Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS)

These sources provide a comprehensive history and analysis of Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS), tracing its origins from the pre-revolutionary era to its contemporary operations in August 2025. The text examines the MOIS as a critical instrument of domestic control, responsible for suppressing dissent and minorities, and as a key enabler of Iranian foreign policy, including espionage, covert actions, and state-sponsored terrorism globally. Furthermore, it explores the complex power dynamics within the Islamic Republic, particularly the MOIS's evolving, often rivalrous, but strategically cooperative relationship with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its ultimate allegiance to the Supreme Leader. The sources highlight the MOIS's adaptation to various challenges, from reformist governments and internal scandals like the "Chain Murders" to recent cyber warfare, the use of criminal proxies for assassinations, and escalating conflicts with adversaries like Israel. Ultimately, the text portrays the MOIS as an indispensable, adaptable, and ruthless entity crucial for the survival and projection of the Islamic Republic's power, facing ongoing geopolitical crises and domestic unrest.

Research done with the help of artificial intelligence, and presented by two AI-generated hosts.