Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Iran’s military strength is back in the spotlight. Since the 12-day war with Israel and the US in June 2025, Iran has bolstered its forces. But the question remains, can it withstand a confrontation with the world's foremost military power, the US? Is Tehran capable of striking America from 11,000 to 13,000 kilometers away? How will it strategize for such distant warfare?
How Strong is Iran's Military Power?
Positioned as a dominant military force in the Middle East, Iran ranks in the top 20 globally. According to the 2025 Global Firepower Index, Iran holds the 16th position among 145 countries. Although this ranking slipped from 14th in 2024, Iran’s military capabilities escalated after the June 2025 conflict.
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The Key Strengths of Iran Include...
Troops:
Approximately 610,000 active personnel and 350,000 reserves, totaling over 960,000. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) operates as a specialized unit with non-conventional warfare expertise.
Source: aajtak
Ground Forces:
Thousands of tanks, artillery, and rocket systems form the backbone of Iran's ground force. Despite these being largely Soviet-era relics, their sheer numbers amplify strength, now upgraded with Russian and Chinese technology.
Air Force:
Around 550 fighter aircraft, though mostly outdated. Iran shines in drones and UAVs, ranking among the top globally, having deployed significant drone attacks on Israel during the 2025 war.
Navy:
Fast boats, submarines, and mines poised for asymmetric warfare in the Persian Gulf.
Missile Program:
The crown jewel of Iran’s military prowess, boasting thousands of ballistic and cruise missiles with a range of 2000-3000 km. The 2025 arms race saw advancements in hypersonic missiles and extended-range drones.
With a military budget between 10-15 billion USD, a stark contrast to America’s 800 billion, Iran relies heavily on sheer quantity and domestic production.
Source: aajtak
Can Iran Defend Against a US Strike?
In an all-out war, Iran would struggle against the United States, acclaimed as the world's leading military force. Armed with advanced technologies, nuclear capabilities, and global reach, the US stands unparalleled. Nevertheless, Iran’s asymmetric tactics pose considerable threats, evidenced by over 500 ballistic missile launches impacting Israeli and US positions in the 2025 12-day conflict.
Analysts argue that Iran might lose a conventional war but could prolong the conflict to inflict substantial damage on its adversary. Iran's defense leverages deterrence — inflicting enough pain to force a retreat. Recent 2026 reports highlight increased military strength post-conflict, though economic strains and domestic unrest could undermine it.
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With Such a Distance, How Would Hostilities Unfold?
Although separated by approximately 11,000 to 13,000 kilometers, America's military has a global footprint, with numerous bases in the Middle East. Distance poses no substantial barrier for the US, as its base locations ensure logistical ease for potential assaults...
Source: aajtak
From Arab Bases:
Stationed in Qatar (Al Udeid – the largest base), Bahrain, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, and Kuwait, the US can deploy fighter jets, bombers like the B-2 Stealth, and launch cruise missiles such as Tomahawks.
Navy Deployments: US aircraft carriers could mount attacks while stationed in the Persian Gulf or Arabian Sea.
Long-Range Bombers: Direct assaults from the US or Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean are plausible.
The US strategy prioritizes strikes from bases within Arab nations, optimized for their proximity to Iran and logistical simplicity.
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What Would Iran's Strategy Entail?
Centered on asymmetric and deterrence tactics, Iran aims to weaken adversaries while avoiding conventional warfare...
Missile and Drone Strikes: Massive assaults targeting US bases, Israel, and Arab allies. In 2025, Iran showcased a capacity to launch 2000 missiles.
Proxy Groups: Mobilizing Hezbollah (Lebanon), Houthis (Yemen), Iraqi militias, and Syrian factions for assaults on US forces.
Strait of Hormuz Closure: Strategic blockade to interrupt global oil supply, potentially spiking oil prices and affecting the US economy.
Cyber and Swarm Attacks: Iranian ships mounting strikes on US naval assets; coordinated cyber offensives.
Pre-emptive Strikes: A perceived threat might trigger a first strike from Iran.
Source: aajtak
What Missiles Could Reach America?
Exhibiting rapid evolution, Iran's missile program took a leap with a November 2025 launch of a missile capable of reaching the US mainland with a 10,000 km range. Though akin to an ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile), Western experts question its operational status. Evidence from Iran’s space initiatives suggests ongoing ICBM endeavors.
Other Notable Missiles...
Khorramshahr Series: Ranges from 2000-3000 km, lacking the reach for the US.
Hypersonic Missiles: Swift and short-ranged, with projects to extend reach ongoing into 2026.
In Retaliation, What Action Would the US Take?
The US could target Iran’s missile sites, command centers, naval forces, and the IRGC. Leveraging aerial superiority, the US could suppress Iranian defenses. Should Iran employ proxies or block the Hormuz Strait, the US response might intensify — potentially striking Iran’s oil infrastructure or leadership. Although the US might secure victory in a full-scale war, regional instability and fluctuating oil prices pose risks.
