Tehran — Iran's military warned Thursday that any renewed conflict with the United States and Israel would be longer and more costly than previous engagements, as commanders said the armed forces are now in better operational shape despite extensive strikes earlier this year.
Iranian commanders have expanded their target database, improved the range and accuracy of their missiles, and increased drone capabilities, a former IRGC commander told Al Jazeera. President Donald Trump indicated the current pressure campaign could restart after US midterm elections, stating Tehran must agree a deal or face consequences.
Commanders from Iran's General Staff of Armed Forces, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the regular Army recently met Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei to discuss response options if attacked again. The IRGC was '100 percent ready' to confront another attack, describing 'maximum deterrence' as a goal, while the Army said it would rely on asymmetric warfare tactics to compensate for US military superiority.
Iran has showcased upgraded military equipment including an Arash attack drone with a 100kg warhead — double the previous capacity — and state television has aired footage of an underground drone production line. A Reuters investigation published last week found that numerous military agencies linked with Iran's defence establishment have evaded sanctions, funneling billions of dollars into military imports from China, Russia and Germany between January and June 2025 to replenish the IRGC. Imported materials included rocket propellants, explosives, detonators, titanium and heavy-duty trucks that could be used as launchers.
Iranian officials say remaining and newly developed air defence systems have become more accurate, pointing to the successful targeting of US-built F-35s and other warplanes and drones as successes that can be replicated and expanded. At sea, Iran says it can easily target supertankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz that it deems 'unauthorised,' a capability that prompted US Navy vessels to avoid the waterway in September, though the US has continued its naval blockade on southern Iranian ports.
Iranian cities and infrastructure lack shelters or early warning systems to protect civilians, and authorities have not reported progress on promised protective measures. Iran's electricity grid, oil and gas facilities, petrochemical and steel manufacturers, and roads and railways remain vulnerable to attack.
During previous conflicts, many senior political and military figures of the Islamic Republic were killed by US and Israeli strikes. The whereabouts of the new supreme leader have been unknown since he replaced his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in early March for security reasons, prompting concerns about intelligence weaknesses and leadership protection within the establishment.
