Iran’s Artesh: The Army Branch That Absorbs The First Blow Explained

Last Updated:March 18, 2026, 20:00 IST

The Artesh is tasked with defending Iran's territorial integrity and borders

The Artesh, officially the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, is the conventional military of Iran, separate from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

While the IRGC focuses on safeguarding the ideological system, the Artesh is tasked with defending Iran’s territorial integrity and borders.

Who is the head of Artesh?

Major General Abdol Rahim Mousavi, the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces and a career Artesh officer, was killed on March 1, in coordinated US-Israeli airstrikes in Tehran.

During the ongoing conflict, combined US-Israeli forces have targeted at least 11 of the 17 Artesh Air Force tactical airbases. Recent strikes hit the 4th Tactical Airbase in Dezful and the 9th Tactical Airbase in Bandar Abbas.

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Reports indicate deepening fractures between the Artesh and the IRGC. Sources allege the IRGC has refused medical assistance to wounded Artesh soldiers and denied requests for basic supplies like food and ammunition despite having available resources.

Artesh: Role and structure

The Artesh maintains four service branches: Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force, and Air Defense Force.

It is the larger of the two militaries, with approximately 350,000 to 420,000 active personnel, many of whom are conscripts.

In the current ‘Mosaic Defence’ war doctrine, the Artesh is expected to “absorb the first blow," using its armored and infantry formations to slow enemy advances before unconventional IRGC units take over.

Historically, the Artesh is viewed as more professional and less politically driven than the IRGC. Some Western analysts suggest the US may view the Artesh as a potential source of factional resistance against the current regime.

KEY FAQs

What is Artesh?

Artesh is the regular military of Iran. Its main job is to defend the country’s borders and territory from external threats.

How is Artesh different from the IRGC?

Iran has two main military forces:

Islamic Republic of Iran Army: The traditional national army focused on border and territorial defense.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC): A separate force created after the Iranian Revolution to protect the political system and handle strategic operations.

What branches does Artesh have?

Artesh has four main branches — Ground Forces, Air Force, Navy, Air Defence Force.

With agency inputs

News explainers Iran’s Artesh: The Army Branch That Absorbs The First Blow Explained

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