Iran: Military Announces Reconstruction of Damaged Weapons After War

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The Iranian army claims to have restored all weapon systems damaged during the war with the United States and Israel, and has enhanced its military capabilities with new equipment, some of which may have been imported from abroad. This announcement comes as tensions remain high around the Strait of Hormuz, and the prospects for a lasting resolution to the conflict remain uncertain.

Tehran Claims Upgrade of Military Capabilities

The spokesperson for the Iranian army, Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia, stated on Wednesday, August 26, on state television that systems belonging to various forces and damaged during the clashes had been "rebuilt." According to him, new equipment has also joined the Iranian forces.

Some of this material comes from the national defense industry and the army, while others have been acquired from abroad. For Tehran, this combination of repair, modernization, and renewal of equipment is intended to maintain the operational capabilities of the armed forces.

This communication is part of a strategy that has already been emphasized by Iranian military authorities since the ceasefire was established. In early August, Mohammad Akraminia explained that the army was taking advantage of this period to restore damaged systems, integrate new equipment, and develop its national industrial capabilities.

Reconstruction During the Truce

The conflict that began in late February with American and Israeli strikes against Iran deeply affected Iranian military infrastructure. After several weeks of fighting, a ceasefire concluded in April allowed for a suspension of some direct confrontations, although regional tensions did not disappear.

Since then, Tehran has presented the period of relative calm as an opportunity to reorganize its forces and strengthen its military apparatus.

The Iranian army had notably announced in July the integration of new equipment, particularly in the field of air defense. According to its spokesperson, repaired systems had then been reintroduced into operational structures, while new materials were being gradually deployed.

Iranian authorities also claim to have learned lessons from recent combat to improve the design, production, and deployment of their military systems. The air defense command indicated that some equipment that performed well during the war is now subject to reproduction and enhancement programs.

Iran Now Discusses 'Preventive' Strikes

Beyond the issue of equipment, Iranian military rhetoric is hardening. Mohammad Akraminia defended the principle of a potential preventive action, considering it legitimate when it falls within the framework of international law and respects the principles of necessity and proportionality.

This statement comes after several recent positions indicating a shift in Iran's military posture. The army's spokesperson had already stated that the country's defense doctrine is gradually evolving towards a more offensive posture, while assuring that Iran intends to respond to any new aggression.

The legal scope of a 'preventive strike' remains particularly sensitive. The use of force is governed by the United Nations Charter, particularly by the rules regarding the prohibition of the use of force and the right to legitimate defense. Therefore, a state's assertion that an operation would be preventive or defensive is not sufficient on its own to establish its compliance with international law.

The Strait of Hormuz Remains at the Heart of Tensions

The situation around the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the main points of friction between Iran, the United States, and their regional partners. This strategic maritime passage plays a major role in global energy exports and has been subject to significant restrictions and military tensions for several months.

Discussions aimed at finding an arrangement for navigation in the strait continue alongside diplomatic efforts. Iran and Oman have recently made progress on a project to manage navigation in this area, while Washington continues to demand secure and regular access to this maritime route.

This situation gives the strait an importance that far exceeds the military dimension. The decrease in maritime traffic affects supply chains and fuels uncertainties in energy markets. Thus, tensions around Hormuz represent one of the main risks of prolonging the conflict.

A Show of Force as Much as a Political Message

By claiming to have restored its damaged equipment and received new systems, Tehran is also trying to send a message to its adversaries: despite the strikes endured, the Iranian military intends to maintain its capacity for response.

However, it remains difficult to independently assess the actual extent of the repairs and new acquisitions announced by Iranian authorities. Available information on military losses, weapons stocks, and the exact state of defense infrastructures remains fragmented.

At this stage, the Iranian army's communication mainly reflects a desire to demonstrate that the ceasefire period has not been synonymous with disarmament. On the contrary, Tehran claims to have used this period to repair, modernize, and strengthen its forces, while diplomatic negotiations remain fragile and the risk of renewed escalation is not ruled out.