Iranian press review: Tehran says it will no longer wait to be attacked

What Happened

On 13 August 2026, Iranian military commanders and politicians said Iran has shifted its military doctrine from defensive to offensive against US forces in the Middle East. The shift followed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei's appointment of six military commanders to replace those killed by Israel and the US during the recent war, according to the Iranian press review. On Wednesday, Brigadier General Alireza Sheikh, deputy commander of the Iranian army, told media that the new approach targets US forces and pointed to recent attacks on bases of Kurdish opposition groups as an example of this strategy.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

Iran's public articulation of an offensive doctrine against US forces signals a potential escalation in US-Iran military interactions, particularly in Iraq, Syria, and the wider Middle East. The appointment of six commanders after losses attributed to Israel and the US suggests leadership consolidation under Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and could presage more direct or proxy attacks.

Watch For

Monitor forthcoming statements or operations by the IRGC and Artesh indicating whether the offensive doctrine is implemented beyond attacks on Kurdish opposition groups, particularly any direct strikes on US bases in Iraq or Syria. Watch for US military or diplomatic responses, as well as further command appointments by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.