The recent direct military confrontation between Iran and Israel has put a spotlight on Iran’s armed forces and their capabilities. The conflict began when Israel attacked a building in Iran’s diplomatic compound in Damascus, killing seven senior commanders and military personnel. In retaliation, Iran launched a broad aerial attack on Israel involving drones and missiles.
Iran’s military is among the largest in the Middle East, with over 580,000 active-duty personnel and 200,000 trained reserve personnel. The army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps each have separate ground, air, and naval forces, with the Guards responsible for border security. The Quds Force, an elite unit, supports proxy militias throughout the Middle East.
Iran possesses a significant arsenal of ballistic missiles, drones, and air defenses. They have the capability to hit targets across the Middle East, including Israel. Despite international sanctions limiting access to high-tech weaponry, Iran has developed a domestic weapons industry to ensure self-sufficiency in defense needs.
While Iran’s military is strong in terms of equipment and personnel, it lags behind the US, Israel, and some European countries in power and sophistication. Its air force is a particular weakness, with outdated aircraft and limited naval vessels. The recent assassinations of senior military officials may impact Iran’s regional operations in the short term, but the chain of command remains intact.
The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel highlights the complex dynamics of the region and the potential for further escalation. As tensions continue to rise, the world watches closely to see how the situation will unfold.
