Iran’s defense power defies sanctions
By Diako Hosseini
Analyst of strategic affairs
In correspondence to 32 nations worldwide, the Israeli foreign minister has advocated for sanctions against the missile program of the Islamic Republic of Iran. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, together with other G7 leaders, has pledged to reflect on additional sanctions against Iran, particularly targeting its drone and missile programs.
The threat to impose more sanctions on Iran surfaces only days after Tehran’s missile and drone strike in retaliation to Israel’s terrorist assault on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, all while Iran remains ensnared in the tightest of sanctions. One of Israel’s misconceptions lay precisely here, assuming that harsh economic sanctions in previous years had crippled Iran, weakening its deterrent capacity and making it unable to give a response to the violation and terrorism of the Israeli regime.
Iran’s extensive drone and missile strike clearly demonstrated that sanctions have barely scratched the surface of Iran’s defense power, given that Iran’s military industry is predominantly self-reliant and minimally reliant on external sources. Hence, a salient aspect of Iran’s retaliatory attack against Israel was the enhancement of its defense capabilities amid stringent sanctions. It’s evident that the threat of sanctions on Iran’s missile and drone programs will scarcely hinder its maintenance and bolstering of its missile and drone capabilities.
In the throes of sanctions, the Islamic Republic managed to challenge the perception of Israel as an uncontested military power in the region. This perception was dispelled on October 7 and during the Gaza conflict, and now, with Iran’s military retaliation, the illusion of Israel’s supremacy in military prowess has been shattered. Though some Israeli media or authorities may downplay Iran’s response to mask their vulnerabilities, Iran’s swift and audacious strike from its own soil, pre-announced, was an unprecedented move showcasing Tehran’s self-confidence and defense capabilities, while exposing the vulnerability of the Israeli regime.
Within the confines of legitimate defense, Tehran had the right to hit back against Israel’s targeting of its military advisors in the Iranian diplomatic mission. It was within this right that the Israeli regime found itself impotent at the UN Security Council meeting, failing to muster even a single statement against Tehran. Everyone acknowledges Iran’s response as a legitimate right, although some may abstain from expressing it for various reasons.
Iran’s unprecedented attack also underscored resolve to safeguard its territorial integrity, national interests, and international standing against regional counterparts, revealing Iran’s unwavering stance even in the direst of circumstances to protect its interests. Indeed, this operation exemplified Iran’s regional power like never before.