Soft War and the Islamic Republic of Iran

Threats against the Islamic Republic of Iran can be divided in two types: hard and soft threats. Giving priority to either type of threat poses a different kind of security strategy for decision-makers. Following a discussion on the concept of soft war, its standing, applications and examples in international relations and its utilization by major powers including the U.S. against the Islamic Republic of Iran, the present study proves the hypothesis that the strategy of the enemies of the Islamic Republic of Iran is currently based on nonmilitary measures and soft threat along with military action. By following such measures, the enemy mainly attempts to weaken the Islamic Republic of Iran and increase its military and security costs.