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Iran Deploys Special Units and Armed Forces for Major Military Exercise in Western Region.
On January 4, 2025, Iran initiated a large-scale military exercise in Kermanshah province, located in the western part of the country, showcasing its defense capabilities. The exercise, named “Great Prophet 19,” involves special units and various branches of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Ground Forces, as reported by the official news agency IRNA.
Members of an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps special forces unit (Picture source: Wikimedia Commons)
The primary goal of this exercise is to enhance the combat readiness of elite units while testing recently developed military equipment. The initial phases included rapid response scenarios, featuring the strategic deployment of troops and equipment in the mountainous regions of Avroman, a key area in Kermanshah province. These maneuvers aim to bolster the operational capacity of Iran’s armed forces while addressing potential threats from hostile groups active near the western borders. By focusing on these sensitive regions, Iran seeks to demonstrate its ability to implement modern defense strategies and secure vulnerable areas effectively.
Iran’s armed forces, among the largest in the region, consist of over 525,000 active personnel divided between two main branches: the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Artesh) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC, an elite military force responsible for safeguarding the Islamic Revolution, includes approximately 190,000 active members and oversees paramilitary organizations such as the Basij, which contribute to both internal and external security. Specialized units like the Quds Force play a critical role in external operations and asymmetric warfare.
In “Great Prophet 19,” IRGC special units play a central role. The maneuvers emphasize rapid troop deployments, testing new military hardware, and evaluating operational strategies. Conducted in the Oramanat and Ozgaleh regions, the exercise highlights the strategic importance of these areas, previously targeted by adversarial groups. Brigadier General Mohammad-Nazar Azimi, commander of the Najaf Ashraf Regional Headquarters, emphasized the significance of securing these territories and integrating advanced defense technologies.
IRNA also reported that new military equipment is being used for the first time during these exercises, reflecting advancements in Iran’s arsenal. The drills underline the adaptability of Iran’s armed forces to current strategic needs and their ability to respond to a variety of threats. By adopting a robust defensive posture, Iran reinforces its preparedness for potential conflicts.
Geopolitically, Iran is confronted with rising tensions on multiple fronts. In Lebanon, the Hezbollah movement, supported by Tehran, remains in conflict with Israel, intensifying already strained relations between the two countries. Concurrently, Hamas in Gaza, also backed by Iran, has escalated actions against Israel, contributing to broader regional instability.
In Syria, the fall of the regime of Bashar al-Assad, a long-standing ally, has weakened Iran’s influence in the region, complicating its strategic position. Additionally, relations with Pakistan remain tense, primarily due to growing security concerns along their shared border. These complex dynamics place Iran in a challenging geopolitical position, requiring careful management of its alliances and rivalries to maintain its regional influence.