The Perennial Missile Threat Narrative
THE ACTORS: Who is involved in this story? Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh: Commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force. His statements are official communication from a key military entity within Iran. Iranian Government: The broader state apparatus that defines national defense policy. US and Israeli Governments: Identified by Hajizadeh as catalysts for Iran's 'offensive doctrine' due to alleged
'strikes.' The term 'strikes' in this context often refers to a range of actions, from covert operations and cyberattacks to targeted assassinations of scientists, which have been attributed to these nations by Iranian officials. THE FUNDING: Where does their money come from? Iran's Military Budget: Funded through state revenues, primarily from oil and gas sales, despite sanctions. Specific
figures are opaque, but estimates by organizations like the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) put Iran's 2021 military expenditure at approximately $24.6 billion (IISS, 2022), much of which funnels to the IRGC. US Military Aid to Israel: In fiscal year 2023, the United States provided $3.3 billion in foreign military financing to Israel (Congressional Research Service, 2023),
explicitly supporting its military capabilities, including air defense and precision-guided munitions. This sustained funding underscores the US commitment to Israel's regional military dominance. THE INCENTIVES: What do they gain from this narrative? For Iran: Publicly claiming upgraded missiles and an 'offensive doctrine' serves as a deterrent signal to adversaries, reinforces national pride,