Iran Upgrades Missiles, Shifts to Offensive Doctrine

Iran's top military commander announced on Wednesday that the country has upgraded its ballistic missile arsenal and formally adopted a more offensive military doctrine, signaling a strategic shift amid heightened tensions with the United States.

Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, chief of staff of Iran's armed forces, made the declaration during a visit to an underground facility of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' aerospace division. He stated that enhancements to the missiles across all technical aspects have bolstered Iran's deterrent capabilities. "We have changed our military doctrine from defensive to offensive by adopting the policy of asymmetric warfare and a crushing response to the enemies," Mousavi said, linking the pivot directly to the 12-day conflict in June 2025, when U.S. and Israeli forces targeted Iranian nuclear sites.

The announcement coincides with a significant U.S. military buildup in the Middle East. In recent weeks, Washington has deployed the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group and additional air defense systems to the region. U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of potential action against Tehran if it fails to reach a nuclear deal....