Iran’s Supreme Leader Warns of Soft Warfare Amid Praise for Defense Capabilities
Executive Summary
On the anniversary of the 1978 Tabriz Uprising, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addressed thousands in Tehran, emphasizing Iran’s military strength and warning against “soft warfare” efforts to undermine the Islamic Republic. He rejected claims that Iran’s policies create enemies, instead attributing U.S. hostility to Iran’s resistance against Western influence. Khamenei asserted that while Iran’s defense capabilities against hard warfare threats are formidable, the greater challenge comes from psychological and ideological warfare aimed at destabilizing public unity and confidence in the Revolution.
Analysis
Khamenei’s speech underscored a shift in Iran’s security concerns from military threats to ideological subversion. By highlighting Iran’s “perfect” defense capabilities, he sought to reassure both domestic and foreign audiences that Iran remains militarily secure. His remarks come amid increasing regional tensions, with Iran projecting strength in response to Western pressure over its influence in Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine.
His emphasis on “soft warfare” reflects Tehran’s growing concerns over internal dissent and foreign influence in shaping Iranian public opinion. The Iranian leadership has long accused the West, particularly the U.S., of using social media, economic pressure, and cultural infiltration to weaken the Islamic Republic. The timing of this rhetoric, following months of economic hardship and protests within Iran, suggests an effort to maintain ideological control and suppress opposition narratives.
Khamenei’s reaffirmation of Iran’s revolutionary principles aligns with his broader strategy of framing Iran’s geopolitical stance as a moral battle between “truth and falsehood.” This narrative serves a dual purpose—mobilizing domestic support while justifying resistance to Western engagement. By invoking the legacy of the Tabriz Uprising, he aims to connect past revolutionary fervor with contemporary struggles, reinforcing the perception of an ongoing existential fight against imperialism.
His remarks about U.S. foreign policy also serve as a direct rebuke to Washington’s stance on Iran’s regional activities. By condemning American “bullying” and Zionist influence, Khamenei aligns Iran with regional resistance movements, positioning Tehran as a defender of oppressed nations. However, his call for vigilance against ideological threats signals Iran’s awareness of growing domestic challenges, including discontent over governance, economic conditions, and social restrictions.
While Khamenei’s speech reaffirmed Iran’s strategic confidence, the heightened focus on ideological threats indicates a recognition of vulnerabilities within the regime. As Iran continues to assert itself regionally, the leadership is simultaneously working to fortify its domestic base against perceived foreign and internal subversion.
