Iranian defense and national security rhetoric

Iranian officials have emphasized the importance of national unity and military readiness as essential components of the country’s security.

In Kermanshah, Governor Manouchehr Habibi highlighted Iran’s strategic role in regional developments, citing the nation’s missile and drone capabilities—including the Sejjil, Khorramshahr, Emad, Kheibar Shekan, and Fattah missiles—as key elements of deterrence. Similarly, Seyyed Esmail Tabatabaei, representing the Supreme Leader at the IRGC Ground Forces Karbala Regional Headquarters, stated that the armed forces' readiness serves as a foundation for national security, attributed to indigenous technologies.

Recent rhetoric has expanded to include the integration of non-kinetic or ‘passive defense’ into civilian life. In East Azerbaijan, Director General of Education Esfandiar Sadeghi called for making non-kinetic defense a routine part of school activities. In Bushehr, Governor Arsalan Zare described non-kinetic defense as a pillar of national security, particularly for protecting critical maritime, oil, gas, and nuclear infrastructure against biological, chemical, radiological, cyber, and cognitive threats.

During a dedicated awareness week, officials across several provinces further emphasized shifting toward scientific, operational, and people-centered strategies to increase resilience. In Kerman, authorities stressed the necessity of maintaining essential services, such as food, energy, fuel, and medical care, during crises, including proactive planning for winter conditions. In Fars, discussions expanded to include the management of fake news and cyber threats, noting that civil defense must encompass schools, families, and digital spaces.