Iran Changes Its Military Strategy, Shifting From Resistance and Retaliation to a Directly Offensive Military Doctrine
Tehran, Iran | November 9, 2026 | The Global Journal
Iran is making a major shift in its military strategy. After years of maintaining a defensive posture focused on resistance and retaliatory responses to enemy attacks, Tehran is now moving toward adopting a directly offensive military doctrine. Iranian Army spokesperson Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia has announced.
According to a report published Monday (November 9) by Qatar-based broadcaster Al Jazeera, citing Iran's state broadcaster IRIB, the country's military leadership is preparing to implement this strategic shift.
Akraminia said Iran's armed forces are now moving toward an offensive military policy. To achieve this objective, the country needs to acquire appropriate weapons and make changes to its conventional methods of conducting warfare.
He explained that Iran's previous military posture was primarily defensive, with military operations largely limited to resistance measures and retaliatory responses against enemy attacks. However, recent directives issued by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei are now serving as the foundation for the armed forces' new military planning and operations.
According to Akraminia, these directives include taking urgent action in military operations, improving operational effectiveness, and developing the capability to conduct military operations without geographical limitations. In line with these instructions, Iran's armed forces are working to restructure their combat readiness and operational capabilities.
Meanwhile, commenting on the outcome of the recent U.S. midterm elections, the Iranian Army spokesperson said the results could somewhat reduce the possibility of a renewed outbreak of war. However, he stressed that Iran's military preparedness is not dependent on changing international or political circumstances.
He further stated that efforts to strengthen the country's military and defensive capabilities are continuing independently and without interruption to address any potential situation.
Akraminia's remarks suggest that Iran does not intend to limit its efforts to strengthening existing defensive systems. Instead, through changes in military capabilities, weapons acquisition, and operational doctrine, Tehran is seeking to develop broader offensive military capabilities. However, he did not provide specific details about how the new military doctrine would be implemented, the scope of potential operations, or possible targets.
Against the backdrop of ongoing military tensions in the Middle East and the confrontation between the United States and Iran, Tehran's latest military position could add a new dimension to the regional security situation.
