Irans Military Strategy Under Scrutiny Amid Ongoing Global Tensions

Iran’s Military Strategy Shifted Following 12-Day War with Israel

Iran has revised its military strategy since the recent 12-day conflict with Israel, according to defence analysts. The country appeared determined to avenge the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior Iranian officials following the start of the US-Israeli assault on Saturday.

On Sunday, Iranian state media confirmed Khamenei’s death, prompting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to vow revenge. The IRGC launched what it called “the heaviest offensive operations in the history of the armed forces” against occupied lands and American terrorist bases. Iran’s army chief, Amir Hatami, also pledged to continue defending the country.

Iran’s military power is complex, with multiple parallel armies, intelligence services, and command structures that answer directly to the supreme leader. The IRGC controls Iran’s airspace and drone arsenal, which has become a key part of its deterrence strategy against attacks from Israel and the US.

Defence analysts say Iran’s revised strategy focuses on the Islamic Republic’s survival. “Iran’s military strategy is derived from its political structure,” said a military specialist who requested anonymity. “Their political aim is to safeguard their own territorial integrity and stop foreign intervention targeted at overthrowing their rule.”

Since the start of the conflict, Iran has launched retaliatory strikes against Israel and US military bases across the Gulf region, using Shahed drones and high-speed ballistic missiles. While some of these strikes have been intercepted, others have struck military assets and civilian infrastructure, resulting in casualties.

Iran fired 137 missiles and 209 drones across the UAE on Saturday, with fires and smoke reaching Dubai landmarks. At least nine people were killed and more than 20 injured in Iran’s missile strike on the Israeli town of Beit Shemesh on Sunday.

Source: Al Jazeera