Qasem Soleimani’s Killing: Iran Vows To Take ‘Revenge’, How Capable Is Its Military?

In the wake of United States’ attack on top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, the entire region of middle east along with the world, at large, is reeling under the threat of a violent confrontation. Iranian leadership has vowed to take a 'severe revenge' while the US, on the other hand, has called it a ‘war on terror’. At this stage of prospective military action brewing on the part of Iran when both Pentagon and Tehran glare at each other, it becomes crucial to analyse whether Tehran possesses the capabilities to meet its 'vow of revenge'.

With an estimated 523,000 active Iranian personnel, which includes 350,000 in the regular army, and at least 150,000 in the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Iran certainly appears to be a force in the middle east to reckon with.

Iran has the strong Quds Force, which was led by General Soleimani. It is tasked to conduct secret operations abroad for the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).

Iran has deployed the unit in Syria and Iraq and unit has been advising Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Shia-dominated paramilitary force in Iraq, reports BBC.

As far as the missile capability of Iran is concerned, it forms a key part of country’s military prowess. However, it has a relatively weaker air force in comparison to Israel and Saudi Arabia.

According to a report by US Defense Department, Iran has the largest missile force in the middle east and it mainly comprises short-range and medium-range missiles.

The nation is currently testing space technology to make it capable enough to develop inter-continental missiles.

Despite having no inter-continental ballistic missiles, many targets in Saudi Arabia, Israel and the Gulf are vulnerable to Iran's current short and medium-range missiles.

Iran had earlier stalled its long-range missile programme as part of its 2015 nuclear deal with foreign countries but reports suggest that it can resume the development of long range missiles soon.