How Iran's Other Army Is Fighting the War
While the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has dominated attention in Iran's recent military confrontations with the U.S. and Israel, the conventional Islamic Republic of Iran Army (Artesh) has increasingly participated in the conflict. The Artesh, responsible for traditional territorial defense, has engaged in drone operations, aerial strikes, and coastal defense, despite being less well-equipped than the IRGC. Analysts note its expanded role, particularly as IRGC leadership has been degraded by targeted strikes.
- ▪The Islamic Republic of Iran Army (Artesh) operates alongside the IRGC but is traditionally focused on conventional territorial defense.
- ▪Artesh drone units have conducted strikes across the region, including against targets in Israel and Gulf states.
- ▪An Artesh F-5 fighter reportedly breached air defenses at Camp Buehring in Kuwait in March, challenging U.S. air superiority claims.
- ▪The Artesh Ground Force, though larger in size, is qualitatively limited and less equipped for combat compared to IRGC units.
- ▪The U.S. has inflicted significant damage on the Artesh-controlled Iranian Navy surface fleet during the conflict.
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...By Tom O'ConnorSenior Writer, Foreign Policy & Deputy Editor, National Security and Foreign PolicyShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.With much attention directed toward the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) role in the conflict launched just over two months ago by the United States and Israel, another military command has steadily increased its participation in Iran's war effort.The Islamic Republic of Iran Army—also known as the Artesh—constitutes Iran's conventional military service and operates in parallel with the IRGC—also known as the Sepah, or Pasdaran.
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