Tehran closely observed the course of Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine and is now applying what it sees as successful elements of that experience in its confrontation with US and Israeli forces, Sohu reports.

According to the publication, the core of Iran’s strategy lies in overwhelming advanced, high-tech air defense networks with large numbers of inexpensive strike assets. Small, low-cost UAVs — priced at only tens of thousands of dollars — are difficult for radar systems to detect and can be launched both from land and from small vessels. Intercepting them, however, forces an opponent to expend missiles worth millions.

The article argues that the objective of this approach is not primarily the destruction of targets, but the gradual exhaustion of enemy air defenses. Waves of cheap drones are sent first, compelling defenders to deplete their stockpiles. Once the system is strained and overloaded, more expensive ballistic missiles are launched to deliver the main strikes.

Sohu notes that the conflict in Ukraine demonstrated the impossibility of guaranteeing complete protection for major cities, even when they are shielded by layered air defense systems and supported by Western intelligence. In this context, modern warfare is increasingly becoming a test of industrial stamina, where the decisive factor is the ability to mass-produce and deploy weapons at scale.

In conclusion, the commentator raises the question of whether the countries of the Persian Gulf can ensure their security relying solely on American-made arms, especially if sustained attacks against their air defense systems reduce their overall effectiveness.