What are Iran’s weapons as it fights the US and Israel?
Al Jazeera
March 1, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Iran is escalating its response to US and Israeli strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top officials. Tehran has launched missile attacks on Gulf states hosting American forces and Israel, signaling a significant shift in strategy. This move comes as Iran views the conflict as a existential battle for the Islamic Republic, with immediate retaliation seen as crucial to avoid appearing weak. President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that avenging these losses is both a duty and a right, setting the stage for prolonged regional tensions.
At the heart of Iran's response lies its advanced missile arsenal, described by analysts as one of the Middle East's most extensive and diverse. Short-range missiles are used for rapid strikes on nearby targets, while medium-range systems extend their reach to key US and Israeli locations across the Gulf and beyond. These capabilities allow Iran to inflict substantial damage without relying on a modern air force, as demonstrated in past conflicts like the 2020 attack on Iraq's Ain al-Assad base.
The strategic importance of this situation lies in its potential to disrupt global energy supplies and shipping routes through the Gulf. Iran's ability to target US-linked facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar poses a significant threat to regional stability and could escalate into a broader conflict with far-reaching economic implications. The world watches closely as the cycle of strikes may evolve into a prolonged campaign, shaping the future security landscape of the Middle East.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 3/1/2026