The present Islamic Republic of Iran (جمهوری اسلامی ایران) can trace its heritage back to the Elamite Kingdom of 2800 BC, and the subsequent Achaemenid, Hellenic Seleucid, Parthian and Sassanid Empires. A constitutional monarchy was established in 1906, but toppled during the Iranian Revolution of 1979. The Armed Forces of Iran consist of two distinct and separate forces: the conventional Armed Forces (including the Army, Navy, Air Force and Air Defense Force) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The latter includes branches equivalent to those of the conventional forces, plus Quds Force (special operations) and the Basij paramilitary volunteer force. The Iranian Police Force are primarily charged with domestic law enforcement, but also have special operations and emergency services elements. The government of Iran has been a frequent supporter of revolutionary insurgent movements around the world, most notably Hezbollah (حزب الله or "party of God), which has been historically active in both Lebanon and Palestine.
