US-Iran-Israel war: What weapons Iran has: Missiles, drones and how far they can reach

PTC Web Desk: The Middle East is facing serious tension after the United States and Israel carried out joint airstrikes on Iran on Saturday. In the attack, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several top Iranian officials were killed.

Soon after the strikes, Iran promised revenge. Iranian leaders said they have already started responding by targeting Israeli and US-linked military bases in different parts of the region, especially in Gulf countries where American forces are stationed.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said taking revenge for Khamenei’s death is Iran’s “duty and legitimate right.” According to Iranian officials, this fight is not just another clash; they believe it is about the survival of their government.

Why this situation is serious

Experts say this time is different from past tensions. Iran feels that if it does not respond strongly, it may appear weak and invite more attacks. Because of this, Tehran may continue strikes instead of limiting its response.

The big question now is whether this will remain a short exchange of attacks or turn into a long and dangerous war.

Iran’s missile power

Iran has one of the largest missile programmes in the Middle East. Since its air force uses old aircraft, the country depends heavily on missiles and drones. Some of Iran’s long-range missiles can travel up to 2,500 km. This means they can reach Israel and many US military bases in Gulf countries. However, they cannot reach the United States mainland.

Iran also has short-range missiles, which are useful for quick attacks on nearby military targets. In 2020, Iran used such missiles to hit the Ain al-Assad airbase in Iraq after the US killed General Qassem Soleimani. That attack injured over 100 American soldiers.

Medium-range missiles give Iran the ability to strike deeper into the region, including Israel and US bases in countries like Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Drones and cruise missiles

Iran also uses cruise missiles and drones. Cruise missiles fly low and are harder to detect. Drones are slower but cheaper and can be launched in large numbers. Experts say Iran may use waves of drones and missiles together to weaken enemy air defenses.

Underground missile bases

Iran has built underground tunnels and hidden missile storage sites, often called “missile cities.” These secret bases make it harder for enemies to destroy Iran’s missile systems quickly. Even after heavy attacks, Iran may still be able to continue firing missiles.

Threat to oil and shipping

Another major concern is the Strait of Hormuz. A large amount of the world’s oil passes through this narrow waterway. Iran can target ships using missiles, mines and fast boats.

Even without fully blocking the strait, small attacks or threats can increase oil prices and disturb global markets. Some shipping companies have already slowed or suspended movement in the area due to rising risks.

US military presence

The United States has increased its military presence in the Gulf region. While this strengthens American defenses, it also creates more possible targets for Iran.

US forces are spread across different countries, and it may not be possible to protect every base at all times. Analysts say if Iran manages to hit even a few important targets, pressure could rise in Washington and across the region.

What happens next?

Iran has made it clear that it does not see this as a limited conflict. Officials have warned that any attack on Iranian soil will lead to a wider war. Groups allied with Iran, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, have also condemned Khamenei’s killing and may join the confrontation.

For now, the world is watching closely. If both sides continue attacking, the conflict could grow and affect not just the Middle East, but global oil supplies and financial markets as well.