Ali Saeedi added that the IRGC nonetheless plays a significant role in cracking down on protests.
“Usually armed forces are formed to protect the independence and territorial integrity of a country. But the IRGC has the special duty of supporting the revolution and its achievements,” he said.
“In recent years, especially during the 2009 sedition, the IRGC carried out the smartest and most active and up-to-date activities.”
He called the protest movement a “bitter reality,” and said the 2009 uprisings will not be the last of the protest movements against the regime.