CIREBON RAYA | JAKARTA — Iran's current advantages (in the context of global geopolitics) are not limited to just one area. This country possesses several strategic strengths that allow it to maintain its influence in the Middle East, despite being subject to numerous international sanctions.
Here are the most prominent analyses compiled by global geopolitical observers.
1. Missile Power and Military Technology
One of Iran's greatest advantages is missile and drone technology.
Iran possesses the largest ballistic missile arsenal in the Middle East.
These missiles are capable of reaching many areas in the region, including foreign military bases.
Iran also continues to develop new missiles, such as the Qassem Bassir ballistic missile with a range of approximately 1,200 km.
Furthermore, Iran is very strong in the fields of military drones and cruise missiles, as well as asymmetric defense systems.
The strategy is not to compete directly with the US, but to develop cheap, yet effective weapons for deterrence.
2. Independent Military Industry
Due to decades of Western sanctions, Iran has been forced to develop a domestic weapons industry.
They are capable of producing their own weapons, such as combat drones, missiles, tanks, and artillery systems.
This industry makes Iran less dependent on weapons imports.
3. Regional Influence Network (Proxy Power)
Iran has a network of allied groups in various Middle Eastern countries.
For example, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and thousands of militias in Iraq and Syria.
This strategy is often called "forward defense," which means expanding influence without resorting to direct war.
As a result, Iran can influence conflicts in several countries simultaneously.
4. Strategic Geographical Position
Iran is located near the Strait of Hormuz, a vital sea route for global oil trade.
Approximately 20% of global oil passes through this route.
This means Iran has significant influence over global energy security. Any conflict in the region can affect global oil prices.
This makes Iran a significant player in global geopolitics.
5. The nuclear program as a "strategic card"
Iran also has a highly advanced nuclear program.
They are capable of enriching uranium to around 60%, close to the level required for a nuclear weapon.
This status is often called a "threshold nuclear state," meaning a country close to being capable of developing a nuclear weapon.
This provides significant political bargaining power in international diplomacy.
6. Strategic relations with major powers
For example, military cooperation and the purchase of defense systems and plans to purchase anti-ship missiles from China.
This relationship helps Iran offset pressure from the West. (*)
Editor ■ Gusti Haes
