Holy Defense Studies

Abstract به منظور تحلیل عملیات‏های نظامی از دیرباز روش‏ها و فنون مختلفی استفاده می‏گردید. یکی از نظریاتی که در محیط‏های راهبردی با ویژگی‏ محیط ستیز وجود داشته که از طریق آن می‏توان بـه بررسـی حـوادثی از قبیـل جنـگ‏هـا پرداخت، نظریه‏بازی‏ها است. نظریه‏بازی‌ها شاخه‏ای از تحقیق در عملیات محسوب می‏شود که رفتار ریاضی حاکم بر یک موقعیت با اهداف متضاد برای بازیکنان را مورد بررسی قرار داده و براساس نتیج حاصله تابع سود طرفین جنگ را محاسبه کرد. جنگ عراق علیه ایران به‏عنوان یکی از حوادث مهم بین‏المللی است که به مدت هشت سال ادامه یافته و یکی ازنبردهای موفق آن عملیات فتح‏المبین بوده است. هدف از این تحقیق بررسی تابع مطلوبیت (سود) عملیات فتح‏المبین مبتنی بر نظریه بازی‏ها می‏باشد.
در این تحقیق نوع تحقیق «کاربردی-توسعه‏ای» و روش تحقیق «توصیفی-تحلیلی» و یک سوال در مورد تابع سود در عملیات فتح‏المبین مطرح شده است. تابع سود بازی جنگ عملیات ذکر شده تحلیل و مطابق مدل مفهومی تحقیق برگرفته از نظر اساتید این حوزه، بازیگران، استراتژی و ارجحیت‏های طرفین جنگ احصاء گردیده است.

Abstract The Iran-Iraq War is one of the largest and longest conventional wars between states in the 20th century, significantly impacting the military doctrines and security strategies of both countries. The nature of this war has always attracted interest due to its prolonged duration, high casualties, extensive use of both conventional and unconventional warfare methods (including chemical attacks), as well as its political and geopolitical consequences. This war has profoundly influenced the military strategies of both nations.

In light of this, the aim of this research is to analyze the impact of the political-military experiences from the imposed war on the development of the defense strategy of the Islamic Republic. Specifically, the main question is: What impact did the political-military experiences of the imposed war have on the development of Iran's defense strategy?

In response, it can be stated that these experiences led to the development of the Islamic Republic's defense strategy, which comprises seven components:

1. Culture of sacrifice, martyrdom, and resiliency

2. Popular mobilization

3. Military self-sufficiency

4. Missile deterrence

5. Resistance-oriented ideology

6. Asymmetric warfare

7. Laws of war based on Islamic teachings

These components have been the cornerstone of the Islamic Republic's security and defense policy to date. This study analyzes the main topic using library and internet resources in a descriptive-analytical manner.

Abstract Despite the effective and fundamental role of the Supreme Defense Council during the imposed war, unfortunately, this issue has been less investigated and studied by researchers in this field, and apart from one book, there is no independent research work in the form of a book or article on this important issue in defense studies. Holy has not paid. Because explaining the various aspects of the role of the Supreme Defense Council during the period of imposed war is important as an important and influential issue in examining the process of imposed war; Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a detailed and comprehensive study in this field. The current research seeks to answer the question, what was the role of the Supreme Defense Council in the holy defense? The hypothesis of the research is that the Supreme Defense Council determines the country's defense policy, guides and supervises operational plans, creates the necessary coordination between military and national organizations, determines the war propaganda policy, proposes the appointment of commanders of the three army forces to Imam Khomeini (RA), supports War equipment and finance has played a very effective and essential role in the macro and strategic decisions of holy defense. The research based on the results is of an applied type and the data was collected from reliable sources using the library method and the historical descriptive method was used to analyze the data.

Abstract Within less than a decade, TikTok has evolved from a seemingly trivial entertainment platform into a geopolitical force whose primary influence stems not from user-generated content, but from its distinctive algorithmic mechanisms. This article argues that TikTok’s algorithm, through the engineering of its For You Page, has become an active instrument for shaping, amplifying, and manipulating narratives during global crises. Unlike social media platforms based on “social graphs” (e.g., Facebook) or “news graphs” (e.g., Twitter/X), TikTok generates a highly personalized and emotion-driven “content graph” that has transformed the battlefield of information. Adopting a qualitative, analytical–interpretive–comparative approach, this study investigates the narrative-making role of TikTok’s algorithm during the twelve-day war between Iran and Israel. In this context, algorithmic mechanisms played a decisive role in mobilizing public opinion, delegitimizing adversaries, and shaping global perceptions of the conflict. The findings reveal that TikTok’s algorithm systematically prioritizes emotional, sensational, and simplified content over context-rich, in-depth analyses, thereby fostering polarized narratives and undermining constructive dialogue. This mechanism not only engineers public understandings of reality but also directly influences conflict outcomes by affecting public morale, political mobilization, and international legitimacy. Ultimately, the research underscores the urgent need to reconceptualize “media literacy” for the algorithmic age and contends that understanding the “TikTok tactic” is vital for analysts, governments, and citizens seeking to confront the challenges of contemporary information warfare.

Abstract The Iran–Iraq War (1980–1988), referred to in the official discourse of the Islamic Republic of Iran as the “Sacred Defense,” was not merely a military conflict but also a historical and identity‑shaping experience that left profound effects on Iran’s political, security, and discursive spheres. One of the most significant consequences of this experience has been the emergence and consolidation of the “discourse of resistance” in the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This discourse is grounded in key components such as confronting external domination, supporting oppressed nations, relying on indigenous capacities, and emphasizing political and security independence. The present study aims to examine the impact of the Sacred Defense experience on the formation and institutionalization of the discourse of resistance in Iran’s foreign policy. The main research question addresses how and through what mechanisms the experience of the war contributed to the emergence and consolidation of this discourse within the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Drawing on the theoretical framework of constructivism in international relations and employing a discourse analysis approach, this study analyzes the relationship between the war experience and the transformation of Iran’s foreign policy patterns. The research adopts a qualitative methodology based on documentary analysis and the examination of texts and sources related to the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Abstract The eight-year war of the Ba'ath regime in Iraq against the Islamic Republic of Iran, is one of the greatest honors in the history of the Iranian nation. Ayatollah Khamenei played important roles in policymaking, strategic and tactical levels from the early hours of the imposed war to its end. In the first year of the war, he appeared on the fronts as a representative of the Imam in the Supreme Council of Defense and in military uniform. In the second period, it is related to his presidency that due to the prohibition of Imam Khomeini, it was not possible for him to be on the fronts, but as the second official of the country, he played a role in decisions related to the holy defense. The present study seeks to answer the question of what were Ayatollah Khamenei's major roles in the holy defense during the presidency? The hypothesis is that his main roles include managing the affairs of the country as president, presiding over the Supreme Defense Council, presiding over the Supreme Council for The Support of War, respecting the affairs of the army and the Irgc, and leading foreign policy. Research based on the results is an applied type and documents and information from reliable sources have been collected by library method. Historical descriptive method has been used to analyze the data.

Abstract In today's age, cognitive warfare is the main tool to achieve the developmental goals of arrogant powers without military conflict. Cognitive warfare is a combined approach of non-kinetic combat capacities belonging to cyberspace, information, psychology, and social engineering to win the war without physical confrontation. The use of information and communication technology in cognitive warfare to intervene in the internal affairs of other countries, including Iran. It has had a destructive effect and has caused a change in the knowledge of the nation. Now the question is, what are the goals of the enemy's cognitive warfare and the resilience strategies to deal with it by emphasizing the teachings of the Qur'an? It is stated in the hypothesis that the knowledge of the teachings of the Qur'an plays an essential role in confronting the goals of the enemy's cognitive warfare. The researchers in this article By using the documentary method and relying on the written sources of the library, he analyzed the objectives of the war, including distorting the facts, creating hopelessness and despair, ignoring the great achievements and progress of the revolution, undermining the religious zeal and questioning the divine traditions, and coping strategies. With it, they consider it to include increasing awareness and insight, knowing the techniques of cognitive warfare, provincialism, explaining jihad, and improving media literacy with an emphasis on the teachings of the Qur'an.

Abstract The formation of a popular institution in the discourse of the Islamic Republic of Iran called "Basij" and the repetition of this experience in Syria under the name of "National Defense Forces" and in Iraq under the name of "Popular Rally", regardless of the meaning of a successful experience. This article seeks to explain the purpose of this paper by using the intentional-contextual hermeneutic method of Quentin Skinner. In this regard, the main question is "what factors affect the formation of popular mobilization networks in Iraq and Syria, and what were the intentions of Sardar Soleimani in supporting these forces?" Based on the findings of the research, the background for the formation of the Syrian National Defense Forces in categories such as 1- popular protests; 2- Opportunism of Takfiri Salafis and the entry of violence into the arena of protests; 4- Weakness of the Syrian army; 5. The arrival of the Quds Force and the use of popular forces is understandable. The popular mobilization after the sequence of 1- disagreement of the Iraqi Shiite community; 2. Structural weakness of the government; 3. Lack of fighting spirit of the classical army; 4- There was a humanitarian catastrophe and 5- The support of the Quds Force in mobilizing the Iraqi people. Sardar Soleimani also aims to unite the resistance forces in the short term, increase the legitimacy of Iraq and Syria, defeat ISIS and expel American forces from Iraq and Syria, and in the long run calm and secure the world system and the Islamic world, protect Iran's borders. One of the influences of the jihadist Salafis was to strengthen the mobilization of the Iraqi and Syrian people in the military-political class of Hezbollah and to achieve the goal of liberating Quds.
 

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Abstract Sacrifice and martyrdom are among the concepts that are respected and considered sacred in all human societies by those who sacrifice and are killed for the sake of values. The culture of self-sacrifice and martyrdom is one of the most prominent features of the divine religions, especially the religion of Islam. After the victory of the Islamic Revolution under the leadership of Imam Khomeini and in the face of the comprehensive threats of the enemies of Islam, this culture created a special change in the life and cultural system of the people in order to defend the principles and foundations of belief. The thinkers and sympathizers of the country, led by the Supreme Leader, while considering the necessary measures, in addition to adopting various ways such as strengthening the defense and producing a deterrent force, considered the best way to promote the culture of self-sacrifice and martyrdom. Therefore, in the present study, while explaining concepts such as culture, self-sacrifice and martyrdom, an attempt has been made to examine the place of these concepts in the teachings of Islam and ways to achieve and promote the culture of self-sacrifice and martyrdom, which should be considered as an important issue today. In the agenda of education officials and practitioners of the great country of Islamic Iran, which has unique geopolitical capabilities in the geostrategic and geoeconomic region of Southwest Asia, to deal with and repel threats to achieve Islamic civilization, in this article, first explain the key concepts, then The relevant axes are counted and in order to further enrich the research literature, the views of the Imams of the Revolution, Imam Khomeini (may God have mercy on him) and the Supreme Leader (Mudzalah Al-Aali) regarding the culture of self-sacrifice and martyrdom are explained. An analysis is used to collect the required information through library, Internet and documentary sources and based on the title of the article, research, description and analysis. In the fourth section, a theoretical framework based on the two concepts of "self-sacrifice and martyrdom" and "education" is given. In order to explain correctly and logically from the epistemological perspective of the Qur'an and how to cultivate and promote the culture of self-sacrifice and martyrdom in the education system of the country, while summarizing, suggestions and practical solutions are intended and presented.

Abstract Globalization has created many opportunities and threats for actors, especially in developing countries. Social networks or cyberspace, as the latest technologies, have played an important role in political awareness and shaping the internal developments of countries, as well as creating undeniable threats in the dimensions of soft power for countries. In recent decades, the Islamic Republic of Iran has gained a variety of experiences in the field of cyberspace (social networks) but still faces several challenges in this field. In this article, the authors seek to examine strategic strategies to address the challenges of cyberspace and evaluate the hypothesis that the strategies and policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran towards cyberspace can be seen at the intermediate levels. Internationally explained the role and function of government policies and the role of the media and their management. The objectives of the research at the applied level are mainly to counter cyber threats and counter strategies of hostile actors. Findings indicate that the most important solutions with a pathological understanding of cyberspace at the systemic level can be pursued in foreign affairs (lack of international cooperation), the role and function of government and the media. The research method is descriptive-analytical and the method of collecting library and internet materials.

Abstract Tensions between Iran and Iraq over the western borders, as well as the victory of the Islamic Revolution, resulted in the outbreak of a new situation in the region, which eventually led to imposed war of iraqi Ba’athist regime against iran. Although the war could have caused the secession of some regions of Iranian territory, resistance by Iranian people and military against the invaders pushed them back and most of the occupied territories, such as Khorramshahr, were liberated in June 1982. After the liberation of Khorramshahr, different approaches formed relating whether to continue the war or not, and the doubt arose as to why the war should not end despite mediation efforts for peace. This research is aimed at investigating why the imposed war continued. The results of this investigation can play a significant role in clarifying the ambiguities in the historiography of the war. Theoretical basis of this research is on the theory of "win-lose" games of H. F. Kalahan. The findings show that the reasons for the continuation of the war rooted in various political, economic, military and geopolitical dimensions. The failure of peace efforts was due to non-actualization of the demands of the two countries, especially of Iran. Data collection is based on unpublished documents and interviews are referred for data collection.

Abstract Khyber Bridge, known as one of the longest floating military bridges in the world, is made of sustainable materials against bombing. A number of army engineers and some others from Jihad Sazandegui were dispatched to the southern Iranian regions in 1984, and held a meeting aimed at building a bridge over Hoor Al-Azim. To build this floating bridge, all materials such as wood, metal, fiberglass and air blowing methods were discussed. Finally, a combination of fiberglass and foam was selected, due to the fact that they were suitable for filling the cracks in the joints caused by welding. Given that Kheibar Bridge is a masterpiece of engineering built in the situation full of all types of shortcomings and sanctions, it is necessary to study it to benefit from its valuable experiences; Therefore, this study dealt with the necessity of its construction and its method of construction first, and then, assessed its strengths and weaknesses.