Strategic Lessons from Israel's Invasion of Iran: Changing the Nature of War

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Associate Professor, Faculty of International Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Recognizing the nature of the war we are involved in—or the one that lies ahead—is the most crucial and fundamental factor for preparation, entry into war, success in war, and even for analyzing it. This article, using a qualitative analytical method and utilizing sources and works published in think tanks, attempts to analyze the 12-day Israeli attack on Iran in 1404 while presenting a conceptual discussion.In conceptual discussions, Clausewitz's discussions have been attempted to be examined and used.In the section on the nature of the war, the radical changes that have occurred in this war in the light of the two recent revolutions in military affairs are examined, and at the beginning of the war operations and Israel's plans for the invasion of Iran are stated.

The course of the war's development and outcome are analyzed in the next section. Given that Iran is currently in a very fragile stage of the ceasefire and the importance of Israel and its supporters and allies has not been realized. One of the most important results of this war for Iran is relying on the people for resilience and methods for consolidating economic, social, and military resilience. Finally, based on the lessons mentioned, practical suggestions are provided.

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References

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Defense Policy
Volume 34, Issue 132 - Serial Number 3
autumn 2025
January 2026
Pages 57-76

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History

  • Receive Date: 26 August 2025
  • Revise Date: 13 September 2025
  • Accept Date: 13 September 2025

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