Iran's Military Strategy: Could it Overcome Israel?

Parts of Iran ' s nuclear network seem invulnerable without ground troops. Can Israel overcome that hurdle while minimizing danger to its own population? Israel ’s attack on Iran has exposed critical weaknesses in Tehran’s broader military strategy . While Iran still has untapped shorter-range capabilities it could deploy in its immediate neighbourhood, its depleted medium-range missile arsenal and weakened regional allies leave it with limited options for retaliation against Israel . Israel ’s massive, ongoing assault on Iran highlights an extraordinary shift in Israeli military doctrine since Hamas, Iran’s Palestinian ally, attacked the country in October 2023. Facing a massive attack on its homeland, the Islamic Republic's response has been restrained, driven by vulnerability and the need to avoid U.S. Its strategy appears aimed at preserving deterrence and diplomatic options while managing internal fallout amid mounting civilian losses. Iran held back in terms of the range and volume of weapons that it used, and it could also have encouraged a larger and simultaneous set of attacks from its proxies and partners, such as Lebanese Hizbullah, to stretch and overwhelm Israeli defences. Israel conducted missile strikes in Iran this week. Neither Iranian or Israeli officials have commented on the strikes, which appear to be in response to an Iranian attack last weekend when. Iran's main advantage against Israel has always been being able to attack through its proxies — including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in south Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen. JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel has promised to retaliate for Iran’s massive missile attack last week. How it does so involves great risk, and could have major repercussions for the archenemies, the Middle East and the world. However, the missile barrage showed Israel that it cannot prevail against Iran on its own. In his latest article, our researcher Azriel Bermant explores the critical role of international alliances and the impact of Israel's robust defense on its geopolitical strategy and regional stability. ‘The stars aligned’: Why Israel set out for a war against Iran , and what it achieved IDF saw the regime’s growing nuclear threat, alongside the collapse of proxy groups, and was at peak.