Iran's Strategic Doctrine
Asymmetric Deterrence and the "Forward Defence" Strategy
Iran's military doctrine is built around asymmetric deterrence — using proxy forces, naval mines, missile strikes, and selective maritime disruption to impose costs on adversaries that outmatch Iran in conventional military power. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), particularly its Navy, controls Iranian operations in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz.
- IRGC established: 1979 (post-revolution); operates parallel to the regular Iranian Army (Artesh)
- IRGC-Navy: Responsible for Persian Gulf operations; operates fast attack craft, mini-submarines, anti-ship missiles, and mines
- Iran's missile arsenal: Shahab series (ballistic missiles), Fateh series (short-range ballistic), and Soumar (cruise missile) — capable of reaching Saudi, UAE, Qatar, and Israeli targets
- "Axis of Resistance": Iran-backed proxy network including Hezbollah (Lebanon), Hamas (Gaza), Houthi forces (Yemen), and various Iraq-based militias — provides Iran with "forward defence" leverage beyond its borders
- Iran's selective Strait closure policy: Allowing China and India-flagged vessels while blocking Western-aligned ships reflects Iran's strategic interest in maintaining economic relationships with Asian powers
● Tracked since March 19, 2026 · last seen April 01, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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