Sacred Defense: Beyond History, A Foundation for Modern Deterrence
For the Iranian Armed Forces, Sacred Defense Week is not merely an opportunity to reminisce; it is a vital review of strategic doctrines that have proven their effectiveness in facing today’s diverse and complex threats. In their commemorative messages, high-ranking Army and defense officials honored the sacrifices of combatants while emphasizing a key point: the culture of resistance and the lessons learned from the eight-year Sacred Defense have evolved into a weapon for neutralizing enemy threats.
Commanders on Security: A Red Line That Will Not Be Crossed
Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, Commander of the Iranian Navy, addressed recent aggressions in his message, stating: “Once again, the great nation of Iran and its Armed Forces have demonstrated that the security of this land is a red line, and any aggressor will be met with a crushing and decisive response.” He added that the Iranian Armed Forces are fully prepared to defend the nation in any arena, noting: “The calculations of our wicked enemies have been fundamentally transformed by the will of the Iranian nation.”
In the same vein, Brigadier General Pilot Bahman Behmard, Commander of the Iranian Air Force, recalled the heroism of pilots and veterans, emphasizing that the spirit of resistance continues on the modern battlefield. He affirmed that the children of Iran continue to safeguard the country’s independence with the same faith and dedication.
Air Defense: The Ever-Vigilant Sentinel of the Skies
Brigadier General Alireza Elhami, Commander of the Khatam al-Anbia Air Defense Base, while honoring the martyrs of this sector, described the Sacred Defense as a “great school” for generations of the country’s defenders. He noted: “The invaluable experience of the Sacred Defense and the jihad of previous generations serve as a vital foundation for today’s air defense generation. Relying on indigenous knowledge and capabilities, they are powerfully pursuing the critical mission of protecting the skies of Islamic Iran.”
Lessons from Modern Warfare: The New Doctrine of Civil Defense
Brigadier General Gholamreza Jalali, Head of the National Civil Defense Organization, highlighted recent developments in modern warfare (referencing the 12-day and Ramadan wars) and stressed the ongoing relevance of Sacred Defense lessons. Stating that “the enemy remains the same, even if the tools and methods have changed,” he noted:
- Shifting Battlefields: The enemy’s threats have expanded from traditional military spaces into economic, cultural, media, and psychological domains.
- Modern Civil Defense: The primary mission of civil defense is now the “continuity of operations,” “resilience,” and “risk management” of critical infrastructure amidst crises.
Brigadier General Jalali asserted that modern deterrence is not solely dependent on offensive capability; rather, a resilient infrastructure, sustainable services, and an aware public are the key pillars in ensuring the enemy fails to achieve its objectives. In concluding their messages, the Armed Forces commanders emphasized their unwavering resolve to preserve the dignity and pride of a powerful Iran, while adhering to the directives of the Supreme Leader and Commander-in-Chief.