Iran's military capabilities challenged amid U.S.-Israeli bombardment

Iran's military capabilities are under scrutiny following six weeks of U.S. and Israeli bombardment that have significantly degraded its nuclear facilities and military infrastructure. An expert noted that Iran's offensive capabilities have been built up over nearly 50 years, stating, "to understand what may come next in Operation Epic Fury, it’s valuable to grasp the development of Iran’s modern military structure, capabilities and international activities."

Historically, Iran's military was well-equipped with Western technology prior to the 1979 Islamic Revolution. However, sanctions and arms embargoes led to a self-reliant arms industry, producing mostly reverse-engineered equipment. The Revolutionary Guard, which receives the majority of military resources, has been pivotal in projecting Iran's regional power, supporting groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. The recent conflict has seen Iran expend at least 650 missiles against Israel, with analysts noting a decline in missile fire but suspecting a significant cache remains.

In this evolving military landscape, Iran's reliance on drones and cyber warfare provides it with a strategic edge, allowing for low-cost attacks with potentially high impact. The U.S. and Israel's focus on degrading Iran's missile production capabilities indicates a recognition of the threat posed by Iran's unconventional warfare strategies. As the conflict continues, the balance of power may shift depending on Iran's ability to replenish its military resources and the effectiveness of U.S. and Israeli operations.

What to watch: The upcoming assessments of Iran's remaining military capabilities and potential retaliatory actions following the bombardments.