Israel has launched pre-emptive strikes on Iran, escalating tensions in the Middle East. Here’s how Iran and Israel compare militarily — and what Tehran’s possible response could look like.
WEBDESK – MediaBites News
Israel says it has begun “pre-emptive strikes” against Iran to neutralise what it calls growing security threats, escalating tensions amid fragile US-Iran diplomacy over Tehran’s nuclear programme. The strikes come as US President Donald Trump has maintained a major military build-up in the Middle East, warning he is dissatisfied with the pace of negotiations.
Iran has vowed to respond forcefully. The central question now is: between Israel and Iran, who holds the military advantage — and how far could this confrontation go?
Military comparison: Iran vs Israel
Geographically and demographically, Iran is far larger. Its population is roughly ten times that of Israel, and it fields about 610,000 active military personnel compared to Israel’s approximately 170,000.
Iran’s missile programme is considered the largest and most diverse in the Middle East. US officials have previously estimated that Tehran possesses more than 3,000 ballistic missiles. Systems such as Shahab-3 (range up to 2,000km), Zulfiqar, Qiam-1, and the Fattah hypersonic missile give Iran the theoretical capability to strike Israeli territory, as demonstrated in past exchanges.
However, Israel maintains a clear technological edge. Its defence budget — over $24bn compared to Iran’s roughly $10bn — underpins a highly advanced air force equipped with around 241 fighter jets and 48 attack helicopters. Iran operates about 186 combat aircraft and far fewer advanced helicopters.
Israel’s multi-layered missile defence systems, including Iron Dome, form the backbone of its protection against rockets and drones, a capability proven in repeated conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah.
What could Iran do?
Iran is unlikely to launch a full-scale conventional invasion but could retaliate through missile and drone strikes or via allied groups across the region. Cyber warfare is another possible front.
While Iran’s manpower and missile depth are significant, Israel’s superior technology, air power and defence systems suggest it retains the qualitative military advantage — though any escalation risks a broader regional conflict with unpredictable consequences.
