Iran’s Defense Strategy Driven by Survival, Not Aggression, Study Finds

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FORMOSA NEWS

A 2026 study by Muhammad Husein Maruapey of Universitas Djuanda Bogor, Rajab Lestaluhu of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sorong, and Mulyadi of Universitas Djuanda reveals that Iran’s response to pressure from the United States and Israel is primarily a survival strategy rather than military expansion. Published in the International Journal of Applied Research and Sustainable Sciences (IJARSS), the research offers a clearer explanation of Iran’s behavior in contemporary geopolitical conflicts and why it continues to resist external pressure.

The findings matter because Iran’s policies are often interpreted as aggressive or expansionist. This study reframes that narrative, showing that Iran’s actions are rooted in long-term security concerns shaped by history, identity, and geopolitical constraints.

Historical Pressure Shapes Modern Strategy

Iran’s strategic behavior is deeply influenced by its historical experience, particularly the 1953 coup that removed Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh with support from the United States and the United Kingdom. This event left a lasting impact on how Iran perceives foreign intervention.

After the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran redefined itself as a state resisting external domination. Since then, tensions with the United States and Israel have extended beyond traditional rivalry into broader issues of sovereignty, ideology, and national identity.

Today, Iran faces layered pressure, including economic sanctions, diplomatic isolation, military threats, and restrictions on technology. These conditions shape how Iran designs its defense policies.

Simple Method, Broad Analysis

The research uses a qualitative approach based on document analysis. The authors reviewed academic literature, international policy reports, and recent global publications to understand Iran’s strategy.

Instead of relying on field experiments or statistical models, the study analyzes patterns across credible sources and identifies key themes such as threat perception, defense strategy, and national identity. This approach allows the researchers to explain both the material and ideological dimensions of Iran’s actions.

Key Findings: A Defensive but Adaptive Strategy

The study highlights several core characteristics of Iran’s strategy:

1. Focus on survival, not dominance

Iran does not aim to match the military power of the United States or Israel. Instead, it seeks to ensure its own security in a hostile environment.

2. Use of asymmetric warfare

Iran relies on lower-cost tools such as:

• Ballistic missiles
• Drones
• Cyber capabilities
• Regional proxy networks

These tools allow Iran to increase the cost of conflict for stronger adversaries without engaging in direct large-scale war.

3. Forward defense doctrine

Iran manages threats beyond its borders by building influence in the Middle East. This strategy creates “strategic depth,” reducing the risk of conflict reaching its core territory.

4. Gray-zone operations

Iran operates between peace and full-scale war, using indirect actions and gradual escalation to maintain pressure while avoiding direct confrontation.

5. Role of identity and national dignity

Iran’s policies are shaped not only by military logic but also by national pride, revolutionary identity, and historical memory. Defense policies are seen as a way to protect sovereignty and honor.

According to the study, Iran’s strategy is “defensive in objective, asymmetric in instruments, forward-oriented in spatial deployment, and symbolic in political meaning.”

Why Iran’s Strategy Persists

One of the most important insights from the research is why Iran continues these policies despite economic hardship and international isolation.

The answer lies in the concept of national dignity. Iran frames its defense strategy as a matter of independence and resistance against foreign dominance. This makes policy changes difficult, even under heavy pressure.

Muhammad Husein Maruapey of Universitas Djuanda explains that Iran’s actions should not be seen simply as aggression, but as a rational response to a high-threat environment. The strategy combines security needs with identity and legitimacy, making it more resilient over time.

Real-World Implications

The study has important implications for global politics and policy:

For international policymakers

Understanding Iran’s strategy as defensive may help reduce misinterpretation and prevent escalation. Pressure alone may not change Iran’s behavior if it reinforces its perception of threat.

For regional stability

Iran’s use of indirect and “gray-zone” tactics makes conflicts in the Middle East more complex and prolonged, rather than openly confrontational.

For academic and security analysis

The research bridges two approaches: material factors like military power and ideational factors like identity and culture. This integrated view offers a more accurate framework for analyzing state behavior.

For global security discussions

Iran’s case shows how weaker states adapt to stronger adversaries using innovation, flexibility, and narrative legitimacy.

A Strategy Beyond Military Power

The study concludes that Iran does not seek conventional victory. Instead, it aims to ensure that its adversaries cannot impose their will at a low cost. This approach allows Iran to maintain deterrence, protect its regime, and sustain its regional influence.

By combining military tools with ideological narratives, Iran has developed a strategy that is both practical and symbolic. This combination explains its persistence despite ongoing international pressure.

Author Profile

Muhammad Husein Maruapey is a scholar at Universitas Djuanda Bogor specializing in international relations and security studies.
Rajab Lestaluhu is affiliated with Universitas Muhammadiyah Sorong and focuses on geopolitical and regional conflict analysis.
Mulyadi is also a researcher at Universitas Djuanda with expertise in defense strategy and foreign policy.

Source

Maruapey, Muhammad Husein; Lestaluhu, Rajab; Mulyadi. Iran’s Strategic Responses to Pressure from the United States and Israel in Contemporary Conflict. International Journal of Applied Research and Sustainable Sciences (IJARSS), 2026. DOI: https://doi.org/10.59890/ijarss.v4i4.229