Iran Bolsters Underground Missile Bases Amid US Tensions

Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has unveiled a new underground missile base as tensions persist between Tehran and the United States. The facility is part of a broader strategy to utilize fortified subterranean structures to protect the country’s strategic weaponry from international pressure and regional conflict.

The base was revealed during a visit by Abdolrahim Mousavi, the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, and Seyed Majid Mousavi, the commander of the IRGC’s Aerospace Division. During this visit, senior commanders were briefed on the preparedness and progress of the strategic unit, and the operational readiness of the IRGC’s missile units was assessed.

Shift in Military Doctrine

The unveiling of the facility coincides with a stated change in Iran’s military approach. Abdolrahim Mousavi indicated that the Iranian military has transitioned its doctrine from a defensive posture to an offensive one.

following the 12-day war (with Israel in June last year), we have changed our military doctrine from defensive to offensive based on the approach of carrying out lightning-fast and large-scale operations while adopting asymmetric warfare and crushing military strategies

Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces

Mousavi further stated that Iran has strengthened its deterrence capabilities by upgrading its ballistic missiles across all technical dimensions, asserting that the nation is prepared for any action taken by its enemies.

Subterranean Infrastructure

The new base is part of a network of what Tehran describes as missile cities—fortified subterranean facilities designed to bolster defense and deterrence. These sites are intended to ensure the survival of Iran’s missile arsenal against potential aerial strikes.

One such example of this infrastructure is the Yazd missile base, located in central Iran. This facility is described as a buried fortress, situated approximately 500 metres deep inside a granite mountain to protect weapons and hidden rocket launch ports.

Additional reports highlight the Oghab 44 underground airport, another facility designed to remain untouched by attacks from the United States and Israel.

International Context and Contradictions

The development of these bases occurs amid conflicting claims regarding the current state of Iran’s military capabilities. While some reports suggest that Iranian leadership and military strength have weakened following six weeks of war, other sources indicate that the military remains active and capable of responding to U.S. Attacks.

There is also a public dispute regarding the volume of Iran’s remaining arsenal. While some intelligence claims suggest Iran still possesses thousands of ballistic missiles, Donald Trump has characterized such intelligence claims as fake news and has asserted that the Iranian military is completely paralyzed.

The timing of the base’s unveiling also aligns with diplomatic movements, occurring shortly before scheduled talks in Oman.