Iran shifts military doctrine to offensive posture, including preemptive strikes

Iran is transitioning its military doctrine from defensive to offensive, including the possibility of preemptive strikes. Yahya Rahim Safavi, military advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader, stated that Iranian armed forces must prepare to respond with preemptive strikes to future threats rather than waiting for attacks. He said the military response should be "preemptive, powerful, and calculated" to deter rivals from carrying out attacks. Safavi noted recent conflicts with the U.S. and Israel demonstrate the need to prepare forces for both asymmetric and large-scale warfare. His remarks follow statements by Iran's military spokesperson indicating the shift from defensive to offensive approach.