Letter from the Editor | July 2025

Bringing the world to the brink of a major war, Israel launched an unprovoked attacked on Iran on the night of June 13. In concurrent precision strikes it killed several Iranian nuclear scientists and military personnel. However, the claims of assassinating at least 30 senior military officers and 11 scientists, eventually turned out to be exaggerated, as many of the supposed dead men were found walking after the 12-day war was over. In fact, RAdm. Ali Shamkani subsequently gave a video interview, frequently blowing into a lung capacity enhancer suggesting that his lungs may have suffered in the attack, speaking how he survived under the rubble for several hours until he was rescued.

Despite Israel’s warning being accompanied by the rest of the west that Iran must not retaliate and accept Israel’s attack as its means of self-defence, Iran hit back. With most of the Global South, led by Russia and China standing with Iran on this issue, for nearly a week it appeared that the world was on the verge of a major conflagration. Some feared a World War III, in which the war theatre would consume almost all of West Asia with major powers slugging it out through Israel and Iran.

Thankfully better sense prevailed. To mollify the rampaging Israel, the US staged an attack on Iran and accepted a similarly staged attack by Iran on its facilities in Qatar. With all sides satisfied, and able to claim victory, ceasefire was announced. How long will this hold remains in the realm of speculation. It will depend as much on US’ flexibility in accommodating Iran and its ability to rein in Israel, as it will depend upon Russia-China support to Iran which will give it better negotiating room. All of this is part of the cover story this month.

The other focus in the July edition is women in the armed forces. The issue once again drew attention after the passing out of women cadets from the National Defence Academy. While the navy and the air force has been more egalitarian about having women officers and soldiers as combatants, the army has been doing Cha-Cha-Cha on the subject—three steps forward and two backwards. These perspectives are reflected the three articles, which form the special report.

Apart from the other regular articles, the July issue features an ode to a IAF officer written by an army officer who operated together at the Siachen Base Camp. It’s not only a heart-felt tribute but also a reflection of true camaraderie. FORCE invites readers to send articles on their units or fellow officers, which they believe should form part of contemporary history.

Stay safe. Stay hopeful.