Iran’s military doctrine is ‘defensive’: Pentagon

TEHRAN,May 4(MNA) – A Pentagon report to Congress for the first time states that Iran’s military doctrine is “defensive,” a significant shift reflecting the more soft-line policy views toward Iran held by Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, the Washington Free Beacon reported on Thursday. According to the report, a brief summary of the annual Report on the Military Power of Iran says that Iran adheres to a “defensive” military doctrine that is designed to “slow an invasion; to asymmetrically target its adversaries’ economic, political, and military interests; and to force a diplomatic solution to hostilities while avoiding any concessions that challenge its core interests.” Hagel came under fire for his views on Iran during his Senate confirmation battle. It was disclosed during hearings that the former senator opposed unilateral U.S. sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program. As a senator, he voted against labeling Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps as a terrorist organization. And in 2006, he dismissed a military strike against Iran as “not a viable, feasible, or responsible option.” As defense secretary, he has adopted the Obama administration policy that all options are available for use against Iran. The report’s release comes amid a joint U.S.-Israeli covert action program designed to disrupt and slow Iran’s nuclear program, which Iran says is entirely peaceful.