Iran signals shift to offensive military doctrine against US forces

Iranian military and political figures are increasingly articulating a shift in the country's military doctrine, moving from a purely defensive stance to one that includes preemptive and offensive actions against U.S. forces in the region. This change is highlighted by recent appointments of military commanders and public statements emphasizing a more assertive strategy.

Brigadier General Alireza Sheikh, deputy commander of the army, stated that Iran can respond proportionally and act pre-emptively, indicating a move towards deterrence and active engagement. Mehdi Mohammadi, an adviser to the parliament speaker, cited the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' attack on U.S. bases in Jordan as an example of this new strategy, which involves surprise attacks and targeting sensitive points, dismissing any notion of an informal ceasefire with the U.S.

Concurrently, conservative and ultraconservative groups within Iran are advocating for the weaponization of the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani suggested that passage through the strait should come with compensation from the U.S. and the release of frozen funds from Qatar. The pro-conservative Resalat daily echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that control over the Strait of Hormuz is a source of power that should be maintained.

Political analyst Majid Tafreshi drew parallels between the current political climate and the period before Iran accepted a UN resolution to end the Iran-Iraq War in 1988, criticizing factions that advocate for continued conflict. He also noted that Qassem Soleimani, the late commander of Iran’s Quds Force, believed in diplomacy alongside military action.

Meanwhile, ordinary Iranians are facing increasing economic hardship due to a U.S. naval blockade. Activities at Shahid Rajaee port have significantly decreased, and the daily Sazandegi predicted that the impact of the blockade would soon lead to shortages of essential goods, as overland transport is more costly and time-consuming than maritime shipping.