What is Iran's military strategy? How has it changed since June 2025 war?

"After Khamenei's death was confirmed by Iranian state media on Sunday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) vowed revenge and launched what it called the heaviest offensive operations in the history of the armed forces of the Islamic Republic against occupied lands [a reference to Israel] and the bases of American terrorists."

"Last June, during Iran's 12-day war with Israel, Tehran launched a wave of ballistic missiles targeting Israel and the Al Udeid airbase in Qatar, which hosts US troops. Most of these missiles were intercepted and destroyed, and the strike on Al Udeid was pre-warned and largely seen as a face-saving exercise."

"This year, defence analysts say Iran has revised its military strategy to a more aggressive one focused on the Islamic Republic's survival. Iran's military power is often described as opaque and complex. The nation operates parallel armies, multiple intelligence services and layered command structures, all of which answer directly to the supreme leader."

Following Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death, Iran escalated military operations against Israel and US forces across the Gulf region. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps vowed the heaviest offensive operations in Iranian military history, while the army chief pledged continued defense. Unlike June's 12-day conflict when most Iranian missiles were intercepted and strikes appeared largely symbolic, defense analysts indicate Iran has now adopted a more aggressive military strategy centered on national survival. Iran's military structure comprises parallel forces including the regular Artesh army handling territorial defense and conventional warfare, and the IRGC with broader protective roles, all answering to the supreme leader as commander in chief.

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