iran 1982, italics in original)

Sources report the following IRGC branches:

• Aerospace Force (US 2022-11-09; TWI 2019-02-25, 4), which controls the "strategic missile force" (US 2022-11-09);
• Ground Force (US 2022-11-09; TWI 2019-02-25, 4);
• Navy (US 2022-11-09; TWI 2019-02-25, 4), which includes marines (US 2022-11-09);
• Quds [Qods] Force (US 2022-11-09; TWI 2019-02-25, 4), also known as "special operations" (US 2022-11-09);
• "Cyber Electronic Command" (US 2022-11-09)
• Basij Paramilitary Forces (US 2022-11-09) or Basij Organization for the Oppressed and Disabled (TWI 2019-02-25, 4);
• Provincial Guard (TWI 2019-02-25, 4);
• "Intelligence Organization" (TWI 2019-02-25, 4); and
• "Organization for the Protection of Intelligence" (TWI 2019-02-25, 4).

A report from the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), an "independent" and "nonpartisan" US-based think tank and publisher on international affairs (CFR n.d.), states that when it was founded the IRGC "operated beyond the bounds of the law and the judiciary"; command of the force "bypassed the elected president" in favour of Iran's supreme leader (201905-06). A UN Special Rapporteur report on the human rights situation in Iran indicates that the IRGC has "gradually gained a central role in governance" (UN 2022-01-13, 15). According to a joint report from the Ceasefire Centre for Civilian Rights (Ceasefire) [2] and Minority Rights Group International (MRG), the IRGC is "an effective state-within-a-state," noting that "it cooperates with the state" for security services but that "its command and control remains outside state control" (2020-06-26, 13).

The US Congressional Research Service (CRS) states that the IRGC "is a military and internal security force, and an instrument of Iran's regional policy" (US 2021-07-29, 6). According to the joint report from Ceasefire and MRG, the duties of the IRGC "include the protection of the Supreme Leader, [the] heads of all three branches (executive, legislative and judiciary), [and] other top state officials," as well as "the safety and security of the capital city" (2020-06-26, 14). The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) [3] reports that [as of November 2021 (IISS 2022-02-14b, 511)] the IRGC has 190,000 active members (2022-02-14a, 342). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

2.1 The Basij

The Constitution of the Revolutionary Guards (1982) provides the following:

Section 4: The bylaws of the Unit of the Basij of the Abased

Article 35: The goal of organizing the Unit of the Basij of the Abased is to create the necessary strengths in all individuals who believe in the Constitution and the Islamic Republic's goals in order to defend the country and the Islamic Republican system, as well as aid the people in the event of disaster or unexpected events in coordination with the relevant authorities.

Article 36: To implement Article 9 of the Revolutionary Guards' Bylaws, the Basij's duties are as follows:

1. Military training to strengthen the defense of the Islamic Republic of Iran and its territorial integrity.
2. Ideological and political training and education in required fields of expertise.
3. Organization of the Basij members.
4. Preparing defense plans in cooperation with the other relevant organs.

Note: All organizations and organs under various names in the field of military training and preparation that are active in the people's Basij, except for public conscription, shall be dissolved and these activities shall be concentrated in the Revolutionary Guards.

Article 37: All cities, classified by size and population, shall be divided into several regions of resistance. Each such region shall be subdivided into several districts of resistance. Each district of resistance shall be divided into bases of resistance. The bases of resistance shall include organized groups.

…

Article 38: The Revolutionary Guards shall organize neighborhood resistance cells with the cooperation of the neighborhood's clergy, trustees, and legal neighborhood councils at the level of every neighborhood. (Iran 1982)

According to CFR, the IRGC took command of the Basij in 2007 (2019-05-06). The Ceasefire and MRG report states that the Basij ("[m]obilisation [f]orce") is a "domestic paramilitary force" for the IRGC (2020-06-26, 13). Sources report that the Basij are a "volunteer" (Amnesty International 2021-08-11; US 2021-07-29, 6), "civilian" (TWI 20190225, 2), or "paramilitary" militia (Amnesty International 2021-08-11; Associate Professor 2022-11-08). The US CRS report states that the IRGC implements their "domestic security role primarily" through the Basij (US 2021-07-29, 6). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

Sources report that members of the Basij are present in universities (Ceasefire & MRG 2020-06-26, 13; Golkar 2022-10-28), schools, and governmental organizations and have "formal bases" in local neighbourhoods (Ceasefire & MRG 2020-06-26, 13).

Sources report that the Basij are accused of "violations of human rights" (Ceasefire & MRG 2020-06-26, 13) or "numerous human rights abuses" (US 2022-04-12, 12). Sources provide the following examples of Basij activity:

• Arresting women who are in violation of the government's "public dress codes" and "raiding Western-style parties" illegally serving alcohol (US 2021-07-29, 6).
• Playing a "dominant role" in "cracking down" on protests on the street (Ceasefire & MRG 2020-06-26, 13) or committing "torture, forced disappearances, and acts of violence against protesters and bystanders at public demonstrations" (US 2022-04-12, 12).
• In collaboration with Riot Police, "raid[ing a] middle-class district to shut down protest shouts from windows" in October 2022 (Al-Monitor 1 Nov. 2022).
• Government entities, including the Basij Cyber Council, "monitor[ing]", identif[ying], and counter[ing] alleged cyberthreats to national security" (US 2022-04-12, 40).

The Constitution of the Revolutionary Guards (1982) provides the following:

Article 41: Members of the Army of Twenty Million are categorized as follows:

1. Ordinary members. The general classes believing in the Islamic Republic's constitution and the Islamic Revolution's goals who enter the Army of Twenty Million (the Revolutionary Guards' Basij of the Abased) as ordinary members – after passing a period of education – are to engage in support and military activities in time of war as well as welfare, service, social, political, and intelligence activities within the framework of the laws and regulations.
2. Active members. These are people who are organized after passing periods of general education and who are consolidated while they continue their studies and special programs.
   Note: Ordinary and active members are personnel of unconfirmed cadres and do not receive a fixed salary.
3. Special members. These are active members who have the qualifications to be a Revolutionary Guard and have an educational and personal record and, when needed, shall be placed at the disposal of the Revolutionary Guards on a full-time basis. These individuals hold a special card and are in the Revolutionary Guards' organized ranks.

Article 42: All individuals and officers of the staff units of the Basij and commanders of the Basij's centers and commanders of the regions of resistance (in the cities) shall be Revolutionary Guards. The districts of resistance shall be the Revolutionary Guards or members of the special members of the Basij. The bases of resistance commanders shall be special members [of the Basij] and the commanders of the resistance groups shall be active members. (Iran 1982)

However, in an interview with the Research Directorate, Golkar stated there are four layers of the Basij membership, all of which undergo "military and ideological training":

• Regular members, who receive the Basij membership card and gain access to things such as recreation, travelling, and quota for university.
• Active members, who complete 45 days military training.
• Cadre members, who are paid a part-time salary by the IRGC and who work on a base and in the Basij zone.
• Special Basij, a small group, including colonels and lieutenants, who are full-time members in the IRGC (Golkar 2022-10-28).

2.2 The Quds Force

Information on the Quds Force branch of the IRGC was scarce among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

According to Ceasefire and MRG, the Quds Force is the "formal expeditionary force of the IRGC" charged with "advancing Iran's national security interests and strategy outside the country" (2020-06-26, 13). The US CRS states the unit "operates outside Iran to support pro-Iranian movements and governments" (US 2021-07-29, 6).

According to the IISS, [as of November 2021 (IISS 2022-02-14b, 511)] there are 5,000 active personnel in the Quds Force (2022-02-14a, 342).

2.3 The Intelligence Organization

Information on the IRGC's Intelligence Organization was scarce among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

Ceasefire and MRG report that the Intelligence Organization of the IRGC is "the most powerful security entity in Iran" and "can affect court rulings through its allied judges" (20200626, 13).

2.4 The Aerospace Forces, Navy, and Ground Forces

Information on the aerospace, naval, and ground forces of the IRGC was scarce among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

According to sources, the Aerospace Force controls the "strategic-missile force" (IISS 2022-02-14a) or manages "diverse missile programs" (TWI 2019-02-25) and has 15,000 active members (IISS 2022-02-14a, 342).

The IISS indicates that the IRGC navy has "20,000+" active members, including 5,000 marines (2022-02-14a, 342). The CIA World Factbook 2022 states that these naval forces operate in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz (US 2022-11-09).

According to the IISS, the IRGC Ground Forces number 150,000 active personnel and have a primary role as internal security and secondary role as external defence in collaboration with the army; additionally, the Ground Forces control the Basij paramilitary forces (20220214a, 342).

2.5 Ranks

The TWI report written by Golkar provides the following table that presents the "values accorded to IRGC ranks" [4]:

(TWI 2019-02-25, 20, italics in original)

The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran provides the following:

Article 110

Following are the duties and powers of the Leadership:

…

4. Assuming supreme command of the armed forces.

5. Declaration of war and peace, and the mobilization of the armed forces.

6. Appointment, dismissal, and acceptance of resignation of:

…

e. the chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps.

f. the supreme commanders of the armed forces. (Iran 1979, bold in original)

The Constitution of the Revolutionary Guards (1982) provides the following:

Article 28: The command structure of the Revolutionary Guards is centralized, and protecting the chain of command and observing total order and discipline is necessary. The Revolutionary Guards' chain of command is composed of:

1. The Leader
2. The Revolutionary Guards' Commander-in-Chief
3. Regional commanders
4. District commanders
5. Base commanders
6. Guardhouse commanders. (Iran 1982)

3. Army

The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran provides the following:

Article 143

The Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran is responsible for guarding the independence and territorial integrity of the country, as well as the order of the Islamic Republic.

Article 144

The Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran must be an Islamic Army, i.e., committed to Islamic ideology and the people, and must recruit into its service individuals who have faith in the objectives of the Islamic Revolution and are devoted to the cause of realizing its goals. (Iran 1979)

The Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces Law (1987) provides the following:

[translation]

Article 3 – The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran refers to the joint headquarters, ground, air, naval forces and organizations affiliated with them.

Article 4 – The Ministry of Defence of the Islamic Republic of Iran is the branch of the government responsible for supporting the military.

Article 5 – The military objectives of the Islamic Republic of Iran are as follows:

1. To preserve the independence, the territorial integrity and the system of the Islamic Republic of Iran;
2. To protect the national interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran outside the territory of the country in the Caspian Sea, the Persian Gulf, the Oman Sea, rivers and mineral resources.
3. To help Muslim nations or the oppressed nations not opposing Islam in order to defend threatened lands or lands occupied by intruder forces when these nations ask for assistance.

Section 3 – Basic Principles and Characteristics of the Armed Forces (Doctrine and Military Strategy)

Article 6 – The basic principles and characteristics of the armed forces are as follows:

1. Being Islamic.
   In the formation and equipment of armed forces, the basis and criteria are the religion of Islam in such a way that religious rules and regulations govern all dimensions. Jihad for the sake of God is the mission of the armed forces, and following the moral principles of Islam and respecting people's human dignity are their duty.
2. Loyalty to Velayat (The Rule of the Supreme Leader)
   The armed forces are under the command of the General Command and the principle of unity of command governs all its ranks, the commanding position in all ranks might be reached based on merit and efficiency. The commander's order is in force if it is not in conflict with the indisputable religious rules, commander-in-chief's orders and the rule of the system and the laws of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Armed forces personnel are in the political line of the leadership, and their membership in and affiliation with political organizations are absolutely prohibited according to the command of the supreme leader.
3. Serving the People.
   The armed forces always perform their duties alongside the people and for the interests and aspirations of the Islamic Ummah (nation), and in peacetime, at the request of the government, they provide their personnel and technical equipment, to the extent that their combat readiness is not compromised, in order to serve the people in the fields of relief, education, production and constructive jihad.
4. Self-Sufficiency.
   The armed forces use all their power to achieve self-sufficiency in all fields such as, organization, training, preparation, information and industry.
5. Discipline.
   The Armed Forces should provide the ground for the full implementation of orders and regulations by creating spiritual discipline arising from the beliefs of personnel, setting reasonable and just regulations and establishing encouraging and disciplinary systems.
6. Simplicity.
   In all the fields of the armed forces, such as headquarters planning, management, application of systems and methods, technology selection and issuance of guidelines, the principle of simplicity should be observed. Unnecessary organization and undue formalities should be eliminated and uniformity methods should be considered.
7. Power.
   The armed forces should have readiness, mobility and power that enable them to take advantage of all the potentials of the Islamic Republic to deter attacks from overt and covert enemies.
8. Defensiveness.
   Using all their power, the Armed Forces prevent the enemy from attacking and defend against any aggression and punish and suppress the aggressor, and, while believing in the principle of non-aggression, help Muslim nations or the oppressed nations not opposing Islam to defend themselves.

Section 4 – Mission and Duties

Article 7 – The mission and duties of the Armed Forces are as follows:

a – Preparation and confrontation with any military aggression against the independence, territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the interests of the country.

b – Cooperation with the law enforcement of the IRGC in dealing with miscreants, insurgents, smugglers, separatists, and subversive movements when necessary in accordance with the order;

c – Readiness to cooperate with the IRGC in assisting Muslim nations and the oppressed nations not opposing Islam in defending themselves against threats and military aggression at their request and in accordance with the order.

…

e – To organize, train, equip and expand ground, air and naval forces in accordance with the capabilities and threats to carry out their missions.

f – Continuous and constant efforts to fully establish the Islamic culture and standards in the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence and their affiliated organizations.

…

h – Assisting the IRGC in training and organizing in accordance with the order.

…

k – Continuous and constant efforts to maintain and protect the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence and their affiliated organizations in the areas of security.

…

Article 13 – If the goal of the missions mentioned in paragraphs [sic] a, articles 10, 11 and 12, and the first part of paragraph d of Article 11 and the last part of paragraph c of Article 12 of this law is to protect the independence and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the main mission is the responsibility of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the three forces of the Revolutionary Guard Corps will cooperate with the three forces of the Armed Forces. However, if the goal of these missions is to guard the Islamic Revolution of Iran and its achievements, the main mission is the responsibility of the IRGC and the three forces of the Armed Forces will cooperate with the three forces of the IRGC.

The examples of this Article and the manner and extent of the cooperation of the Armed Forces and the Revolutionary Guard Corps in each case shall be determined by the Supreme Council of Defence.

…

Article 17 – The Supreme Council of Defence, as the Supreme Military Advisor to the Supreme Leader, has the following duties:

a – Recommending declaration of war and peace to the Commander-in-Chief.

…

c – Proposal to appoint commanders of the three armed forces to the Commander-in-Chief.

d – Determining the country's weapons system and general policies of manufacture and purchase of weapons and supervising them and creating the necessary coordination between the ministries of defence and IRGC in foreign purchases and military industries.

e – Determining the cases and manner of cooperation and establishing the necessary coordination between the Armed Forces and the IRGC and law enforcement forces in military affairs.

…

g – Directing and synchronizing the affairs of military-industrial research of the Ministries of Defence and IRGC, and Armed Forces and IRGC, and their affiliated organizations with the research centers of the country. (Iran 1987, bold in original)

3.1 Ground Force

The Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces Law (1987) provides the following on the mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Ground Force:

[translation]

Article 10 – The mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ground Force is as follows:

a – Protecting the land territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran against any foreign military aggression.

b – Repelling and destroying the invading forces.

c – To organize, equip, train and expand the land forces and prepare them in order to carry out their missions.

…

e – Conducting necessary research in all fields in order to achieve self-sufficiency.

f – Providing air defence for all the units, facilities and relevant critical infrastructure within the range of their organization's anti-aircraft weapon with the coordination and general operational control of the air force.

…

h – Providing medical needs of the ground force personnel and the management of related hospitals and clinics. (Iran 1987, bold in original)

The IISS report states that the Army consists of 350,000 active members, including 220,000 conscripts and 130,000 non-conscript members (2022-02-14a, 341). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

3.2 Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF)

The Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces Law (1987) provides the following on the mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran's air force:

[translation]

Article 11 – The mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force is as follows:

a – Guarding the country's territorial airspace.

b – Attacking the military targets and vital facilities of the enemy in accordance with the order.

c – Air support for military and law enforcement forces.

d – To provide the country's air defence; coordination, guidance and general control of air defence operations of other forces and organizations responsible for air defence.

…

i – Providing medical needs of the air force personnel and the management of related hospitals and clinics. (Iran 1987, bold in original)

Sources report that the army has an Air Defence Force in addition to the IRIAF (IISS 2022-02-14a, 344; Associate Fellow 2022-11-09). The IISS report states that the IRIAF consists of 37,000 active members while the Air Defence Force has 15,000 active members (20220214a, 343, 344). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

3.3 Islamic Republic of Iran Navy

The Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces Law (1987) provides the following:

[translation]

Article 12 – The mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy is as follows:

a – Protecting the territorial waters, continental shelf and exclusive economic zones and islands of the country against any foreign military aggression;

b – Continuous presence, control and protecting the security of domestic maritime lines and preventing the unauthorized use by foreigners of the maritime areas mentioned in the above paragraph.

c – To repel and suppress any military aggression against the sovereignty, rights and interests of the state in the areas mentioned in paragraph a, and the destruction of the enemy's naval facilities in accordance with the order;

d – Controlling the traffic of ships in the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman and inspecting suspicious ships when necessary in accordance with the order.

…

h – To provide air defences of all units, facilities and relevant critical infrastructure, islands and naval facilities within the range of their organizational anti-aircraft weapons, in coordination with and under the general operational control of the Air Force.

…

j – Providing medical needs of the naval personnel and managing related hospitals and clinics. (Iran 1987, bold in original)

The IISS reports there are 18,000 active members in the Navy and 2,600 active members in Naval Aviation (2022-02-14a, 342, 343). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

3.4 The Intelligence Protection Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran

The Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces Law (1987) provides the following:

[translation]

Article 16 – The Intelligence Protection Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces is an independent and centralized organization which, in coordination with the Ministry of Information, performs the following missions and duties:

1 – Mission.

Prevention, discovery, identification and neutralization of subversive activities, espionage, sabotage, cases of causing dissatisfaction, infiltration of political currents and disruption of missions aimed at maintaining and protecting the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence and their affiliated organizations through the protection of personnel, information, documents, evidence, places, facilities, equipment and communications security in accordance with Article 156 of the Constitution.

2 – Duties.

a – Obtaining and collecting news and producing, analyzing and classifying the information required by the Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence and their affiliated organizations.

b – Discovering and neutralizing plots and activities of subversion, espionage and sabotage;

…

e – Reporting non-military security information and news to the Ministry of Information.

f – Discovering and identifying the political activities of personnel and the infiltration of political currents and organizations in the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence and their affiliated organizations.

…

Note 3 – The Head of the Intelligence Protection Organization should immediately brief the Attorney General and the Commander-in-Chief of the Revolutionary Guard Corps in cases of subversion and major sabotage.

Note 4 – The Intelligence Protection Organization should refer the cases of ideological, political and moral deviations of personnel discovered during its missions to the Political Ideological Organization. (Iran 1987, bold in original)

3.5 Islamic Republic of Iran Marines

The IISS reports that there are 2,600 active members in the Marines (2022-02-14a, 343). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

3.6 Ranks

The Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces Law (1987) provides the following:

[translation]

Article 64 – The rank order of ground and air military personnel and their equivalent degrees in the navy are as follows:

1. Private, Seaman Recruit
2. Private Second Class, Seaman Apprentice
3. Private First Class, Seaman
4. Corporal, Third Class Petty Officer
5. Sergeant Third Class, Second Class Petty Officer
6. Sergeant Second Class, First Class Petty Officer
7. Sergeant First Class, Chief Petty Officer
8. Warrant Officer Junior Grade, Senior Chief Petty Officer
9. Chief Warrant Officer, Master Chief Petty Officer
10. Third Lieutenant, Ensign Junior Grade
11. Second Lieutenant, Ensign
12. First Lieutenant, Lieutenant Junior Grade
13. Captain, Lieutenant
14. Major, Lieutenant Commander
15. Lieutenant Colonel, Commander
16. Colonel, Captain
17. Second Brigadier General, Second Flotilla Admiral
18. Brigadier General, Flotilla Admiral
19. Major General, Rear Admiral
20. Lieutenant General, Vice Admiral

Note – In all the cases where the ranks of ground and air force personnel are mentioned in this law, their equivalents are considered for naval personnel. (Iran 1987, bold in original)

4. Assignment to Ranks and Branches
4.1 Career Military Service Personnel

The Constitution of the Revolutionary Guards (1982) provides the following:

Article 29: After the Leader, the Revolutionary Guards' Commander-in-Chief is the Revolutionary Guards' highest executive post. He may be appointed and dismissed by the Leader and is responsible before him in all matters which devolve upon him. All ranks of the Revolutionary Guards are responsible before the Commander-in-Chief. The Commander-in-Chief is responsible for the scrupulous implementation of the Revolutionary Guards' Supreme Council's bylaws and decisions in the sphere of command.

Article 30: Guidance in operations, appointments and dismissals in the Revolutionary Guards is the Revolutionary Guards' Commander-in-Chief's responsibility.

Note: The appointment and dismissal of regional commanders is to be done upon the recommendation of the Commander-in-Chief and ratification by the Supreme Council of the Revolutionary Guards.

Article 31: The Commander-in-Chief of the Revolutionary Guards shall appoint or dismiss the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Revolutionary Guards, the Chief of the Central Staff, and the officers of the units of the Central Staff subject to the confirmation of the Leader or whatever representative in the Revolutionary Guards he has appointed.

Note 1: The officers of the Ideological-Political Education and the Publications and Propaganda units, and the officers of the ranks below, them shall be appointed by clerics approved by the Leader or the representative he appointed in the Revolutionary Guards. (Iran 1982)

The Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces Law (1987) provides the following:

[translation]

Article 19 – Positions within the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence and their affiliated organizations are divided into three groups in terms of the personnel appointed to these jobs:

…

Note 1 – Command jobs in the Armed Forces are military jobs.

Note 2 – Except for the commanding jobs, the management of all ranks in the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence and their affiliated organizations is a common job.

Note 3 – In common occupations, the conditions for obtaining the jobs should be determined in such a way that the most qualified personnel, including military personnel and employees, be appointed to the job. Merely being a soldier or an employee will not make the personnel superior to each other.

…

Article 21 – Armed Forces personnel are those who are accepted into service in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Law or the Mandatory Military Service Law and include

1. permanent.
2. duty.
3. contract (temporary).

Article 22 – Permanent personnel refer to personnel who are recruited for permanent service in the Armed Forces and include

1. the military.
2. employees.
3. students.

Article 23 – Military personnel are those who, after training, achieve one of the ranks specified in this law and use uniforms and military stripes.

Article 24 – Employees are the personnel who are employed on the basis of academic degrees or experienced and specialized skills and achieve one of the ranks envisaged in this law without the use of ranks, stripes and uniforms.

Article 25 – Students are personnel who are employed to serve permanent staff and are studying in one of the educational institutions at the Armed Forces' cost or the Ministry of Defence and their affiliated organizations before being appointed to one of the positions set forth in this Law.

…

Article 29 – The general conditions of employment as permanent and contract staff are as follows:

…

h – Having the educational or professional requirements for the service in question.

i – Being at least 16 and at most 40 years old.

j – Not being known for moral corruption and not being addicted to drugs.

k – Mental and physical health in accordance with the service in question.

…

Article 30 – The recruitment of military personnel to serve as permanent staff is carried out exclusively on the basis of one of the educational degrees received at the end of middle school, high school, post-diploma, bachelor's, post-graduate, doctorate and higher levels.

Article 31 – Employees are employed in two ways:

1. Based on the academic degree at the end of elementary school, middle school, high school, post-diploma, bachelor's, post-graduate, doctorate and higher levels.
2. Based on professional and practical skills with at least the ability to read and write and at most high school diploma.

Article 32 – The Armed Forces may employ women only for healthcare professions. Women's transfers should be subject to the terms of service of their spouses as much as possible.

Article 33 – The Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence and their affiliated organizations may, in order to meet their organizational needs, recruit candidates who have at least the elementary school certificate by obtaining a commitment of 5 years of military service or 6 years of employment as contract staff. Extending the duration and renewal of the contract is not allowed.

…

Article 38 – The Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence and their affiliated organizations may recruit and appoint the necessary personnel to academic positions in order to provide professors and complete the academic faculty members of their educational institutions in accordance with the employment regulations of universities and higher education institutions.

…

Article 41 – … The Technical Skill Assessment Commission, which is established in the Ministry of Defence, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, or any of the three forces, assesses the expertise and technical skills of such employees at the time of recruitment and determines their group and rank.

…

Note – Appointing personnel to positions unrelated to their expertise is prohibited.

…

Article 57 – At the beginning of service, all employees, including permanent and contract personnel, must take a one-month course of basic military training and familiarity with the laws and regulations, bylaws and their service status in the Armed Forces.

…

Article 65 – The graduates of the military academy will be awarded the sergeant second rank and the minimum period of their stay in all ranks up to Third Lieutenant will be four years and from then on, it will be five years.

…

Article 66 – The graduates of the first term of the Military Sciences School will be awarded the third lieutenant rank, and the minimum period of their stay in all subsequent ranks will be four years, and they will eventually reach the rank of colonel.

…

Article 67 – Graduates of the second term of the Military Sciences School will be awarded the second lieutenant rank and the minimum period of their stay in all ranks to the second brigadier general rank will be four years.

…

Article 69 – The advancement of the military personnel who graduated from schools and higher education institutions and universities after recruitment and during the military training course will be as follows:

1. The holders of the associate degree shall attain the third lieutenant rank, and their subsequent promotions shall be subject to the provisions of Article 66 of this Law.
2. The holders of the bachelor's degree shall attain the third lieutenant rank, and their subsequent promotions shall be subject to the provisions of Article 67 of this Law.
3. Holders of higher degrees will enjoy two years of seniority for each year of education above a bachelor's degree or its equivalent, compared to holders of a bachelor's degree, and for every four years of seniority, they will be one grade higher, and their subsequent promotions will be subject to the provisions of Article 67 of this Law.

…

Article 71 – After passing the necessary training course, contract personnel will attain the following degrees or ranks:

1. The holders of the elementary school certificate: sergeant third class or rank 2.
2. The holders of the middle school certificate: sergeant second class or rank 5.
3. The holders of the high school diploma: sergeant first class or rank 7.
4. The holders of the associate degree: third lieutenant or rank 10.
5. The holders of the bachelor's degree: second lieutenant or ranked 11.
6. Holders of a higher degree get two years of seniority for each year of education higher than a bachelor's degree, compared to holders of a bachelor's degree, and one degree or rank higher for every four years of seniority.

…

Article 78 – The promotion of personnel in accordance with the provisions of this Law shall be subject to the approval of the following authorities:

1. a – The military to the rank of second lieutenant and all the employees. In the forces, the commander of the relevant force – in the Ministry of Defence and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretary of Defence and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
2. b – From the first lieutenant on, the Commander-in-Chief.

…

Article 180 – All degree holders of the existing permanent personnel are adjusted according to Table No. 1 as follows:

1. Third class sergeants will be promoted to the rank of sergeant second class after three years.
2. From the sergeant second class to the chief warrant officer, they continue to be in service with their current degree.
3. In accordance with the provisions of Article 132 of this Law, lieutenant assistants shall attain the rank of third lieutenant, and the second and third lieutenant assistants who hold the middle school certificate will attain the rank of second lieutenant and first lieutenant respectively. The first lieutenant assistants with more than four years of experience in the rank of first lieutenant assistant will be awarded the rank of captain under one of the following conditions, and their excess service experience over four years will be considered in the latter degree:
   
   1. Having a high school diploma.
   2. Having a middle school or second secondary school certificate and at least four years of military and specialized training, including the sergeants' school.
   3. Having a middle school or second secondary school certificate and technical skill level (9).

   Note 1 – If the duration of the service of such personnel is less than 25 years, before advancing to the rank of captain, they must pass the training courses mentioned in Articles 46 and 47 of this Law.

   Note 2 – All personnel subject to this paragraph will receive one month of seniority per year from the date of obtaining their high school diploma if they submitted one.

   Note 3 – Years of service in excess of four years of stopping at the degree of chief warrant officer of the lieutenant assistants subject to this paragraph will be added to their lieutenant years of service before being adjusted and then they will be adjusted.

4. The rank holders who have achieved the rank of lieutenant assistant or warrant officer based on the certificate of at least the fourth year of secondary school or a minimum of two years of training in the Armed Forces (pilot lieutenant assistants and similar personnel) are excluded from paragraph c of this Article and are matched according to Table 2 attached to this Law as follows:
   
   1. The rank holders who have a total of five years of service in the rank of warrant officer or lieutenant assistant will be promoted to the rank of third lieutenant.
   2. The rank holders who have a total of ten years of service in the rank of warrant officer or lieutenant assistant will be promoted to the rank of second lieutenant.
   3. The rank holders who have a total of fifteen years of service in the rank of warrant officer or lieutenant assistant will be promoted to the rank of first lieutenant.
   4. The rank holders who have a total of twenty years of service in the rank of warrant officer or lieutenant assistant will be promoted to the rank of captain.
   5. If the rank holders who have a total of twenty-five years of service in the rank of warrant officer or lieutenant assistant have a high school diploma, they will be promoted to the rank of major after receiving suitable training as judged by the relevant force or organization.
5. The rank holders who have been recruited based on the high school diploma and have completed one to two years of training in the Armed Forces are adapted according to Table No. 3 as follows:
   
   1. The rank holders with three years of service in the rank of warrant officer will be promoted to the rank of third lieutenant.
   2. The rank holders with a total of eight years of service in the rank of warrant officer or lieutenant assistant will be promoted to the rank of second lieutenant.
   3. The rank holders with a total of thirteen years of service in the rank of warrant officer or lieutenant assistant will be promoted to the rank of first lieutenant.
   4. The rank holders with a total of eighteen years of service in the rank of warrant officer or lieutenant assistant will be promoted to the rank of captain.
   5. The rank holders with a total of twenty-three years of service in the rank of warrant officer or lieutenant assistant will be promoted to the rank of major.

Article 181 – The ranks of homafaran (Iranian Air force officers) are converted according to their years of service according to table 4 as follows:

1. All third homafars will be promoted to the rank of third lieutenant.
2. All homafars with four years of service in this rank will be promoted to the rank of second lieutenant.
3. All homafars with eight years of service in this rank will be promoted to the rank of first lieutenant.
4. All homafars with thirteen years of service in this rank will be promoted to the rank of captain.
5. All homafars with nineteen years of service in this rank will be promoted to the rank of major.
6. All homafars with twenty–six years of service in this rank will be promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Note – According to the provisions of this Law, upon their request and with the approval of the relevant organization, homafaran may become employees like high school diploma holder employees who were trained for two years at the beginning of their service taking their years of service into account.

…

Article 200 – Appointment to commanding positions by the Commander-in-Chief is not limited to military personnel. (Iran 1987, bold in original)

In a telephone interview with the Research Directorate, an associate professor in the US who researches conflict and security issues in the Middle East, specializing in Iran and the Persian Gulf, indicated that "all leadership" in the army, the police and the IRGC are promoted based on "ideological alignment" (Associate Professor 2022-11-08). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

The information in the following paragraph on rank determination for career military personnel was provided in correspondence with the Research Directorate by an associate fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy (TWI), who specializes in security and defence affairs of Iran and the Persian Gulf, speaking on their own behalf:

"[N]ormally," military "cadres" are promoted every four years. A "number of factors" influence such a promotion, including "service records and quality, personal connections, and ideological/revolutionary conformity." Individuals at the rank of major have the option to attend Daffoos, a "staff war college course," which they must complete to reach the rank of lieutenant general (Associate Fellow 2022-11-09).

A country information report by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) states that Kurdish people "are not represented in senior military roles" (Australia 2020-04-14, para. 3.18). Similarly, in an interview with the Research Directorate, an adjunct research professor in law and legal studies at Carleton University, with over 20 years of experience practising criminal and human rights law in Shiraz, Iran, indicated that ethnic minorities have to serve as a "very low" military rank (Adjunct Research Professor 2022-11-07). In contrast, in his interview with the Research Directorate, Golkar stated that ethnicity is "not a problem" in IRGC hiring, as long as the individual is a "political Shia" [Shi'a] and regime supporter (2022-10-28).

According to the Adjunct Research Professor, the IRGC and the army have connections with "some" universities to offer recruits an incentive by paying for their tuition in exchange for eight years of military service (2022-11-07). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

4.2 Mandatory Military Service Personnel

The Mandatory Military Service Law of 1984 provides the following:

[translation]

Article 48 (amended on 2011-11-13) – After completing the basic training period, the conscripts attain one of the following ranks based on their educational credentials and the existence of an organizational location. ()

1. Duty staff who do not have a high school diploma shall attain one of the military ranks [from a soldier with zero rank] up to the rank of corporal;
2. Duty staff with a high school diploma shall attain either sergeant or warrior ranks;
3. Duty staff with an associate's degree shall attain one of the ranks of stalwart, warrior or third lieutenant;
4. Duty staff with a bachelor's degree shall attain the rank of second lieutenant;
5. Duty staff with a master's degree or higher shall attain the rank of first lieutenant.

Note 1 (amended on 2011-11-13) () – Attaining the rank of third sergeant or above requires necessary specialized training and having the requisite qualifications. (Iran 1984, parentheses and symbols in original)

The Associate Fellow stated that ranks for compulsory conscripts are determined at the end of military training and depend on its successful completion and the score received (202211-09). The same source added that "most of all," the ranking of a compulsory conscript will depend on the education level of the recruit when they begin their service (Associate Fellow 2022-11-09). Similarly, sources indicated that education "usually" earns the individual a higher rank (Adjunct Research Professor 2022-11-07) or that rank is "[m]ostly" determined by education level (Golkar 2022-10-28). Sources noted that the rank of conscripts is low (Associate Professor 2022-11-08; Adjunct Research Professor 2022-11-07).

Based on interviews conducted in Iran in 2010, the Associate Professor indicated that to apply for mandatory military service, individuals submitted an application for conscript service and were then called into the conscript office on their reporting day (2022-11-08). The same source stated that the conscription office placed conscripts in a physical line where representatives of the police, IRGC, and army would pick who they wanted (Associate Professor 2022-11-08).

The information in the following paragraph was provided by Golkar in his interview with the Research Directorate:

Individuals will submit an application for mandatory military service to the "Police 110" offices, which is then sent to the Public Conscription Organization of the National Police. The Public Conscription Organization will assign individuals to a branch of the security forces, such as the army, IRGC, or police. Once a branch has been chosen, an individual will be sent to military training and be divided into a unit within the branch, such as the naval, ground or air forces (Golkar 2022-10-28).

Sources report that individuals have no choice in the branch where they serve (Associate Fellow 2022-11-09; Golkar 2022-10-28; Adjunct Research Professor 2022-11-07). However, sources stated that people can choose their branch if they have "privileges" (Adjunct Research Professor 7 Nov. 2022) or "connections" (Associate Fellow 2022-11-09). The Adjunct Research Professor indicated that bribes are "common" because there is corruption (2022-11-07). Similarly, Golkar stated in his interview with the Research Directorate that the IRGC is "very corrupt," and individuals can give money to a commander or build a mosque to avoid combat time (2022-10-28).

Golkar stated in his interview with the Research Directorate that there are "legal possibilities" to object being assigned to a specific branch; however, the process is difficult and will lead to "problems" such as "political pressure" and "punish[ment]" by the "military service," including assignment to an "impoverished" region (2022-10-28). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

In his interview with the Research Directorate, Golkar indicated that individuals with a master's degree or PhD can obtain an "order" (amrteh) from a variety of ministries, agencies and IRGC-affiliated organizations to complete their service at that agency (2022-10-28). The Associate Professor similarly indicated that "some" highly educated people do not complete "regular service" and are instead placed in a role that uses their education (2022-11-08). The Associate Fellow stated that when specific expertise is needed from educated conscripts, these individuals may be able to choose the type or branch of service, noting that recruits who choose to complete their service with a "civilian state entity" require an "assignment letter" (2022-11-09).

Golkar indicated in his interview with the Research Directorate that "most" people assigned to the IRGC are active Basij members because the IRGC recognizes Basij military training and as a result reduces the length of mandatory military service by two months; moreover, the IRGC "believe[s]" that Basij members are "more loyal" to the regime (Golkar 2022-10-28). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

According to the Associate Fellow, military conscripts receive their rank after the completion of military training and keep their rank until the end of their mandatory military service (2022-11-09).

According to sources, it is "easier" to complete mandatory military service in the IRGC because, compared to the army, it is "less structured and organized" (Golkar 2022-10-28) or "less strict" (Adjunct Research Professor 2022-11-07). However, the Adjunct Research Professor added that the younger generation prefer to be conscripted in the army or law enforcement due to "restrictions with entering other countries" for those affiliated with the IRGC (2022-11-07).

The Adjunct Research Professor stated that, while religion does not "officially" have an impact on the determination of rank, "unofficially" it does (20221107). The Associate Fellow noted that Bahai are "automatically cap[ped]" at the "lowest junior soldier level" (2022-11-09). Golkar indicated in his interview with the Research Directorate that the IRGC "prefers not to hire religious minorities," adding that ethnic minorities "are not a problem at all," "as long as" an individual is "political[ly]" Shia and supports the regime (2022-10-28). However, the same source noted that the IRGC has "some" Sunni members but they are "mostly" Basij members (Golkar 2022-10-28).

5. Mandatory Military Service

The Mandatory Military Service Law of 1984 provides the following:

[translation]

Article 2 – (amended on 2011-11-13) () – Every Iranian male is subject to the provisions of the Conscription in the month in which they turn 18 years old.

Note (annex 2011-11-13) – A conscript refers to anyone who is subject to the Conscription Act.

…

Article 4 – Public Mandatory Service lasts for 30 years and its stages for all conscripts are as follows:

1. (amended on 2011-11-13) – The mandatory service period is (24) months (). In the event that there are more or fewer conscripts than the required number, the General Staff will reduce or increase the mandatory period with the authorization of the General Commander. ()
2. The precautionary period is 8 years.
3. The first reserve period is 10 years.
4. The second reserve period is 10 years.

Note 1 – The start and end dates of the service in the precautionary and reserve periods are calculated from the end date of the period of mandatory service. In all cases, the termination date will occur before an individual reaches the age of 50.

Note 2 – When necessary and during public mobilizations, individuals up to the age of 60 will be subject to this law and may be summoned.

…

Article 5 (amended on 2011-11-13) () – All Conscripts who are able to serve and are to serve without hindrance are subject to serve for the duration of the mandatory service. After completing the basic training at the beginning of the service, they are to fulfill the remainder of the mandatory service period. With the approval of the General Commander, the General Staff will determine the order of priority and the assignments of the conscripts in each of the armed forces.

…

Note 2 (amended on 2011-11-13) () – During each period, and in accordance with the IRGC's special acceptance criteria, the IRGC may select the conscripts that it needs from among the Basij soldiers who have a dispatch card to the amount determined by the General Staff and may announce the list of the conscripts’ names to the subordinate units of the organization before the date of their dispatch. These conscripts are at the disposal of the IRGC to fulfill their mandatory military service. ()

Note 3 (amended on 2011-11-13) () – The armed forces may request their required professional conscripts at the expert level and above as special conscripts from the General Staff as per the quota determined by the General Staff.

Note 4 (annex on 2011-11-13) – Conscripts are considered duty staff of designated units from the date of dispatch by the public mandatory service units of [Law Enforcement Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran]. ()

…

Article 7 – In accordance with the Law on Exemption of Graduates of Teacher Training Centres from Conscription, approved by the Revolutionary Council on 1358/2/27 [17/05/1979] (), those affected by the Law, after the basic military training period, will carry out the remainder of the service stipulated by the Law in the education and training system. ()

Note 1 (annex on 2011-11-13) – The Ministry of Education and Training is obliged to send the graduates of Teacher Training in Educational Centres to the military training centres for the basic military training program through the organization.

…

Article 8 (amended on 1376/4/3 [1997-06-24]) – As of the date of enactment of this law, and pursuant to the rules of the Ministry of Culture and Higher Education, the National Aviation Organization and the National School of Aviation Technology will be allowed to hire qualified candidates from among the graduates of this school and the Aviation Technology Training Center, as well as the graduates in the fields of aerospace, electronics and aircraft engineering who are graduating from other universities and higher education institutions. The aforementioned conscripts will be exempted from the mandatory military service after completing the relevant basic military training and fulfilling the commitment of ten years of service.

…

Article 11 – In times of war and general mobilization, if necessary, those who have been exempted from the mandatory service during peacetime for some reason will be summoned to serve and will have access to the rights and benefits of those included in the precautionary period of their class.

Article 12 – The workers and employees of government institutions, legal institutions and affiliated organizations to the government who fulfill the public mandatory service program will be re-employed to work in their primary jobs at the end of their service. The employer or the relevant authorities are obliged to hire them to work in their primary jobs. ()

Note 1 – For private institutions, the employer or the relevant authorities are obliged to hire them to work in their primary jobs if this issue has been stipulated in the employment contract.

…

Article 13 (amended on 2011-11-13) …

Note 1 (amended on 2011-11-13) () – Students of permanent staff training centres of the armed forces who resign or are dismissed before the end of the basic training period are exempted only from basic military training; however, they must fulfill the mandatory service period. In cases where students are dismissed due to illness or incapacity that is not caused by their voluntary actions, the period of education is considered as part of their mandatory service period.

Note 2 (amended on 2011-11-13) () – If officers and ranking officers of the armed forces resign or are dismissed from the service before attaining the rank according to the employment regulations, they would be exempted only from the basic military training period; however, they must fulfill the mandatory service period. If they resign or are dismissed after completing the basic training program, and if the duration of their service is less than the required duration for the mandatory period, they are to fulfill the remainder of the mandatory period.

Article 14 (amended on 2011-11-13) () – Conscripts and duty staff, including both military and employees, who are employed by the armed forces as PAYVAR [non-duty military forces] are exempted from the mandatory service period if they have completed six years of service since graduating from an educational institution or completing the basic military training program. In the event that they are released from service before the end of the six years, and if they are not subject to legal exemptions, one month will be deducted from their mandatory military service for every four months of service.

…

Note 3 (amended on 2011-11-13) – In areas with poor climate conditions, border regions and deprived areas, the period mentioned in this Article is to be changed to five years under the discretion of the General Staff.

…

Article 19 (amended on 2011-11-13) () – Those who reach the age of 18, after the publication of the summons, are required to present themselves to the organization within six months. The organization is obliged to determine, within a maximum of six months, the position of the conscripts and either dispatch them to the mandatory military service or exempt them from the service according to the regulations.

Note 1 (annex 2011-11-13) – Conscripts residing abroad shall report to the consular or political representative of the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran in their country of residence, and if there is none, they shall report to the nearest consular or political representation of the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Note 2 (annex 2011-11-13) – For conscripts who are eligible to be sent to the service but have justified excuses and cannot be sent to the service at the appointed time, their dispatch shall be postponed by one year as per the instructions produced in accordance with the recommendation letter from the organization and as per the approval received from the General Staff.

…

Article 29 – In the event that during the course of mandatory military service, a conscript or one of his dependents declares guardianship, the respective commanders and chiefs are obliged to inform Conscription departments or dispatching military units of the conscripts; therefore, their situation will be presented to the investigation committee and an appropriate decision will be adopted at the earliest possible date. (Iran 1984, parentheses and symbols in original)

Sources report that male citizens older than 18 are required by law to serve in the military (US 2022-04-12, 71; Associate Fellow 2022-11-09). Sources indicated that the length of mandatory military service is 24 months (Associate Fellow 2022-11-09; Adjunct Research Professor 2022-11-07). Other sources report, though, that mandatory military service lasts 18 to 21 months (IISS 2022-02-14a, 341) or 18 to 24 months (US 2022-11-09).

The Associate Fellow indicated that the following conditions impact the length of mandatory military service:

• Service lasts 19 months for individuals who serve in harsh climates, operational areas or conditions.
• Service lasts 17–18 months for individuals who serve in high-risk operational areas, such as active borders, and in wartime.
• Service lasts 24 months for individuals who serve in a civilian state entity such as a state ministry.
• Service lasts 21 months for individuals who serve guard duties "under normal conditions" (Associate Fellow 2022-11-09).

Sources report that length of service is dependent on the location of service (IISS 202202-14a, 341; Associate Fellow 2022-11-09; Adjunct Research Professor 2022-11-07). The Adjunct Research Professor stated that military service will be reduced to 21 months for service "near and around" the border of the country (2022-11-07). The same source added that having children affects mandatory service length: those with three or more children can be exempt from mandatory military service, while those with fewer than three children can reduce their mandatory contract to 12 months (Adjunct Research Professor 2022-11-07). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

The Adjunct Research Professor stated that length of military service can be reduced if someone has a father who served in the military, was wounded in a previous war, or was held hostage during the Iraqi war (2022-11-07).

Golkar indicated in his interview with the Research Directorate that "ordinary conscripts" do not complete their service in the Quds Force (2022-10-28). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

6. Exemptions from Mandatory Service

The Mandatory Military Service Law of 1984 provides the following:

[translation]

Article 1 – Defending the independence and territorial integrity and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran (), as well as the lives, property and honour of the people is the religious and national duty of every Iranian individual. To fulfill this duty pursuant to the provisions of this Act, all male citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran are required to participate in the Mandatory Military Service. No person subject to Conscription may be exempted from this Service except in the cases specified in this Act.

Note 1 – In accordance with Article 151 of the Constitution (), the Basij Mostazafan unit of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps is obliged to provide basic military training facilities for female citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran as soon as possible, in compliance with all Shari'a standards. This training is not mandatory for women.

…

Article 3 – The age of conscripts and their dependents, in terms of the mandatory service or exemption from it, is in accordance with the initial contents of the first birth certificate, and any changes made later will not be valid for the purpose of the mandatory service. ()()

…

Article 11 – In times of war and general mobilization, if necessary, those who have been exempted from the mandatory service during peacetime for some reason will be summoned to serve and will have access to the rights and benefits of those included in the precautionary period of their class.

…

Article 31 (amended on 2011-11-13) () – Students of schools and higher education institutions affiliated to the Ministry of Education and Training or approved by the Ministry, students of public or private universities and higher education institutions within the country or abroad approved by the Ministries of Science and Health, and students of seminaries [religious schools] who reach the eligibility age or reach 36 years of age in the course of their studies are exempted from being sent to mandatory military service as long as they continue their studies. ()

…

Article 32 (amended on 2011-11-13) () – In accordance with the rules of the Management Council of the Center for the Management of Seminaries or its official representatives or with the official permission of the Supreme Council of Seminaries in Cities, students of religious sciences who enrolled in studies before reaching the eligibility age, or before their compeers are dispatched, may use the benefits of Article 31 of the Act during the course of their education. The Management Council or its representative will be responsible for the evaluation of their education level. ()

Note – For conscripts who obtained their high school diploma and completed either the Level Course or at least six years of the External Course shall be considered the same as conscripts who have bachelor's or doctorate degrees, respectively. In the event that they completed the aforementioned courses at the seminary without obtaining a high school diploma, they shall be considered the same as those eligible for associate and master's degrees. In all cases, students who achieve the degree of Ijtihad shall be considered the same as those who are eligible for doctorate degrees. ()

Article 33 (amended on 2011-11-13) () – For the issuance of educational exemption, students, including university students, and students of religious sciences must present a certificate of their ongoing education to the respective authorities. The exception is valid for a maximum of one year after the issuance of the certificate of completion of studies at any level of education. ()

Note 1 (annex 2011-11-13) – The maximum educational exemption for high school students is up to 20 years of age; it is two and a half years for associate degree students and three years for non-integrated bachelor's degree and non-integrated master's degree students; it is five years for integrated bachelor's degree students and six years for integrated master's degree students; it is eight years for students in the integrated doctor of medicine program and six years for those in a medical specialty certificate program.

…

Article 34 (amended on 2011-11-13) () – High school, university and religious science students who are conscripts, in the event that they drop out of school, are expelled, withdraw from education or take time off from their studies, must present themselves to fulfill their mandatory military service. The responsible authorities are obliged to send the list of names of such conscripts, including their full information, address and field of study, to the local organization without delay.

…

Note 2 (amended on 2011-11-13) () – Conscripts who study abroad with an educational exemption, in the event that they drop out of school, are expelled, withdraw from education or take time off from their studies, are required to present themselves and state their eligibility status with a representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran abroad within a maximum of one year.

…

Article 35 (amended on 2011-11-13) () – Conscripts with a high school diploma who are accepted at one of the universities and higher education institutions within the country or abroad that has been approved by the Ministries of Science and Health may use the educational exemption for a maximum of one year after graduation provided that they do not have unjustified absences and as long as they are engaged in education pursuant to Note (1) of Article (33). This exemption is granted only once for each stage.

Note 1 (annex 2011-11-13) – The educational exemption for withdrawing students may be extended only once during the course of their education.

Note 2 (annex 2011-11-13) – In order to continue their education for a master's degree or higher, duty staff without primary absence during their service shall be unconditionally discharged except during times of emergency and war.

Article 36 (amended on 2011-11-13) () – For conscripts with a master's degree or higher and those with degree equivalents in seminaries who are interested in studying abroad and qualify to continue education abroad based on the provisions of this Act and the regulations of Ministries of Science and Health, they may travel abroad for education if the universities and fields of study are approved by the above-mentioned ministries and if they deposit the necessary bonds in accordance with the provisions of this Act.

Article 37 (amended on 2011-11-13) () – For Iranians residing abroad, children of permanent officials of the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran who are residing abroad, those who are legally under their guardianship or legal custody (if while studying in Iranian schools situated abroad or educational institutions of foreign countries approved by the Board of Education and Training), and students of seminaries (approved by the Supreme Council of the Seminary), these individuals may be granted educational exemption when they reach the age of conscription. Up to one year of their continuing education (after graduating from the universities and higher education institutions abroad that are approved by the Ministries of Science or Health) shall be unimpeded. ()

…

Article 39 – Conscripts to public mandatory service are divided into four categories in terms of temperament, physical abilities and mental abilities as described below:

1. Those who are physically and mentally healthy and able to provide service.
2. Those who are not in perfect health due to a disability or illness, but are able to serve in non-combat matters.
3. Those who are temporarily unable to participate in the mandatory service period due to lack of growth or illness.
4. Conscripts who are permanently unable to participate in the mandatory service period due to physical or mental illness or disability.

Note 1 (amended on 2011-11-13) () – The classification of eligible conscripts, the method of their medical examination and the criteria for the medical exemption is based on their educational levels, which shall be determined pursuant to the regulations of medical examination and exemption of the conscripts from the public mandatory service. The Ministry of Defence, after obtaining the opinion of the Ministries of Interior and Health, will prepare the decision within six months, and it must be approved by the Council of Ministers after receiving approval from the General Staff. ()

…

Note 3 (annex 2011-11-13) – Those who are addicted to narcotic substances are subject to Paragraph (3) of this Article, shall be identified at the time of examination and shall thereafter be referred to the relevant authorities for addiction treatment for a maximum period of six months by public mandatory service units.

Note 4 (annex 2011-11-13) – The armed forces are obliged to identify the duty staff who are addicted to narcotic substances during their service, separate them from other conscripts and send them to independent and special units and to the relevant authorities for addiction treatment … . However, in all cases, the issuance of the Mandatory Military Service Card is subject to the presentation of an addiction recovery certificate.

Article 40 – The conscripts who are temporarily unable to fulfill the mandatory service period due to illness will be granted a temporary medical exemption for a period determined by the Medical Council, which, in all cases, will not exceed one year. The conscripts must undergo the same process if the illness continues for a second year. If they are not able to serve in the third year, they will be permanently exempted from the mandatory military service.

Note 1 – The conscripts who are medical doctors may be recognized as permanently exempted from the mandatory military service only if they are unable to work in the medical profession. The conscripts of mandatory military service who are medical doctors and able to practise medicine but are not in perfect health will be sent to the mandatory service and, based on the opinion of the medical councils, will be exempted from heavy-duty jobs.

Note 2 – During the time of war or general mobilization, individuals who were exempted from the mandatory military service due to medical reasons or guardianship during peacetime may be summoned to serve.

…

Article 42 – In the event that during the mandatory service period, the conscripts become afflicted with any disabilities or diseases for which the treatment would take more than six months, and if they are not able to fulfill the service based on the opinion of the Medical Council of the hospitals of the armed forces of the Islamic Republic (which is approved by the ideological and political views of the respective forces), they shall be exempted from the rest of their mandatory military service. ()

Note – The treatment period, which is the subject of this Article, of the conscripts is considered part of their mandatory service time.

…

Article 44 (amended on 2011-11-13) () – The following conscripts, or where the following cases apply, are exempted from participating in the mandatory military service:

1. The only male child who is a caregiver or caretaker for his father, who is in need of care and is unable to manage his own affairs;
2. The sole caregiver or caretaker of a mother without a husband;
3. The only brother who is the guardian of his sister without a father, husband or capable (of full age) male child;
4. The only brother who is the guardian of an elder brother who is unemployed and without a father, wife or capable (of full age) male child;
5. The sole guardian of a brother who is a minor [under the age of 18];
6. The only male grandson who is the caretaker or caretaker for his grandfather without children or his grandmother without a husband or children;
7. A conscript who did not remarry after his wife died and is the father of a minor from that marriage, or a conscript whose wife became disabled after marriage and requires care.
8. If one of the brothers is eligible to be sent to the Mandatory Military Service, one of the other brothers may postpone being dispatched until his brother completes his service;
9. The General Staff of the Armed Forces decides that one of the children from a family whose two brothers have already completed the Mandatory Military Service is to be exempted from the Mandatory Military Service;
10. One of the male children of a conscript who died during the mandatory service period, or one of the male children of a family whose other child died during mandatory military service.

Note 1 (amended on 2011-11-13) () – Sole caregiver refers to the only male child, brother or grandchild over the age of 18 who takes care of any of the relatives mentioned in this article due to disability, illness, old age, status as a minor or being female. The need of the mentioned persons for care due to their disability, illness or incapability is determined by the Medical Council.

…

Note 4 (annex 2011-11-13) – In the event that the brother(s) or the father of a conscript has restricted movement due to illness or disability and, according to the diagnosis of the Medical Council, is incompetent or incapable of guardianship, the conscript shall be in charge of care or guardianship and may be exempted under the guardianship category.

Article 44 repeated (annex 2011-11-13) – The exemption from the mandatory military service of male children of help seekers is as follows:

1. One of the male children of mothers without a husband covered by the Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation and the Welfare Organization is exempted from the mandatory military service.
2. Conscripts who have at least one disabled child are exempted from the mandatory military service.
3. The only son of a family with three or more female children is exempted from the mandatory military service.
4. Conscripts who marry women with physical-motor disabilities are temporarily exempted from the mandatory military service, and after five years of their continued marriage, the temporary exemption shall be changed to a permanent exemption.

Article 45 (amended on 2011-11-13) () – Those whose father, mother, child, brother or sister became or will become a martyr or veteran, is captured or is missing [with no proof of life] on the way to the fruition of the Islamic Revolution and its continuation, and if the status is approved by the relevant entities, are exempted from military service as follows:

1. All male children of the martyrs and missing persons [with no proof of life] are exempted from the mandatory military service.
2. For every martyr or freedman who spent at least 24 months in captivity, veteran who is at least 25 percent disabled or missing person [with no proof of life] who does not have a male child, one of their brothers is exempted from the mandatory military service.
3. For every 24 months of freedom [after being captured], veteran who is at least 25 percent disabled and 30 months of experience in the frontline, one of the children of the freedmen, veterans [with a disability] and combatants is exempted. These privileges may be accumulated to benefit from the provisions of this paragraph. If the exemption of those whose period of being a disabled veteran, period of presence in the frontline or period of freedom from captivity is not sufficient for the exemption of one of their children, it shall be calculated with the percentage of being disabled as a veteran, the period of presence in the frontline and the period of captivity.
4. All eligible veterans with at least ten percent (10%) of disability are exempted from the mandatory military service. ()
5. A legally adopted male child of a veteran [with a disability] who is not able to have a child according to the certificate of the Martyr's Foundation and Veterans Affairs is exempted from the mandatory military service.
6. Conscripts who marry female veterans who are twenty-five percent (25%) or more disabled, are temporarily exempted from the mandatory military service. After five years of their temporary exemption, if the marital status of the couple is unchanged, the temporary exemption shall be changed to permanent exemption. ()

Article 46 – …

Note – Permanent exemption will be granted to healthy and unhindered conscripts during peacetime who are the subjects of Paragraph 2 of Article 39 and to those who have a temporary and valid exemption for two years for every year that the conscripts met the needs of the armed forces of the Islamic Republic. (Iran 1984, parentheses and symbols in original)

The Adjunct Research Professor stated that, to be exempt from military service, gay and transgender people have to prove they are "'sick'" through medical examination by a military, forensic and family doctor (2022-11-07). According to 6Rang, the Iranian Lesbian and Transgender Network, which is dedicated "to rais[ing] awareness on sexual rights" (6Rang n.d.), the reason for exemption is stated on the "military exemption card," "identify[ing] gay men" to "law enforcement, judicial officials, education officials, and employers" (6Rang 2021-05-10).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Notes

[1] The Washington Institute of Near East Policy (TWI) is a think tank that seeks to "advance a[n] … understanding of American interests in the Middle East" and "promote the policies that secure them" (TWI n.d.).

[2] The Ceasefire Centre for Civilian Rights (Ceasefire) is a charity that seeks "to develop 'civilian-led monitoring' of violations of international humanitarian law or human rights, to pursue legal and political accountability for those responsible for such violations, and to develop the practice of civilian rights" (Ceasefire & MRG 2020-06-26, 2).

[3] The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is a UK-based think tank that has "helped to shape the strategic agenda for governments, businesses, the media and experts across the world" (IISS n.d.). According to the IISS, it earns its revenue from: "the sale of our databases and publications, host-nation support for conferences, corporate sponsorship, research work, consultancy, and donations from private individuals and foundations" (IISS n.d.).

[4] Golkar notes in the TWI report that ranks 16 to 20 are known as sardar pasdar in the IRGC and emir in the army (TWI 2019-02-25, 20).

References

6Rang. 2021-05-10. "Murder of a Young Ahwazi Gay Man After the Revelation of His Sexual Orientation Through a Military Exemption Card." [Accessed 2022-11-23]

6Rang. N.d. "About Us." [Accessed 2022-11-23]

Adjunct Research Professor, Carleton University. 2022-11-07. Interview with the Research Directorate.

Associate Fellow, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy (TWI). 2022-11-09. Correspondence with the Research Directorate.

Associate Professor, United States (US). 2022-11-08. Telephone interview with the Research Directorate.

Amnesty International. 2021-08-11. "Iran: Security Forces Use Ruthless Force, Mass Arrests and Torture to Crush Peaceful Protests." [Accessed 2022-10-31]

Australia. 2020-04-14. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). DFAT Country Information Report: Iran. [Accessed 2022-11-07]

Ceasefire Centre for Civilian Rights (Ceasefire) & Minority Rights Group International (MRG). 2020-06-26. Drewery Dyke. "In the Name of Security: Human Rights Violations Under Iran's National Security Laws." Edited by Robert Bain. [Accessed 20221027]

Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). 2019-05-06. "Iran's Revolutionary Guards." Backgrounder. [Accessed 2022-10-31]

Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). N.d. "About CFR." [Accessed 2022-10-31]

Golkar, Saied, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. 2022-10-28. Interview with the Research Directorate.

International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). 2022-02-14a. "Chapter Seven: Middle East and North Africa." Military in Balance 2022. Vol. 122, No. 1. [Accessed 2022-11-03]

International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). 2022-02-14b. "Explanatory Notes." Military in Balance 2022. Vol. 122, No. 1. [Accessed 2022-11-03]

International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). N.d. "About Us." [Accessed 2022-12-01]

Iran. 1987. قانون ارتش جمهوري إسلامي ايران (Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces Law). Excerpts translated by the Translation Bureau, Public Services and Procurement Canada. [Accessed 2022-11-01]

Iran. 1984. قانون خدمت وظيفه عمومي (Mandatory Military Service Law). Excerpts translated by the Translation Bureau, Public Services and Procurement Canada. [Accessed 2022-11-30]

Iran. 1982. The Constitution of the Revolutionary Guards. As reproduced on the Iran Social Science Data Portal. [Accessed 2022-10-31]

Iran. 1979 (amended 1989). The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran. As reproduced by Constitute. [Accessed 2022-10-27]

United Nations (UN). 2022-01-13. Human Rights Council. Situation of Human Rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran: Report of the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Javaid Rehman. (A/HRC/49/75). [Accessed 2022-11-01]

United States (US). 2022-11-09. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). "Iran." The World Factbook. [Accessed 2022-11-10]

United States (US). 2022-04-12. "Iran." Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2021. [Accessed 2022-05-24]

United States (US). 2021-07-29. Library of Congress. "Iran: Internal Politics and U.S. Policy and Options." Congressional Research Service. [Accessed 2022-10-26]

The Washington Institute for Near East Policy (TWI). 2019-02-25. Saeid Golkar. "The Supreme Leader and the Guard: Civil-Military Relations and the Survival of the Regime." [Accessed 2022-10-26]

The Washington Institute for Near East Policy (TWI). N.d. "About." [Accessed 2022-11-02]

Additional Sources Consulted

Oral sources: Abdorrahman Boroumand Center; Amnesty International; Center for Human Rights in Iran; Center for Strategic and International Studies – Middle East Program; doctoral researcher at an institute for Middle East studies in Germany whose research focuses on the security architecture in the Persian Gulf; European Bureau for Conscientious Objection; Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance; Gulf Centre for Human Rights; Independent Persian; International Crisis Group; International Fellowship of Reconciliation; Iran Human Rights Documentation Center; Iran Watch; Janes; Justice for Iran; Mediators Beyond Borders International; non-resident fellow at a US-based international think tank whose research focuses on foreign and security policy, in particular regarding Iran; professor in the UK who specializes in the Persian Gulf and in security and strategic studies of the Middle East; professor in the US whose research focuses on military politics and Arab armies, especially in the Gulf; professor in the US who specializes in Iran; RAND Corporation – National Security Research Division; Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty; research fellow at a UK-based think tank whose research focuses on regional security in the Gulf; senior analyst at a Paris-based research institute who studies the Middle East and North Africa; senior fellow at a think tank based in Washington, DC who has published on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps; The Washington Institute for Near East Policy – Military and Security Studies Program; Wilson Center.

Internet sites, including: Amnesty International; Associated Press; Atlantic Council – IranSource; Austrian Red Cross – ecoi.net; Center for Strategic and International Studies; EU – EU Agency for Asylum; Factiva; Fars News Agency; France – Office français de protection des réfugiés et apatrides; Human Rights Watch; The Intercept; Iran – Islamic Parliament Research Center, Office of the President, Office of the Supreme Leader, Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the UN; Iran Press; IranWire; Janes; Middle East Eye; Middle East Institute; Nuclear Threat Initiative; Reuters; Stockholm International Peace Research Institute; United Against Nuclear Iran; UK – Home Office; University of Texas at Austin – Strauss Center for International Security and Law; US – Defense Intelligence Agency, Office of Naval Intelligence.