Iran’s long-term war planning complicates US military objectives

Retired Indian Army officer and former defense intelligence head Lt General KJS Dhillon stated that Iran’s four decades of war preparation have made it difficult for adversaries to decimate the nation. Speaking at an event in Washington organized by Observer Research Foundation America, Dhillon noted that Iran has prepared for contingencies such as the loss of its top leadership.

Dhillon highlighted Iran’s use of a ‘mosaic doctrine,’ which involves decentralizing its armed forces into 31 independent headquarters capable of functioning even if central leadership is destroyed. He also noted that Iran has maintained the capability for ‘attritional warfare’ despite heavy losses in its ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.

Regarding the current conflict, Dhillon emphasized the necessity for nations to have clearly defined national aims and well-planned exit strategies. He suggested that the lack of a clear exit strategy for the United States, contrasted with Iran’s long-term planning and mountainous terrain, complicates the ability of foreign powers to conclude the war effectively.