The Iran Army is now stronger than the start of the war

THE IRANIAN ARMY IS NOW STRONGER THAN IT WAS AT THE START OF THE WAR — A NEW CHALLENGE FOR ITS ADVERSARIES

Iran’s military strength has become a major subject of debate as the war continues, with questions emerging over whether the conflict has weakened the country’s military capabilities or pushed it to adapt, reorganise and develop new ways of fighting.

The central argument is that Iran may have emerged from the fighting with greater battlefield experience, improved operational tactics and a better understanding of the military capabilities of its adversaries.

However, there is an important distinction between becoming more experienced and becoming stronger in overall military terms. Assessing that claim requires examining Iran’s remaining weapons, missile capabilities, military infrastructure and losses sustained during the conflict.

Iran Says Its Military Has Become Stronger Despite Months of War With the United States and Israel

The claim is not coming from an independent military assessment alone. It is also being made by Iranian military officials themselves.

According to a report by AFP published on November 7, Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia said the country’s armed forces had gained valuable experience from direct confrontations with the United States and Israel.

He said Iranian forces were now on higher alert, more confident and better prepared than they were when the conflict began.

The statement comes amid continued tensions between Tehran and Washington, with diplomatic efforts struggling to produce a lasting agreement.

Battlefield experience and new military tactics

Iranian officials argue that the conflict has provided their military with an opportunity to study the tactics, weapons and operational methods used by American and Israeli forces.

According to a November 2 report by Al Jazeera, Iranian military figures have claimed improvements in missile range, accuracy, warhead capabilities and drone technology.

A former senior commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hossein Kanani Moghaddam, also claimed that Iran had expanded its target database and improved its offensive capabilities.

Iran has additionally highlighted its use of asymmetric warfare — a strategy that relies on unconventional tactics, drones, missiles and other relatively inexpensive weapons to challenge technologically superior opponents.

These claims, however, have not all been independently verified. Al Jazeera +1

The Strait of Hormuz remains a major strategic advantage

One of Iran’s most significant sources of leverage remains the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but strategically important waterway through which approximately one-fifth of global oil consumption normally passes.

Tehran has used its ability to threaten and restrict shipping through the waterway as an important bargaining instrument in its confrontation with Washington.

Iranian military spokesman Mohammad Akraminia has indicated that the country’s position on the strait remains tied to its demands in negotiations with the United States.

The continuing dispute has also attracted international attention because of its potential consequences for global energy supplies, shipping costs and the wider economy. The Economic Times +1

But has Iran actually become militarily stronger?

Despite Tehran’s confidence, there are important questions about the extent of its military recovery.

American military officials have previously reported extensive destruction of Iranian air-defence systems, missile facilities, drone installations and naval assets.

An Associated Press assessment of American military statements reported that US forces had struck more than 13,000 targets during the campaign, including missile storage facilities and drone infrastructure.

However, a separate intelligence assessment reported by The New York Times in May indicated that Iran had retained significant missile capabilities and regained access to many underground missile facilities.

This suggests that although Iran suffered substantial military damage, its ability to continue operating and potentially rebuild should not be underestimated. AP News +1

A warning to Washington and Tel Aviv

Iran’s latest statements appear intended to communicate that another military confrontation would not necessarily produce the same results as the previous campaign.

Tehran is signalling that its forces have studied the weaknesses exposed during the fighting and are preparing to respond differently if hostilities resume.

However, greater experience, confidence and improved tactics do not automatically mean that Iran has surpassed its pre-war military strength in terms of equipment, personnel or overall capabilities.

For Washington and Tel Aviv, the question is whether the damage inflicted on Iran has significantly reduced its long-term ability to threaten American and Israeli interests.

For Tehran, the message is that despite the destruction it has suffered, the country still retains military capabilities and the determination to resist further attacks.

The bigger question now is whether the next phase of the Iran conflict will be determined by military firepower, economic pressure or diplomatic negotiations.

Sources: AFP, Al Jazeera, Associated Press, The New York Times and CBS News.

Editorial note: The headline reflects the Iranian military’s publicly stated position. The claim that Iran is now stronger overall than before the war remains disputed and has not been independently established.