Middle East expert Semyon Bagdasarov outlined key factors that, in his view, allowed Iran to effectively resist actions by the United States and Israel.

He stated that Tehran made a deliberate focus on missile weapons and drones, which produced tangible results. According to him, Iran built an extensive network of underground «missile cities» from which launches are carried out. Some systems emerge to the surface to fire and then return underground. He noted that neither the US nor Israel possesses weapons capable of effectively destroying such facilities.

Bagdasarov also highlighted the role of proxy forces, arguing that Iran did not merely support them but actively created them. He cited Hezbollah as an example, describing it as a structure formed with the involvement of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps that evolved into a powerful force aligned with Tehran. Similar groups, he said, operate in Iraq and have been conducting strikes against Iran’s opponents from the outset of the conflict, with some producing their own drones.

He described these elements as tools of Iran’s pressure strategy.

Another factor, according to the expert, is Iran’s use of regional geography. He said Tehran had long prepared defenses around the Strait of Hormuz, allowing it to maintain control over this key area.

Bagdasarov also pointed to the unpredictability of Iranian strikes, which targeted even Middle Eastern states where Iran had previously invested economically. In his view, Tehran prioritized military objectives over economic ties, putting US allies in a difficult position and raising doubts about Washington’s ability to protect them.

He further noted Iran’s development of long-range missiles, including hypersonic systems with ranges of up to 2,000 kilometers, which enabled strikes on Israeli territory.

At the same time, he believes Iran does not possess nuclear weapons but has the capability to develop missiles with ranges of up to 10,000–12,000 kilometers, potentially capable of reaching the United States.