Title: Outthink, Not Outfight: Iran’s Doctrine of Pre-Conflict Intelligence
Tehran – A senior commander of Iran’s Islamic Republic Army has articulated a core principle of the nation’s modern defense strategy, emphasizing that victory in contemporary conflicts is secured not by brute force alone, but by superior intelligence and foresight.
The Modern Battlefield: A Multi-Dimensional Arena
Brigadier General Karim Cheshk, Deputy Commander of Operations for the Army Ground Force, made these remarks during an inspection of the 25th Rapid Reaction Brigade of the Army Ground Force (NEZAJA). He underscored the complexity of modern warfare, stating, “In new wars, the victorious force is the one that has thoroughly monitored and understood its adversary before any engagement occurs.”
General Cheshk elaborated that the enemy is no longer confined to traditional fronts. “Today, the enemy has arrayed its forces in the domains of media, economy, and public opinion,” he stated. He highlighted that adversaries of the Islamic Republic are actively operating across all spheres with significant investment to achieve their objectives.
Intelligence: The Guiding Light of Power
Drawing a vivid analogy, the General asserted, “A commando without intelligence is a sword in the darkness.” He defined true military power not merely by physical strength, but through “vigilance, continuous intelligence monitoring, and relentless training.”
He further stressed that this comprehensive readiness is a sacred duty. “The sacred mission of safeguarding the Revolution requires knowledge, faith, and ceaseless practice,” General Cheshk said, noting that commandos must be prepared for action in any environment, from mountains and deserts to the arenas of cognitive and media warfare.
A Mandate for Readiness and Deterrence
The commander confirmed that enhancing combat readiness across all dimensions is a key directive from the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution to the Army Ground Force. He pointed to the mission-oriented deployment and stationing of all army units across the Islamic Republic of Iran as a key advantage of modern rapid reaction brigades.
In a concluding statement on national defense capabilities, Brigadier General Cheshk pointed to the 12-day conflict with the Zionist regime as a clear demonstration of the Iranian armed forces’ formidable deterrence and defensive power. “Today, the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran are a source of pride for the Islamic world,” he declared, adding that their resilience and honor were clearly manifested during that period.