Sahin Demir
09 April 2026•Update: 09 April 2026
General Mohammad Karami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Ground Forces, said Iran has established a multi-layered national defense system, emphasizing a decentralized and asymmetric strategy in response to ongoing tensions, according to state media IRIB.
Karami said a “multi-layered security belt” has been created by Iran’s armed forces, noting that the structure and combat readiness of Iranian units have made any potential conflict difficult and unpredictable for adversaries.
He said the enemy’s confusion on the battlefield reflects the preparedness of Iranian forces, highlighting strong coordination among different branches of the country’s military.
Karami also described Iran’s geography as a major obstacle for any ground invasion, calling it a “prison and swamp” for invading forces.
He pointed to what he described as a failed US special operations mission in Shahreza in Isfahan province, saying American forces were forced to withdraw despite significant resources and personnel.
The commander added that Iran’s defense model is unique, citing the mobilization of more than 17 million volunteers alongside regular military and paramilitary forces.
The region has been on alert since Israel and the US launched an offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, killing at least 3,000 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties, infrastructure damage, and disruptions to global markets and aviation.
US President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran on Tuesday, saying Tehran had presented a “workable” 10-point proposal for negotiations.
The announcement came less than two hours before the expiration of a deadline Trump had repeatedly extended for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and accept an agreement or face widespread destruction.
