The Iranian military machine has been at the heart of the geopolitical tension in recent years. From its internal structure and ideological orientation to external businesses and the ongoing confrontation with its army is a complex and often misunderstood mechanism.
The following Explainer attempts to clarify critical data through 12 basic questions and answers.
1. Who has the highest administration of the Iranian Armed Forces?
The Supreme Administration of the Iranian Armed Forces belongs to the Supreme Leader, who controls the country’s military and political strategy. This role gives him absolute power in making decisions on defense and business.
2. What is the role of the President and the Minister of Defense?
The President and the Minister of Defense are not directly involved in the chain of the Armed Forces administration, which belongs exclusively to the Supreme Leader (Ayatollah). Their influence is limited to political and advisory functions through the Supreme National Security Council.
3. What are the basic bodies of Iranian Armed Forces?
Iranian Armed Forces are divided into three basic bodies:
- (IRGC), with an ideological and military role, which controls the rocket arsenal and the special forces.
- The regular army (ARTESH), which is the conventional army.
- Police administration (LEC), which includes police and internal security forces.
4. How is the Supreme Military Administration organized?
There are two basic staffs:
- The General Staff of the Armed Forces (AFGS), which provides strategic guidance.
- The Khatam Ol Anbia headquarters, which coordinates joint ventures and war planning.
5. What is the Shipment and Services of the Regular Army (Artsh)?
THE arts It has a mission to defense against external threats and maintaining territorial integrity. Consists of:
- Land forces
- Navy
- Aviation
- Air defense
Its equipment is mainly old because of sanctions, which limits its operational capacity.
6. What is the role and composition of IRGC?
The IRGC operates alongside the regular army and has an influence on military, political and economic level. It manages the rocket arsenal, drones and external businesses through the QuDs force. Includes:
- Land forces
- Navy
- Aerospace
- Quds force
- The Basij Paramilitary Organization and Information Services
7. How does Iran treat threats according to its military doctrine?
Iranian doctrine distinguishes:
‘External’ threats: direct military attacks
‘Hard’ threats: internal security, cyberattacks, demonstrations
‘Mild’ threats: cultural and social influences from the West
The Armed Forces are organized to deal with all these types of threats.
8. What is the state of Iranian military equipment?
Artesh equipment is old and limited due to sanctions. In contrast, IRGC has significantly developed its arsenal in ballistic missiles and drones, with the largest reserve in the Middle East. Air defense is mainly based on Russian S-300 systems, affected by Israeli attacks.
9. How has Iran’s military leadership affected by recent clashes?
In recent clashes with Israel, many top IRGC and General Staff officials have been killed. These losses have caused gaps in the hierarchy and increase the risk of strategic errors.
10. What are the main military targets of Israeli attacks in Iran?
Israel is targeting:
- Nuclear facilities
- Military bases
- Infrastructure
- Ammunition warehouses
- Political-military infrastructure
One of the main goals is the neutralization of Iran’s military leadership to destabilize the regime.
11. What is the role of the Basij paramilitary organization?
Basij belongs to IRGC and is mainly active in internal security, demonstrations, propaganda and political defense. It has recently been reinforced nationwide to strengthen the regime.
12. How do international sanctions and conflicts affect the future of Iranian Armed Forces?
International sanctions prevent the renewal of equipment and the introduction of modern technology, while conflicts – especially with Israel – have damaged leadership and military infrastructure. Iran is forced to be based on internal productions and asymmetric warfare to maintain its deterrent power.
