Unlike the United States, Iran has prepared for a long war, according to Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, on the third day of the confrontation involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. Larijani reiterated what other Iranian officials have stated since the initial attack: “We will defend ourselves, whatever the cost.”
Since February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel have been conducting a coordinated and massive military offensive against Iran. The attacks specifically target political leaders, as well as military and governmental installations.
Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks against Israel and against U.S. Bases in neighboring countries in the Persian Gulf. According to Admiral Brad Cooper, head of the U.S. Central Command Regional Command, Iran had launched more than 500 ballistic missiles and over 2,000 drones as of Wednesday, March 4.
“We do not know exactly how many ballistic missiles and drones Iran actually possesses,” an anonymous weapons expert told DW. The expert also reaffirmed a thesis debated among military specialists since the start of the war: that if Iran had not attacked Israel with hundreds of missiles in October 2024, in retaliation for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, it would not have “opened Pandora’s Box” for itself.
That attack revealed the weakness of Iran’s long-range missile program, as the missiles failed to hit their targets accurately, diminishing its deterrent potential and removing the psychological threshold of direct confrontation.
Logistics and Production of Missiles and Drones
At the start of the war, the Israeli military estimated that Iran had approximately 2,500 ballistic missiles. Aside from those already launched, Iran’s arsenal has likely been reduced as many have been destroyed or buried in its storage tunnels during Israeli and U.S. Bombing raids.
Satellite images show attacks on missile bases in the cities of Kermanshah, Karaj, Khorramabad, and North Tabriz. Entrances to underground arsenal tunnels are shown completely collapsed. It’s unknown how many missiles were removed from these warehouses before the conflict and how many launchers remain available.
Iran is believed to be able to react flexibly regarding the pace of drone production. The facilities used for their manufacture are not large or easily visible. According to leaked Russian documents, Tehran can produce around 5,000 drones per month, launched from simple structures built in hours. Manufacturing one of these Shahed drones costs Iran several thousand dollars, while a Patriot interceptor missile costs up to three million dollars.
According to an analysis by the Novel York Times based on verified satellite images and videos, Iran has damaged structures that are part of the communication and radar systems of at least seven U.S. Military bases in the Middle East or nearby with its short-range missiles and drones. These attacks indicate Iran aimed to interfere with U.S. Military communication and coordination capabilities.
Consequences for the Population and the Region
“Iran will try to prolong the war and buy time,” Fawaz Gerges, professor of International Relations at the London School of Economics, told DW.
“Iranian leaders have had time to plan and coordinate their actions. I believe they are preparing for a long war.” The primary goal of the Iranian regime is, essentially, resilience—the ability to withstand impacts and continue to confront its adversaries.
The cost of the war is borne by the Iranian population, which is defenseless against the attacks. While the United States and Israel claim to be carrying out selective attacks, it is almost impossible to avoid significant collateral damage in densely populated cities.
According to Iranian data, 168 children between the ages of seven and twelve, as well as their teachers, were among the victims of an attack on a primary school in the city of Minab. Israel has denied attacking the school, located about 40 kilometers from the Gulf of Oman, while the United States announced it would investigate the incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
What actions has Iran taken in response to the offensive?
Iran has responded with attacks of missiles and drones against Israel and against U.S. Bases in neighboring countries in the Persian Gulf, launching more than 500 ballistic missiles and over 2,000 drones as of March 4.
What is known about Iran’s missile and drone capabilities?
The Israeli military estimated Iran had around 2,500 ballistic missiles at the start of the war. Iran is believed to be able to produce around 5,000 drones per month, and the cost to manufacture one Shahed drone is several thousand dollars.
What is the stated objective of the Iranian regime?
According to Fawaz Gerges, professor of International Relations at the London School of Economics, the primary goal of the Iranian regime is resilience—the ability to withstand impacts and continue to confront its adversaries.
As this conflict continues to unfold, what impact will the escalating attacks have on regional stability and the broader international community?
