The Iranian Revolutionary Guards, considered a terrorist organization by the US and its Western allies, may be one of the biggest beneficiaries of a potential deal between Washington and Tehran to end their war. The deal could unlock billions of dollars for Iran and reopen its economy to global investment.

IRGC’s Commercial Empire

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has built a sprawling commercial empire over the years, with interests in oil, construction, shipping, telecommunications, and ports. The elite force is poised to capture a significant chunk of any financial rewards that would accrue from sanctions relief, renewed oil exports, and foreign investment.

Four senior Iranian sources described how the IRGC is uniquely placed to benefit from the deal, given its central role in the Iranian economy. The IRGC’s engineering arm, Khatam al-Anbia, oversees hundreds of affiliated companies operating across major infrastructure and energy projects, and has involvement in telecommunications, car making, tourism, and logistics.

Obstacles to a Deal

The IRGC’s terrorism designation could significantly complicate efforts to free the economy from sanctions. The US Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, passed in 2016, allows victims of terrorist attacks to sue US companies for aiding groups accused of terrorism, such as the IRGC.

Western firms returning to Iran’s market could find themselves operating alongside, or through, entities linked to the IRGC, even without direct engagement, at the risk of falling foul of any continued sanctions tied specifically to the Guards.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.