Has Iran become more powerful after the 12-day war with Israel and the United States? Have other warplanes lost their effectiveness in today's wars? Will the role of drones and hypersonic and supersonic missiles with 2-ton warheads and radar-evading and vertical-flight missiles become more prominent in future wars? Did Iran set a model for future wars in this war to the world and Western countries?

Hossein Farzin added a reply::::

8 hours ago

Achieving a position of power following any military conflict depends largely on the realization of predetermined objectives within the framework of grand security-defense strategies. In the 12-day war between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Zionist regime, a precise assessment of the operational objectives of both sides and their degree of success in achieving these goals constitutes an essential component of strategic analysis of this event. Given the controlled media environment on both fronts, as well as the classified nature of information related to military operations, providing a comprehensive analysis at this stage presents certain challenges.

However, based on available verifiable data, it can be inferred that Iran's air defense systems and aerial sovereignty protection faced more significant challenges compared to the Zionist regime. This highlights the urgent need to revise defense strategies and strengthen security infrastructure. At the same time, this analysis does not negate the severe blows inflicted on the Zionist regime's defensive capabilities, as a final assessment of the military exchanges in this conflict requires more time and the release of more accurate information from reliable sources.

In response to your second and third questions, it is necessary to remind you of the decisive role played by American and Israeli fighter jets and bombers in this war, which shifted the military balance. According to most analysts, their impact was more significant than that of ballistic missiles and drones. Even if we were to emphasize the role of drones and missiles, the behind-the-scenes importance of air defense systems, long-range radars, and military satellites—which critically enhance the performance of missiles and drones—cannot be overstated. In this regard as well, Iran appeared more vulnerable.

This event underscores the necessity of prioritizing enhanced strategic resilience, improved deterrence capabilities, and strengthened regional security cooperation in Iran's defense policies. Additionally, the imperative to adopt advanced technologies in cyber warfare and electronic warfare stands out as one of the key lessons from this conflict.

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Sundus F Hantoosh added a reply

5 days ago

Dear Doctor

Definitely yes.

Iran showed a great power in its conflict with its enemy Zionism.

Iran possesses humanity principles and has the right to keep its nation free and to boost the rights of Palestinians, as a global issue.

So, Iran emerged as a glittering star in the sky and let Zionism be scary and afraid and filled with shame.

Zionism defeated in this war and the victory was to Iran.

God bless and help who defend and fight under true principles and ethics.

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Abdelmalek El Ouazzani added a reply

11 hours ago

The ISIS did not emerge stronger from the war against Israel and the USA because it showed that it had no air defenses and lost its branches to Hizbullah and Hamas. From this point of view, it is rather weak. On the other hand, it showed that with its missiles, it could reach Israel and pose a potential danger whose extent no one really measures. But, the USA showed that they could strike it whenever and wherever they wanted without it having the capacity to respond since the attack on the American base in Qatar was only a last stand, as the French say.

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Jairo Diaz added a reply::::

6 hours ago

Abbas Kashani I wouldn’t use the word “powerful” to describe a country actively engaged in war—conflict often reflects instability, not strength. That said, I’ll stand by this: Iran, without question, carries the legacy of the ancient Persian empires that once ruled vast parts of the Middle East. The resilience of the Iranian people, and the state’s ability to respond strategically under pressure, has undeniably captured global attention.

The Trump administration’s failure to achieve its objectives in Iran represents more than a diplomatic misstep—it’s an embarrassment. The national security and foreign policy advisors responsible for that strategy should be held accountable for pushing reckless, shortsighted plans that underestimated Iran’s endurance and overestimated U.S. leverage. This isn’t leadership—it’s reactive, impulsive, and devoid of the patience and strategic foresight that military decision-making demands.

In many ways, this reminds me of the shock felt around the world after Japan defeated Russia in 1905—a moment that shattered colonial assumptions and reshaped how nations, especially in Asia, viewed European power. Similarly, this botched U.S. approach may spark a broader regional reassessment: countries may begin placing more trust in their own capabilities and less in American guarantees.

What’s most astonishing is the hypocrisy. Republicans were quick to criticize President Biden over the withdrawal from Afghanistan, yet their own handling of Iran was arguably far worse. Frankly, I don’t recognize this version of the Republican Party. Its behavior today betrays the principles that traditional conservatives once upheld. If President Reagan were watching, I imagine he’d look on with disbelief at what his party has become.

Now, back to your questions:

Has Iran become more powerful after the 12-day war with Israel and the United States? Short Answer: Not militarily more powerful—but politically and psychologically more assertive.

Iran did not “win” in a traditional military sense, but its ability to launch, survive, and influence a limited conflict with regional and global powers without collapsing has shifted global perceptions. Its use of asymmetric warfare, regional proxies, and missile technology demonstrated that it can impose costs and resist direct pressure. That isn’t power in the conventional sense, but it is strategic resilience—and that matters in today's world.

Have traditional warplanes lost their effectiveness in today's wars? Short Answer: Not entirely, but their dominance is declining.

Traditional warplanes are still vital for air superiority, intelligence, and targeted strikes—but they now face increasing threats from cheap drones, integrated air defense systems, and hypersonic weapons. The cost-to-impact ratio of traditional jets is becoming harder to justify when $10,000 drones can cripple billion-dollar assets. Air power remains important, but it’s no longer uncontested.

Will the role of drones, hypersonic missiles, radar-evading and vertical-launch weapons become more prominent? Short Answer: Absolutely—this is already happening.

Drones, loitering munitions (like “kamikaze drones”), hypersonic and supersonic missiles, and vertical-launch, radar-evading weapons are rapidly redefining modern warfare. These technologies are faster, harder to intercept, and significantly more cost-effective. They also enable weaker states and non-state actors to conduct precision strikes. Every major military—U.S., China, Russia, Iran, Israel—is investing heavily in these capabilities for good reason.

Did Iran set a model for future wars in this war to the world and Western countries? Short Answer: It offered a warning, not a full model.

Iran didn’t invent a new military doctrine, but it demonstrated how a medium-sized regional power can hold its own using hybrid warfare: drones, missiles, cyberattacks, and regional alliances (like Hezbollah and militia networks). Western observers are paying attention not because Iran “won,” but because it executed a multi-layered strategy against a superior force and endured. That sends a message—to the Global South, to U.S. adversaries, and to military planners: brute force is no longer enough.

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Abbas Kashani

• University of Mohaghegh Ardabili