https://www.qjws.ir/ War Studies en daily 1 Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0330 Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0330 https://www.qjws.ir/article_735558.html Objective: Joint operational environment analysis is a critical prerequisite for decision-making at the operational level. The increasing complexity of multi-domain battlefields and the imperative for integrated action among land, air, naval, air-defense, cyber, and information forces highlight the need for a systematic and intelligence-driven approach. Despite the centrality of the intelligence cycle in leading military doctrines worldwide, a unified and indigenous model for analyzing the joint operational environment has not yet been formulated for the Islamic Republic of Iran Army.Methodology: This study aims to identify and explain the dimensions of the joint operational environment of the Iranian Army and to develop a proposed intelligence cycle using thematic analysis based on Braun and Clarke’s six-step framework. Data were collected through doctrinal document analysis, comparative examination of the intelligence cycles of selected countries, and semi-structured interviews with subject-matter experts. Open, axial, and selective coding was conducted to extract the final themes.Findings: The results reveal that the joint operational environment encompasses multiple dimensions, including physical, operational, informational, cyber-electromagnetic, human-cognitive, infrastructural, political-legal, and economic themes. Comparing these themes with international intelligence cycle models led to the development of a seven-step intelligence cycle tailored to the requirements of the Iranian Army. Originality: The study concludes that joint operational environment analysis must be grounded in a comprehensive intelligence cycle. The proposed seven steps include: requirements planning, joint operational environment analysis, collection, processing and refinement, analysis and production, dissemination, and feedback. This model enhances coherence, situational understanding, and decision-support effectiveness for joint operations. https://www.qjws.ir/article_735557.html The South China Sea dispute is a complex territorial and maritime dispute that involves the territorial claims of several countries, including China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. China claims absolute ownership of a large area of ​​the waters in this region, which has caused disputes with coastal countries and the United States. Beijing's increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea territorial dispute and the expansion of air and naval patrols in the region are considered a strategic threat to coastal countries and the United States, which has led to Washington's regional presence and the creation of alliances with coastal countries to contain and control Beijing in East Asia. Thus, the main question of the research is what measures has the United States taken in response to China's increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea dispute? The research hypothesis is that China's increasing military-defense power and its efforts to convert artificial reefs and islands in the South China Sea into military bases have increased Beijing's disputes with coastal countries and the United States. In response to Beijing's growing threats in the South China Sea, the United States has increased its presence and influence in this strategic waterway and is trying to prevent Beijing's growing power in the region by establishing alliances with its regional allies and holding naval exercises, which will increase tensions and create a security dilemma in the Asia-Pacific region. A descriptive-analytical method was used to analyze the research data. https://www.qjws.ir/article_735614.html Objective: The primary concern of the researcher is how to safeguard the health of the personnel of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army against the effects and consequences of bioterrorist attacks. Accordingly, the main objective of the study is defined as identifying “the preventive measures undertaken by the Islamic Republic of Iran Army in response to bioterrorism threats.Method:This applied research employs a descriptive–analytical methodology with a qualitative approach. Data were collected through library research (including documents and related theses) and semi-structured interviews with 30 experts, commanders, and specialists in the Army’s security, intelligence, and medical sectors. The qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysisFindings: The findings indicate that the preventive measures of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army against bioterrorism threats constitute a multidimensional and interconnected framework encompassing eight key dimensions: education and awareness-raising, research and technological development, biosafety and physical protection, preparedness and drills, intersectoral cooperation, resource management and logistical support, intelligence and security measures, and international interactions. Together, these dimensions form the comprehensive structure of the Army’s biodefense system.Conclusion: The study demonstrates that effective confrontation with bioterrorism threats requires a multidimensional, integrated, and preventive approach within the Islamic Republic of Iran Army. Strengthening specialized training, developing rapid detection technologies, enhancing intersectoral coordination, improving intelligence capabilities, and optimizing resource management are among the most critical requirements for enhancing the Army’s biodefense preparedness. https://www.qjws.ir/article_735805.html Objective: The objective of this research is to identify the components of cyber range in the cyber warfare game system, such that a comprehensive and effective educational environment is created, and the level of cybersecurity in organizations, especially the cyber warfare game system of the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran, can be enhanced.Method: The research method in this study is mixed, including qualitative and quantitative analysis. Qualitative data is extracted and analyzed from interviews and documents using content analysis and MAXQDA software. Quantitative data is statistically analyzed using questionnaires and SPSS software. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to increase the reliability of measurement tools. The research process includes categorization, refinement, and descriptive and inferential analysis of data to ultimately achieve results aligned with the research objectives and provide a framework for developing new cyber range educational models.Findings: The findings of this research showed that each of the dimensions of required infrastructure, scenario and content, human resources, and evaluation and analysis are the most important components and indicators of cyber range in the cyber warfare game system.Results: The results show that the use of cyber ranges not only provides practical training in directly confronting security threats, but also strengthens the cooperation and interaction of team members and helps improve defensive strategies. This can have a significant impact on increasing the resilience and security of cyberspace.