High-ranking Iranian officials have made a series of high-profile statements shedding light on the strategic aspects of the country's defense capabilities and methods of countering external threats. According to Iran's Ministry of Defense spokesman, Brigadier General Reza Talaei-Nik, the key factor that disoriented Tehran's opponents was the large-scale relocation of strategic military assets and arsenals to secure underground infrastructure.
Underground infrastructure as an element of strategic deterrence
In recent years, the Iranian defense department has actively developed a network of underground facilities to house critical elements of its armed forces. As Talaei-Nik noted in his speech on September 26, 2026, this tactic deprived opponents of the ability to accurately assess the country's real potential and its weapons production capabilities. Despite statements by the US and its allies about inflicting serious damage on Iran's military potential, the presence of hidden underground bases allows Tehran to maintain its offensive capabilities and swiftly carry out retaliatory strikes.
Contradictory data
While Iran's military leadership emphasizes the strength of its defense and the failure of opponents to achieve strategic objectives, contradictions have emerged in the information space regarding the country's regional policy. Previously, the Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), Mohsen Rezaei, issued a sharp warning to regional states over US sanctions against Iranian aviation, hinting at harsh countermeasures. However, on September 26, the SNSC Secretariat and the UN Security Council issued clarifications, calling information about plans for military strikes against neighbors inaccurate and emphasizing the priority of diplomatic negotiations and non-military measures.
Technological conflict and economic confrontation
Assessing the current geopolitical situation, the defense ministry spokesman characterized modern conflicts as a multi-level confrontation spanning not only the battlefield but also economic, social, and media spheres. The intensity of firepower and the speed of operations in recent clashes have increased significantly compared to previous experience. Nevertheless, Tehran continues to insist on the need to further strengthen national resilience and develop domestic technologies to maintain long-term deterrence.