Tensions between Iran and Israel have drawn attention to the Iranian military. Iran is armed with at least 580,000 active soldiers and about 200,000 trained reservists.
Iran has focused on developing precision and long-range missiles, drones and air defense systems. The Iranian Armed Forces, including the Army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, have separate and active ground, air and naval forces that are strategically coordinated. The General Staff of the Armed Forces coordinates the branches of the armed forces and determines the overall strategy. The Guard also operates the Quds Force, an elite unit responsible for arming, training and supporting the network of proxy militias known as the Axis of Resistance across the Middle East. The U.S. President Joe Biden has already pledged firm support to Israel in the event of an Iranian attack. Experts warn that further escalation and retaliation from Iran could lead to a larger regional conflict that could also affect the United States. Tehran is not only strengthening its own army, but apparently also Palestinians in the West Bank. The country is said to have pumped weapons into the Palestinian region.