Iran: Conventional Military Capabilities

This note examines the conventional military capabilities that Iran possesses, on the basis of publicly available information. It focuses specifically on Iran’s ballistic missile programme which has received increasing attention in light of Iran’s perceived nuclear ambitions and the recent changes to the US’ missile defence proposals in Europe.
It is not intended as a comprehensive assessment but a brief introduction to Iran’s military capabilities. It also does not examine Iran’s nuclear programme which is outlined in Library Standard Note SN/IA/4262, Iran’s Nuclear Programme: An Overview.