WANA (Aug 17) – Brigadier General Yadollah Javani, Deputy Political Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said Iran’s actions have so far been defensive in nature, but could take on an offensive character depending on circumstances.

 

Speaking on a special news program on August 16, Javani said the recent appointments of senior military commanders reflect the current security environment and represent an effort to reorganize, modernize and strengthen Iran’s defense doctrine.

 

Javani described the newly appointed commanders as experienced figures within Iran’s armed forces, many of whom served during the Iran-Iraq War and have held senior positions in recent years.

 

Warning of “Strategic Surprises”

Referring to the emphasis on “maximum deterrence” in the decree appointing General Ahmad Vahidi, Javani said the armed forces’ new approach is to ensure that defensive measures can, when necessary, take on an offensive character.

 

He stressed that Iran has never been the party that initiated war, but said that while the country is engaged in a conflict, its armed forces must respond to threats and protect national security according to the circumstances.

 

Javani said the enemy should understand from the new appointments that Iran’s armed forces are adopting a more transformative approach and will take whatever measures are necessary, at the appropriate time, to defend the country and neutralize threats.

 

He also warned that the enemy should not assume it can catch Iran off guard through surprise attacks. Instead, he said, it may have to prepare for “strategic surprises” of its own.

 

Javani’s Account of the War and the Role of the US

The IRGC official said Iran’s military measures have been aimed at maintaining deterrence and preventing the outbreak of war. However, he said the enemy began the war on June 13, 2025, as a result of what he described as a miscalculation, and failed to achieve its objectives.

 

Javani also referred to Israel’s involvement in the 12-day war, saying its participation should not simply be interpreted as that of a proxy force acting on behalf of the United States, Europe or the West.

 

At the same time, he argued that Israel entered the conflict with US backing and said American support played a decisive role in Israel’s involvement in the war.

 

Javani reiterated that the enemy initiated the conflict and that Iran’s response has therefore been defensive in nature, while stressing that under certain circumstances, those defensive measures could also take on an offensive character.