Irans Military Strategy Against Imposed War Effort

Iran’s Strategy in Conflict: A Focus on Regional and Global Costs

Iran’s approach to major conflicts is often characterized as “imposed wars,” which are perceived as being forced upon the country by external powers rather than chosen by Tehran. According to Iranian leaders, three recent conflicts fit this description: the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), the Twelve-Day War launched by Israel in June 2025, and the current war that began on February 28, 2026.

A key feature of Iran’s strategic outlook is its historical preference for avoiding direct military confrontation due to its high political and economic costs. This pattern reflects a deeper tendency within the leadership to avoid situations that take them by surprise or for which they feel unprepared. For example, Iran’s response to the Arab Spring was marked by confusion, as the uprisings caught the leadership off guard.

In recent years, Iran has sought to manage confrontation through diplomacy rather than direct military conflict. This approach was evident in its negotiations with Western powers, including the European Union and the P5+1 group. However, the situation changed dramatically when the US withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in May 2018.

The assassination of Qassem Soleimani in January 2020 marked a significant escalation in tensions between Washington and Tehran. The strike was accompanied by an intensified economic campaign against Iran, which deepened the country’s domestic instability and prompted protests. Iranian leaders believe that the US and Israel were preparing the ground for military confrontation with them.

In response to the attacks on Israel on October 7, Israeli leaders argued that Iran’s support for Hamas made it indirectly responsible and therefore accountable. This led to a shift in Iran’s perception as a primary strategic target for Israel. The country has since taken steps to strengthen its regional allies, including Hezbollah, in an effort to counter this perceived threat.

Iran’s current strategy is focused on ensuring that any attempt to overthrow the regime carries prohibitive regional and global costs. By avoiding direct military confrontation, Tehran aims to maintain its position as a major power in the region while minimizing the risks associated with conflict.

Source: Al Jazeera