The foreign policy behavior of the Islamic Republic of Iran in dealing with regional security crises has largely been interpreted within the framework of defensive neorealist theory. Nevertheless, Israel’s hostile conduct during the Twelve-Day War has significantly challenged the explanatory and practical effectiveness of this framework. As a result, a reassessment of Iran’s security doctrine has emerged as a strategic imperative. Using a descriptive–analytical approach and drawing on documentary sources, this study examines the necessity of transforming Iran’s security doctrine and reconfiguring its crisis management strategies in the aftermath of the Twelve-Day War.Within Iran’s security doctrine, the unique characteristics of regional crises have shaped crisis management policies primarily around the principles of self-help and the security dilemma. To date, Iran has pursued strategies focused on enhancing defensive capabilities, strengthening extra-territorial deterrence, engaging in balance-building, and containing perceived threats. Conversely, Israel has sought to counter Tehran through the formation of regional alliances, the employment of covert balancing strategies, the development of advanced missile defense systems, and the strategic involvement of the United States in the region through the securitization of Iran—an approach that became evident in Israel’s recent aggressive military action.

With the intensification of security threats, the need for a profound reassessment of the Islamic Republic’s security strategies has become increasingly salient. In this context, prioritizing the enhancement of offensive capabilities, reinforcing geopolitical leverage, managing controlled crises, and expanding regional strategic cooperation—particularly in the Persian Gulf and at extra-regional levels—assumes growing significance. Furthermore, an emphasis on maritime-based geopolitics, extra-territorial balancing, multi-layered and triadic deterrence, and the utilization of advanced non-nuclear technologies can simultaneously strengthen Iran’s defensive and offensive capacities.