Desertions, Supply Shortages, and Fractures Between the Army and IRGC Are Gradually Destroying Iran’s War Machine

Iran’s armed forces are facing acute supply shortages, rising desertions, and deepening friction between the regular army (Artesh) and the Revolutionary Guards, Iran International English reports, citing its own sources.

Iran’s military machine is under increasing pressure as the war intensifies. Among the most serious signs of friction are reports that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has refused to help wounded soldiers, that some units on the front lines are operating with minimal supplies of ammunition, food, and drinking water, and that attempts to mobilize reserves have been unsuccessful.

Sources told the media that regular army units are suffering heavy losses, but IRGC personnel are refusing to transport wounded soldiers to hospitals, despite the availability of medical facilities. According to the sources, IRGC representatives have repeatedly rejected requests for assistance from the army, citing a lack of ambulances and blood supplies.

The refusals have exacerbated anger and discontent between the regular army (Artesh) and IRGC personnel, further intensifying long-standing institutional tensions between them. Reports of tension are accompanied by serious shortages affecting some of the Iranian army’s frontline and field units.

Sources described a deterioration in logistics and supply, leaving troops facing ammunition shortages and insufficient basic supplies and provisions, including drinking water and food. In one example cited by sources, some units received only 10 rounds of ammunition per regular army soldier, significantly limiting the military’s capabilities in the event of a potential attack.

Harsh conditions and what some soldiers perceive as neglect by their commanders have contributed to what sources describe as mass desertions, with soldiers leaving their bases en masse and seeking refuge in nearby cities.

According to sources, such tensions are not limited to the regular army. Even in the IRGC’s missile units — traditionally among the best units in the Iranian army — there have been reports of insufficient supplies.

Despite these problems, sources noted that the command structure appears to prioritize supplying the technical components needed to maintain missile systems over sending additional food rations or personal equipment to personnel. Personnel are facing deteriorating living conditions.

Attempts to restore reserves also appear to have met with resistance. Sources reported that attempts by the Revolutionary Guard to mobilize reserve forces earlier this week had limited results. Many of those called up reportedly did not show up at recruitment centers. Instead, some individuals took advantage of the situation to leave their areas of residence with their families and move to border regions in hopes of leaving the country.