Iran’s IRGC Vows to Launch Third Phase of ‘True Promise’ Operation Against Israel
Executive Summary
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has reaffirmed its intent to carry out the third phase of the “True Promise” operation against Israel at an undisclosed time, following the completion of the first two phases. Brigadier General Ali Fazli, deputy coordinator of the IRGC, declared that the operation remains on schedule, describing it as a strategic measure in response to Israeli military actions. The operation comes amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Tel Aviv, with Iranian officials framing it as part of a broader regional struggle that includes resistance movements from Yemen to Gaza.
Analysis
Iran’s continued commitment to Operation True Promise highlights its strategy of applying sustained military and political pressure on Israel. The first phase of the operation, launched in April 2024, marked Iran’s first direct military attack on Israel in decades, following the Israeli airstrike on Iran’s diplomatic mission in Damascus. The second phase, carried out in October, escalated hostilities with Iranian missile strikes on Israeli military facilities. Despite intermittent diplomatic efforts and economic sanctions imposed by the Trump administration, Iran has maintained that its military actions are a necessary response to Israeli aggression.
Israeli officials have expressed concerns over Iran’s expanding military capabilities, particularly its development of long-range missiles and its deepening ties with regional proxy forces. In response to Iran’s latest announcement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that his government will “finish the job,” signaling a potential preemptive strike on Iranian military assets. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has affirmed Washington’s continued support for Israel’s security, while also pursuing economic measures aimed at curbing Tehran’s military funding.
With both sides refusing to de-escalate, the upcoming phase of the operation could further destabilize the region, increasing the risk of direct confrontation between Iran and Israel. Iran’s messaging suggests that it views Operation True Promise as not just retaliation but as a long-term strategy to counter Israel’s military presence and policies in the region. Given the IRGC’s past targeting of Israeli infrastructure and leadership figures, the next phase of the operation may focus on high-profile Israeli military or intelligence assets.
