Iranian Armed Forces and the 12-Day War

The 12-Day War of June 2025 exposed critical vulnerabilities in Iran’s armed forces, particularly in air defence and internal security. Interviews with members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps are used to analyse the causes and consequences of Iran’s military setbacks, the impact of Israeli and US strikes and Tehran’s efforts to rebuild deterrence. Antonio Giustozzi examines the prospects for the rapid recovery of Iran’s defensive capabilities, and concludes that its missile programme will remain at the centre of the country’s efforts.