Iran’s Asymmetric Naval Warfare by Fariborz Haghshenass

The Washington Institute for Near East Policy has just published a new title: Iran’s Asymmetric Naval Warfare by Fariborz Haghshenass. It is downloadable here. Stated summary is as follows:

As nuclear negotiations between Iran and the international community enter a more dangerous and uncertain phase, further tensions and confrontations are likely on an often-overlooked front: the vital shipping lanes of the Persian Gulf. Given its natural geographic advantages and deliberate military development, the Islamic Republic effectively holds the Strait of Hormuz -- the world's oil lifeline -- at risk. And despite its overall defensive posture in these waters, Iran could take preemptive action in response to a perceived threat of imminent attack.

In this new Washington Institute Policy Focus, Iranian military expert Fariborz Haghshenass outlines what form such action might take given Tehran's efforts to greatly expand the role and capabilities of its unconventional naval forces. In the two decades since the Iran-Iraq War, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Navy has been transformed into a highly motivated, well-equipped, and well-financed force, capable of executing its unique doctrine of asymmetric naval warfare against larger naval forces and key regional energy assets alike. Understanding the nature, scope, and likelihood of this threat is a critical facet of both the nuclear issue and Iran's wider regional ambitions.

Another fine study of the IRGCN by Mr. Haghshenass. This new work is a must read. It contains a military geography of Iran’s Military Zones, a historical background, factors influencing Iran’s approach to asymmetric naval warfare, Iranian capabilities and intentions, conflict scenarios and a conclusion. There is even a listing of IRGCN and IRGC military ranks in an appendix.