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Iran Boosts Missile Deterrence, Warns of Rapid Response Amid US Talks

Iran's top military commander states the country has strengthened its deterrence power through upgrades to its domestic ballistic missile systems. He announced a shift in military doctrine from defensive to offensive following a previous conflict with the US and Israel. The comments come amid renewed regional tensions and a US military buildup, with Iranian officials warning any attack would draw an immediate response. Diplomatic efforts are simultaneously underway, with Iranian and US representatives set to meet for nuclear talks in Oman.

Key Points: Iran Upgrades Missiles, Shifts to Offensive Doctrine

  • Missile upgrades boost deterrence
  • Doctrine shift from defensive to offensive
  • Warning of rapid response to US threats
  • Tensions high amid renewed nuclear talks
3 min read

Iran boosts missile deterrence, warns of rapid response amid US talks

Iran's military chief announces enhanced ballistic missile capabilities and a shift to an offensive posture, warning of a rapid response to any US attack.

"We think only of victory. We have no fear of the enemy's superficial might - Abdolrahim Mousavi"

Tehran, February 5

Iran's top military commander asserted that the country has bolstered its deterrence capabilities through upgrades to domestically produced ballistic missile systems.

Providing context to the remarks, Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported that on Wednesday, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Abdolrahim Mousavi made the comments during a visit to a missile facility operated by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), accompanied by IRGC Aerospace Force commander Brigadier General Majid Mousavi.

Describing the scope of the upgrades, Mousavi noted, "By upgrading its ballistic missiles in all technical dimensions, Iran has been able to strengthen its deterrence power," during the tour.

Building on this, he also highlighted Iran's readiness to confront any hostile move, adding, "Following the 12-day war, we have changed our military doctrine from defensive to offensive by adopting the policy of asymmetric warfare and [boosting readiness for a] crushing response to the enemies," according to Press TV.

These comments referred to last June's US-Israeli military action against Iran that resulted in at least 1,064 deaths. As reported by Press TV, Israel launched the attack on June 13 while Tehran was engaged in nuclear negotiations with Washington, with the United States later joining the offensive by striking Iranian nuclear facilities.

In retaliation, Iranian forces carried out strikes on strategic locations across the occupied territories and at Al-Udeid, the largest US military base in West Asia. Since then, Iran has accelerated efforts to strengthen both its defensive and offensive military capabilities, Press TV noted.

Against this backdrop, the region is again witnessing heightened tensions after the United States deployed additional air and naval assets and issued threats against the Islamic Republic. Iranian officials have warned that any American attack would draw an immediate response and could trigger a wider regional conflict.

At the same time, diplomatic activity has intensified in recent days, easing tensions slightly, with Iranian and US representatives now expected to meet in Oman on Friday for a fresh round of talks on Tehran's nuclear programme.

Returning to his inspection of the IRGC missile base, Mousavi reiterated that Iran has moved from a "defensive" posture to an "offensive" approach since the 12-day conflict and adopted a "strategy of asymmetric warfare" to ensure a stronger response to future aggression.

Earlier this week, he cautioned that any misjudgement by Iran's adversaries would provoke a "rapid" and "decisive" reaction.

Emphasising the readiness of Iran's armed forces, he added, "We think only of victory. We have no fear of the enemy's superficial might, and we are fully ready for confrontation and to deliver a retaliatory slap."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Reading about the shift to "asymmetric warfare" is concerning. It often means proxy conflicts that spill over borders. We've seen how tensions in the Gulf affect global oil prices and our economy in India. The world doesn't need another flashpoint. 🙏
R
Rohit P
From an Indian strategic perspective, there's a lesson here about indigenous defense production. Iran, despite sanctions, has developed its missile systems. We are on the right path with Atmanirbhar Bharat in defense, but the pace needs to match the threats we face.
S
Sarah B
The report mentions over a thousand deaths in last year's conflict. That's a staggering human cost that gets lost in the talk of military doctrine. Every escalation is a tragedy for ordinary families. Hope the talks in Oman focus on preventing such loss of life first and foremost.
V
Vikram M
The US-Iran dynamic is so volatile. As an Indian, I appreciate our government's careful diplomatic balancing act with both nations. Chabahar port is crucial for us, and we need a stable Iran. But their aggressive posturing makes it harder for friends like India to advocate for them on the global stage.
K
Karthik V
"Retaliatory slap" – strong words. While national pride is important, this kind of rhetoric often boxes leaders into corners. Confidence in defense is one thing, but public threats can undermine the very negotiations happening in Oman. A bit of restraint from all sides would be welcome.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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