Recent intelligence indicates a strategic shift in Iran's military posture. The IRGC is reportedly relocating military bases, intelligence centers, and missile platforms into Kurdish border villages.

This strategic move involves the nighttime transport of medium-range missiles and drones in containers. Following the IDF's destruction of their Ground Forces base in Tehran, Iran has transitioned to mobile command centers.

This activity suggests a dispersion strategy rather than a retreat, indicating a focus on adaptable defense.

A key element of Iran's defense strategy is its reported 8-layer ground defense system:
- Forward early-warning units
- Electronic warfare disruption
- Anti-armor and anti-air perimeter
- IRGC infantry defense corridors
- Urban warfare integration – utilizing cities as fortresses
- Tunnel networks and underground command
- Asymmetric guerrilla fallback
- Popular mobilization capabilities

Over 12,300 targets have reportedly been neutralized since "Operation Epic Fury" commenced.

However, these operations are assessed to have not significantly impacted Iran's extensive ground defense network. This raises questions about the long-term effectiveness of air campaigns against a deeply entrenched defensive strategy.