Iran's ballistic missile capabilities reflect regional tensions and asymmetric warfare strategies
Original framing: “How far can Iran’s ballistic missiles reach? A defense expert explains how the missiles work, and what Iran can and can’t hit” — The Conversation - Global
Iran's missile development has roots in the 1980s Iran-Iraq War, where it faced severe conventional military disadvantages. This historical context shows that missile programs are often a response to prolonged conflict and perceived vulnerability.
Iran's missile program is not an isolated act of aggression but a systemic response to decades of regional insecurity, economic sanctions, and U.S. military presence. The framing of Iran as a direct threat to the U.S.
obscures the broader geopolitical dynamics at play, including the role of Israeli and U.S. military actions in shaping Iranian defense policy. Historical parallels, such as the Cold War arms race, show how militarization can spiral out of control without diplomatic engagement. Cross-culturally, missile development is often seen as a tool of sovereignty rather than aggression, challenging the binary logic of Western security paradigms. To move forward, a systemic approach must address the root causes of insecurity, including economic inequality, political exclusion, and the militarization of foreign policy. This requires not only technical solutions but also a shift in the global security narrative toward cooperation and mutual understanding.