Iran’s Rising Missile Power Deters Israel from Waging War
In the realm of military history, the “12-Day War with the Israeli regime” stands as a significant event, showcasing Iran’s strategic capabilities and resilience. Recently, we had the opportunity to engage with Brigadier General Ali-Mohammad Naeini, the spokesman and deputy for public relations of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). In this enlightening interview, he shared insights into the conflict, which was not just a military clash but a crucial test of Iran’s national power.
This interview sheds light on the early moments of the conflict, the loss of esteemed military commanders, and the subsequent rapid restoration of command. General Naeini emphasized the remarkable preparedness that allowed Iran to respond fiercely to aggression, attributing this readiness to years of strategic planning and military exercises.
Understanding the 12-Day War
According to General Naeini, “The 12-Day War was a full-scale technological, missile-based, and aerial war.” This conflict differed fundamentally from the eight-year Iran-Iraq War, which was characterized primarily as a ground conflict focused on territorial gains. The key points of distinction include:
- Nature of Warfare: The 12-Day War was a hybrid confrontation involving advanced technology, missiles, and aerial operations.
- Strategic Focus: Unlike previous wars that measured success through physical destruction and casualties, this conflict aimed to impose will and reshape the power dynamics on the battlefield.
- Asymmetric Warfare: The inclusion of cyber operations, media warfare, and cognitive warfare were decisive elements in this modern conflict.
General Naeini highlighted that the true victory in the 12-Day War lay not in capturing land but in forcing the enemy into a state of desperation. This shift in the nature of warfare reflects evolving strategies in asymmetric conflicts.
Rapid Response to Aggression
When discussing Iran’s quick and decisive reaction following the initial Israeli attack, General Naeini noted that the military had anticipated the inevitability of war since February of the previous year. This preparation involved:
- Military Exercises: Continuous drills aimed at enhancing deterrence and combat readiness.
- Command Oversight: Senior commanders, including martyrs Bagheri, Rashid, and Salami, regularly evaluated readiness in various aspects.
- Swift Mobilization: After the enemy’s surprise attack, command structures were restored, and forces were mobilized within an hour.
For instance, the Aerospace operational units, despite facing delays, executed a historic missile operation, demonstrating the effectiveness of years of preparation and strategic foresight.
Comparative Analysis of the Wars
General Naeini provided a comparative perspective on the 12-Day War and the Iran-Iraq War:
- Similarity: Both conflicts were perceived as part of a “US project” aimed at undermining Iran’s sovereignty and targeting key power structures.
- Difference: The Iran-Iraq War was predominantly a ground conflict, while the 12-Day War was characterized by aerial and missile engagements with a clear understanding of the threat landscape.
He emphasized that the most critical lesson learned from the Iran-Iraq War was the importance of accurate threat assessment, recognizing that future threats would likely come from extra-regional powers, mainly the US and Israel.
Current Military Readiness and Future Threats
When asked about the potential for escalating tensions in the region, General Naeini expressed confidence in Iran’s military capabilities. Key points regarding readiness include:
- Continuous Strength Building: The armed forces are consistently enhancing their capabilities and innovating tactics.
- Focus on Readiness: Every military branch is dedicated to developing innovative responses, surpassing those demonstrated during the 12-Day War.
- Psychological Warfare: He asserted that the enemy’s claims of imminent war are more psychological than based on actual battlefield conditions.
General Naeini concluded by stating that should the enemy make another critical mistake, they would encounter a significantly more decisive and regret-inducing response, emphasizing that Iran is prepared for even more complex warfare scenarios.
This interview not only highlights the tactical evolution of Iran’s military strategy but also underlines the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of external threats. The insights shared by Brigadier General Naeini provide a deeper understanding of the 12-Day War and its implications for Iran’s future military posture.
