The Role of Tunnels in Tehran’s Warfare Strategy: Parallels with Gaza
The Strategic Use of Tunnels
Iran has long been a proponent of asymmetric warfare, employing tactics designed to negate the technological and numerical superiority of its adversaries. A crucial element in this strategy is the extensive use of tunnels. As evidenced in recent conflicts, particularly in Gaza, the underground infrastructure serves not only as a means of transport but also as a crucial operational base for military units.
Lessons from Gaza
In his recent statements, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi highlighted the extensive analysis Iran has undertaken of U.S. military failures. In light of two decades of conflict, he emphasized the value of decentralized and mosaic defense strategies, suggesting a shift towards guerrilla warfare similar to what Hamas has successfully executed in Gaza.
The evidence indicates that Hamas has constructed a significant network of tunnels, initially initiated by Iranian support. This subterranean network has played a pivotal role in enabling surprise assaults and ongoing operations against Israel, marking a significant tactical advantage.
The Tunnel Network: A Game Changer
Reports estimate that Hamas’s tunnel network, built over 16 years, could be between 570 and 800 kilometers long, rivalling that of the London Underground. Some tunnels, reaching depths of up to 70 meters, are designed to accommodate not only foot soldiers but also vehicles and weaponry. Such infrastructures facilitated Hamas’s ability to attack unexpectedly and retreat, maintaining a persistent threat against Israeli forces.
The Israeli Response
Israel has attempted to counteract these underground threats through specialized engineering units and advanced weapons, including the GBU-28 bomb, capable of targeting deep underground bunkers. Despite locating and closing numerous tunnel entrances, Israel’s efforts have come at a high cost to its international reputation, especially given the civilian structures often utilized for tunnel access by Hamas.
Echoes in Tehran
Fast forward to 2026, and the lessons drawn from Gaza seem to resonate within Iran’s military strategy. Recently, Israeli forces reportedly destroyed a significant underground facility in Tehran, likened to Gaza’s operational structure. This facility was built by the Revolutionary Guard, illustrating Iran’s focus on creating a labyrinthine defense system for potential guerrilla warfare within its capital.
Challenges Ahead
Despite these advancements, Iran faces challenges absent from the Gaza experience. Public support for hidden infrastructure is significantly lower in Iran, where the unpopularity of the regime may hinder civilian cooperation. Additionally, Tehran’s geological composition—primarily alluvial and soft sedimentary layers—complicates the construction of enduring tunnels.
Conclusion: The Future of Asymmetric Warfare
As regional dynamics evolve, the significance of underground warfare will likely grow. The lessons from Gaza are clear: control of subterranean spaces can provide a strategic advantage in modern warfare. For Tehran, the embrace of this strategy underscores its desire to deter direct confrontations with superior military powers while preparing for a prolonged struggle that echoes throughout its regional engagements. The Iranian model appears poised to build on the lessons learned from Gaza, potentially reshaping the future of conflict in the region.