Artesh (Islamic Republic of Iran Army)

The Artesh (Persian: ارتش, 'Army') is Iran's conventional armed forces, formally the Islamic Republic of Iran Army (IRIA). It comprises four branches: Ground Forces (Niru-ye Zamini), Air Force (Niru-ye Havapeyma), Navy (NEDAJA), and Air Defense Force. The Artesh exists in a parallel structure alongside the IRGC, which has historically received preferential budget allocations and political trust from the regime. The Artesh is responsible for conventional territorial defense, while the IRGC handles internal security, missile forces, and extraterritorial operations. Key Artesh Navy (NEDAJA) commanders include Habibollah Sayyari (2007–2017), Hossein Khanzadi (2017–2021), and Shahram Irani (2021-present).