Ali Reza Sheikh, executive deputy of the Islamic Republic Army, said the military doctrine of the Islamic Republic has shifted from an “exclusively defensive” approach toward “deterrence and active action,” and that the armed forces act proactively against threats.

Sheikh said that during last year’s maneuvers in western Iran, the forces of the Islamic Republic moved into action before the start of operations by groups that they considered to be linked to U.S. and Israeli programs.

He said: “We read the plan, understood their intentions, and identified and destroyed their groups before they acted.”

The executive deputy of the Islamic Republic Army said this approach is part of the Islamic Republic’s change in military doctrine and added: “Before they take any action, we move into action.”

Sheikh also said the Islamic Republic is preparing for a long-term battle, and that production of defensive equipment, missiles, and drones continues. He said more than 75% of the Islamic Republic’s missile and drone capability is “untouched and ready.”

In another part of the interview, he said the war “will not end” and will continue in different arenas, and described peace or an agreement as “a lull between two halves.”