Iran and Israel both have formidable military might. Iran has a general advantage in numbers, with some 600,000 active personnel (and 350,000 reservists) compared to Israel’s 170,000 (and 450,000 reservists). Iran also has a greater amount of tanks, artillery, and naval force, and has cultivated an expansive network of allied militant groups and state-controlled armed forces (known as the Axis of Resistance) that are bolstered by its clandestine Quds Force. Israel has an advantage in technology and air force, as well as one of the world’s most effective intelligence services. In strikes in 2024 and 2025 Israeli forces have been able to overwhelm Iran’s air defenses and sabotage its military assets with apparent ease. Meanwhile, Israel’s Arrow, David’s Sling, and Iron Dome air defense systems, along with assistance by the United States and other allies, have managed to intercept most incoming missiles from Iran.