The Quranic concept of war and bounded instability: Understanding Iran’s strategy and tactics in the Middle East

Abstract IRGC-QF Commander Ghassem Soleimani served as the architect of Iran’s strategy and tactics in the Middle East. This article examines his role in shaping Iran’s regional strategy using the Quranic concept of war and bounded instability. This combination clarifies how the IRGC-QF uses volatility to generate space for Iranian militant clients to operate while creating an inhospitable environment for the U.S. Iran’s long-term goal is not peace and stability; Iran seeks to deny the U.S. victory. Doing so allows Iran to protect its territorial integrity by creating proximal space between its borders and the U.S. or American allies.