Iran: A Strategic End State and Integrated Pressure Campaign

By Jack H. Pryor– Colonel, Infantry U.S. Army | May 19, 2026

Why a negotiated settlement is no longer viable, and why removing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps remains the only path to a stable Middle East

What is the path forward regarding Iran? Eliminate the IRGC from power. The following article details a plan on not only how we achieve that, but why it is ultimately necessary.

1. Purpose

To define the required strategic end state in Iran and outline a coordinated approach to achieving it through sustained pressure across political, economic, and security domains.

2. Strategic Assessment

There is no viable negotiated settlement under current conditions. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) remains the central obstacle to any durable resolution.

If left in power, the IRGC will:

Rebuild its nuclear capabilities

Incorporate lessons learned from current conflict dynamics

Continue destabilizing regional activities

Any agreement that preserves IRGC authority is therefore inherently temporary and strategically insufficient.

3. Desired End State

Removal of the IRGC from positions of power

Establishment of a legitimate post-IRGC Iranian government (monarchical or democratic)

IRGC elements placed under the authority of a new Iranian state

Anything short of this outcome risks long-term failure and renewed conflict.

4. Strategic Approach

A. Sustained Pressure Campaign

Negotiations have reached diminishing returns. Pressure must be intensified through:

Economic leverage, particularly in energy sectors

Continued disruption of the regime’s ability to project influence

Maintenance of escalation dominance without unnecessary expansion

B. Maritime Security and Stability

Ensure freedom of navigation and secure commercial shipping

Maintain persistent naval presence using appropriate force allocation

Prioritize sustainability and risk-balanced deployment of assets

C. Regional Integration

Full participation from Gulf partners is essential, including:

Saudi Arabia

Qatar

Bahrain

United Arab Emirates

Their involvement strengthens legitimacy, signaling, and collective resolve.

D. Strategic Coordination

Maintain close alignment with Israel

Leverage intelligence-sharing and operational synchronization

Focus on sustained degradation of IRGC capabilities and cohesion

E. Internal Dynamics in Iran

Expand support to resistance elements consistent with legal authorities

Communicate clearly with Iran’s conventional military:

Participation in a post-IRGC future depends on present decisions

F. Infrastructure and Civil Considerations

Preserve critical civilian infrastructure wherever feasible

Maintain leverage over key economic nodes without unnecessary long-term damage

Balance pressure with post-conflict recovery considerations

G. Information and Regional Perception

Demonstrate visible Arab-world support

Reinforce legitimacy through coalition participation

Monitor and counter Iranian influence in neighboring states, particularly Iraq

5. Timeframe

A sustained, multi-domain campaign over the near term (weeks to months) is required to achieve meaningful effects and shape conditions for transition.

6. Conclusion

The removal of the IRGC from power is the central requirement for any lasting resolution. Without it, the outcome will be temporary, unstable, and strategically unfavorable. With sustained, coordinated pressure and a clearly defined end state, a post-IRGC Iran becomes achievable.