‘From defence to offence’: Iran warns of pre-emptive strikes as Trump ramps up threats

Iran is shifting its military strategy from a defensive to an offensive stance, potentially including pre-emptive strikes against perceived threats, according to an Iranian Army spokesman. Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia stated that this change was a result of lessons learned from recent conflicts. The Iranian military has been modifying its doctrine due to the lessons from two recent wars, moving away from a purely defensive strategy and preparing for broader and quicker retaliation.

Akraminia stressed that an offensive doctrine does not automatically imply Iran would initiate attacks. However, he provided an example of a pre-emptive Iranian strike on a US base in Jordan, which caused significant damage to American equipment, facilities, and personnel before the US entered the conflict. He also noted that the military had utilized the current lull in hostilities to repair systems damaged during the fighting, introduce new equipment, and revise training based on battlefield experience.

Furthermore, the military command structure has been reorganized, with the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters merged with the Armed Forces General Staff. This change aims to create a more unified chain of command, expedite decision-making, and enable faster responses in current wartime conditions. Additionally, Tehran considers the Strait of Hormuz a strategic geopolitical tool that it may leverage to advance its foreign-policy objectives.

As US President Donald Trump intensifies his pressure on Tehran, warning of unprecedented sanctions and asserting Washington's control over the region surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has responded with a stern warning of a "crushing, punishing, and devastating" retaliation. Major General Ali Abdollahi, the Iranian Armed Forces chief of staff, emphasized that Iranian forces are prepared across multiple domains, including land, sea, air, air defense, and cyberspace.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian claimed that the world has acknowledged Iran's victory in the war and advocated for its cessation.