As Iran and Israel face one of the most dangerous escalations in their history, understanding their comparative strengths is vital. From population and military size to nuclear capabilities and GDP, this comprehensive comparison outlines the key differences and strategic positions of both nations.

Population: Iran’s Demographic Advantage

• Iran: ~88.5 million (2024 est.)
  • Manpower available: ~49 million
  • Fit for service: ~41 million
• Israel: ~9.5 million (2024 est.)
  • Manpower available: ~3.8 million
  • Fit for service: ~3.1 million

Takeaway: Iran’s population is nearly 10 times larger, offering a larger conscription base. However, Israel’s universal conscription ensures a high percentage of its population is combat-trained.

Military Power: Iran’s Volume vs. Israel’s Precision

Personnel & Structure

• Iran: 610,000 active, 350,000 reserves
  • Includes: Army, IRGC (elite unit), Air Force, Navy, Air Defense
• Israel: 169,500 active, 465,000 reserves
  • Known for intensive training and rapid mobilization

Air Power

• Iran: 551 aircraft
  • 186 fighter jets (mostly outdated), 129 helicopters, strong in drone warfare (e.g., Shahed drones)
• Israel: 612 aircraft
  • 241 modern fighter jets (incl. F-35), 146 helicopters (48 attack helis), exceptional pilot training

Ground Forces

• Iran:
  • 1,996 tanks
  • 65,765 armored vehicles
  • 6,798 artillery units
• Israel:
  • 1,370 tanks (incl. Merkava IV)
  • 43,407 armored vehicles
  • 800 artillery units

Naval Power

• Iran:
  • 107 vessels, incl. 25 submarines
  • Strength: asymmetric coastal warfare, Strait of Hormuz dominance
• Israel:
  • 62 vessels, incl. 5 Dolphin-class submarines (potentially nuclear-armed)
  • Advanced electronic warfare and sea-based missile capability

Missile & Defense Systems

• Iran:
  • Over 3,000 ballistic missiles (max range ~2,000 km)
  • Limited air defenses
• Israel:
  • World-leading systems like Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Arrow
  • Jericho missile family (some nuclear-capable)

Takeaway: Iran has quantity; Israel leads in quality, training, and real-time combat tech, bolstered by U.S. support.

Nuclear Capability: Israel’s Silent Deterrent

• Iran: No confirmed nuclear weapons
  • Advanced enrichment, fatwa bans nuclear arms
  • Nuclear facilities targeted in Israel’s June 2025 strikes
• Israel: Estimated 90–200 nuclear warheads
  • Nuclear ambiguity policy
  • Delivery: Jericho missiles, Dolphin submarines

Takeaway: Israel has a confirmed nuclear edge; Iran remains under watch for potential weaponization.

Economic Comparison: Israel Leads in Output and Defense Investment

• Iran: ~$366 billion GDP (nominal, 2023 est.)
  • Economy reliant on oil, strained by sanctions
  • Military budget (2024): ~$7.9 billion (unofficial estimates range up to $25B)
• Israel: ~$557 billion GDP (2023 est.)
  • High-tech, innovation, and defense-driven economy
  • Military budget (2024): ~$46.5 billion

Takeaway: Israel’s smaller economy is far more dynamic and better equipped to sustain high-end defense spending.

Cyber Power & Strategic Alliances

Cyber Warfare

• Iran:
  • Strong capabilities in cyber espionage and infrastructure attacks
  • Operates elite units for asymmetric digital conflict
• Israel:
  • Global leader in cyber operations (Unit 8200)
  • Defends and attacks with cutting-edge digital tools

Strategic Partners

• Iran:
  • Alliances: Russia, China (arms, tech, oil)
  • Proxy forces: Hezbollah, Houthis, Syrian militia
• Israel:
  • Key ally: United States (billions in military aid)
  • Access to U.S. tech and logistics, NATO-level training

Takeaway: Israel’s Western partnerships offer unparalleled support, while Iran relies on proxies and strategic rivals to the West.

Current Conflict Context (As of June 18, 2025)

Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, launched on June 13, targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities and killed top IRGC leaders including Hossein Salami. In retaliation, Iran fired missiles at Tel Aviv and Bat Yam, escalating a dangerous regional conflict.

• Khamenei declared, “The battle begins,” promising severe retaliation.
• Trump warned Iran, calling on it to surrender or face “complete destruction.”

Crude oil surged by 4.3% to $75/barrel, reflecting fears of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.

Conclusion: Balance of Power in 2025

Why It Matters

Understanding this comparison is crucial for readers globally and especially the Indian diaspora. The Iran-Israel standoff not only threatens regional stability but could ripple across global trade, oil supply, and diplomatic relations.

Stay tuned to NriGlobe.com for verified updates, expert analysis, and in-depth comparisons during this critical time in world affairs. Join the global conversation using #IranVsIsrael.