Iran’s strengths, weaknesses ...
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While Israel runs one of the most powerful and experienced spy apparatus in the world, human intelligence operatives have largely been replaced by modern surveillance technologies. Today, information is gathered in real time via satellites, drones, and reconnaissance aircraft, and is immediately relayed to fighter jets and strike drones, enabling targeted assassinations, missile strikes, or aerial bombardments.
On another front, Israel sought to weaponize Iran’s internal social dynamics for its own gain during the military campaign. However, this strategy backfired entirely. One of Iran’s greatest strengths during the war was the overwhelming support it received from the public—both at home and overseas. Political figures, academics, artists, various political parties, and even political prisoners stood in defense of Iran’s territorial integrity and condemned the Israeli-American military offensive.
Israel had hoped the Iranian public would at least remain neutral—if not indifferent—in the face of its brutal campaign. But instead, the smart people of Iran viewed the aggression as an cruel war and stood firm against it. They resisted the bombardments and helped derail Israel and the United States’ strategic objectives.
Another major strength was Iran’s swift and authoritative military response. Despite the targeted killings of senior IRGC and armed forces commanders, the country managed to retaliate within hours, hitting precise military targets in occupied territories. These retaliatory strikes continued unabated until the cease-fire took effect.
Even though the full scope of American, Israeli, and NATO air defense systems—including the Iron Dome and missile shield platforms—had been mobilized, a significant number of Iranian missiles, manufactured domestically under the weight of harsh sanctions, managed to strike their targets. Among them was the American Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Israel, for the first time in years, felt the bitter reality of war firsthand.
Iran’s most significant shortcoming was being caught off guard at the onset of the Israeli assault, leading to the assassinations of distinguished IRGC commanders and renowned nuclear scientists—some alongside their families.
The performance of Iran’s government and foreign policy during and prior to the war deserves a separate and detailed assessment. Now is an opportune moment for the Islamic Republic to draw lessons from the 12-day conflict and prevent Israel from initiating another round of aggression.