Alarming
Western Intelligence Detects Unusual Activity in Iran's IRGC Forces
As analysts note that claims of "unusual activity" have historically been used to signal or justify preemptive measures, monitoring continues, with satellite imagery and official statements potentially providing further clarity in the coming days.
Western intelligence agencies have observed highly coordinated and unusual movements across Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force, the branch responsible for the country's ballistic missiles, drones, and strategic air defenses, according to sources familiar with the assessments.The activity, detected on December 20, includes synchronized deployments of drone units, missile systems, and air-defense assets, along with abnormal command-and-control signals and logistical shifts that exceed typical routine operations or standard exercises.
Officials described the patterns as "beyond normal," prompting intensified monitoring.While some assessments suggest the movements could be linked to military drills, the scale and coordination have raised concerns amid ongoing regional tensions.
Iran has been actively rebuilding its missile stockpiles and capabilities following significant losses in the June 2025 Israel-Iran conflict, often referred to as the "Twelve-Day War."
The reports were first detailed by Iran International, a London-based opposition-linked outlet, and quickly echoed by Israeli media such as Israel National News and various open-source intelligence accounts on social media platforms.
Iranian officials have not issued any public statements on the reported activity. Tehran frequently conducts large-scale exercises involving missiles and drones as a show of deterrence, particularly in response to perceived threats from Israel and the United States.
This comes at a sensitive time, with Israeli officials reportedly preparing briefings for U.S. President Donald Trump on potential new strikes targeting Iran's expanding missile program. Concerns over Tehran's nuclear ambitions and proxy activities continue to fuel escalation risks in the region.
Western agencies are treating the situation with heightened vigilance, though no evidence of imminent offensive preparations has been publicly disclosed.