As U.S. forces build up in the Middle East, Iran faces the looming threat of strikes from the world’s most powerful military, potentially targeting its leadership, armed forces, nuclear facilities and critical infrastructure.
Iran lacks comparable capabilities and has been further weakened by last year’s Israeli-led conflict and recent domestic protests. Yet Tehran retains the ability to strike back, potentially targeting U.S. forces and regional allies if it perceives its survival to be at risk.
Despite heavy losses last June, Iran still holds hundreds of missiles capable of reaching Israel, according to Israeli estimates. Its arsenal of shorter-range missiles can strike U.S. bases across the Gulf and offshore American forces, now facing the arrival of a second aircraft carrier.
Iran has previously threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for the global oil trade, and said it partially did so during military drills last week.
Navy ships conduct operations during a joint drill by Iranian and Russian forces in the Indian Ocean, Feb. 17, 2025. (AFP Photo)
