Iran's Intelligence Apparatus from Past to Present: Institutional Process and Political Handicaps

The Iranian intelligence apparatus acquired an institutional structure in the modern period, particularly under the rule of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. It was associated with the renowned SAVAK and underwent substantial transformations following the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Notwithstanding the initial reservations of certain revolutionary leaders, notably Ruhollah Khomeini, it re-emerged as a formidable ministry in 1984. Since the 2000s, with the reinforcement of the IRGC within the country and its growing importance in all strategic sectors, from energy to communication, parallel structures have begun to emerge in the field of intelligence. This situation stems from the internal power struggle and represents a significant source of vulnerability and potential leaks, as later acknowledged by former intelligence directors. This article will provide a concise overview of the historical milestones of the Iranian intelligence apparatus up until 1979, followed by an examination of the debates that took place during the post-revolutionary restructuring of the security bureaucracy. In this context, the structure and activities of the Ministry of Intelligence will be compared with those of similar institutions in other countries. Finally, the issues that have arisen as a result of the competition between the intelligence agencies of the IRGC and other intelligence organizations will be discussed.