The Iranian military is actively reviewing new strategies to counteract the United States’s planned economic measures designed to collapse the government in Tehran, according to state media reports following announcements by US President Donald Trump of the “most crushing economic operation” against the country.
IRGC Strategy and Weapons Production Surge
“The only intelligent and effective solution to navigate difficult historical junctures and neutralise the enemy’s plots today and in the future,” Ahmad Vahdi, commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), warned on Friday.
Marking the National Day of Defence Industry, Ali Abdollahi, chief of staff of Iran’s armed forces, hailed a “deterrent defensive industrial revolution” in domestic weaponry. Rather than displaying new hardware publicly, authorities held back exhibits. Ministry of Defence spokesman Reza Talaei-Nik told state media that officials limited unveilings to surprise adversaries and protect military secrets.
Did you know? Despite extensive overground manufacturing damage, more than 9,300 companies across Iran are involved in producing weapons, shielding the sector from total destruction by US and Israeli strikes, according to Ministry of Defence figures.
Talaei-Nik claimed that in the 12 months following the 12-day war with Israel and the US in June 2025, Iran doubled its production of weapons and defensive equipment. Since the start of the current war on February 28, manufacturing of strategic items has more than tripled. Furthermore, Acting Defence Minister Majid Ebn-e Reza stated on Friday that armed forces achieved deeper penetration of enemy bases, greater strike accuracy, and more successful air defence interceptions compared to last year’s conflict.
Assessing Damage: White House Claims vs. Intelligence Intelligence
Following a truce that took hold on April 8 after nearly 40 days of intense bombing, the White House claimed that over 85 percent of Iran’s defence-industrial base was destroyed. This included the majority of ballistic missiles, mobile launchers, long-range drones, 150 warships, all submarines, and 97 percent of naval mines.
However, a confidential US intelligence assessment reported by media in May found that Iran retained approximately 75 percent of its mobile launchers and 70 percent of its pre-war missile inventory. Even after two additional weeks of July bombardment, the IRGC and Iranian army maintained missile and drone strikes against US bases and Strait of Hormuz shipping, albeit at a reduced tempo.
Asymmetric Tactics in the Strait of Hormuz
Iranian commanders noted that July US strikes signaled potential planning for ground operations in southern Iran, prompting readiness to counter such moves. Experts point out that Iran has sustained output through geographically dispersed underground bases safe from aerial bombs.
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Inexpensive explosive drones continue to consume costly US interceptors, expose radar positions, and disrupt energy sites. While the US and its allies increased discrete oil transfers in the Strait of Hormuz—which Donald Trump declared US territory—overall oil flows remain below pre-war levels due to ongoing fast boat, missile, and drone attacks. Meanwhile, sea traffic disruptions persist in the Red Sea as Yemen’s Houthis intermittently clash with Saudi interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Iran’s latest military strategy review?
The review follows US President Donald Trump’s announcement of unprecedented economic warfare and isolation aimed at collapsing the government in Tehran.
How much of Iran’s missile inventory survived the recent wars?
While the White House claimed most missiles were destroyed, a confidential US intelligence assessment in May indicated Iran retained about 70 percent of its pre-war missile inventory and 75 percent of mobile launchers.
Are there active diplomatic talks between the US and Iran?
No, Iran and the US are not engaged in meaningful dialogue, leaving no diplomatic resolution currently in sight.
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