In recent years, attack drones have also taken on an increasingly important role in Iran’s military strategy. Models like the Shahed-136 loitering munition, also known as kamikaze drones, are relatively cheap to produce and can be used in large numbers to overwhelm expensive air defense systems like the MIM-104 Patriot.
However, according to current US intelligence assessments, Iran does not yet have the capability to strike the United States with intercontinental ballistic missiles. Analysts estimate that the development of such a capability is not expected to occur before 2035, although Iran’s missile program continues to be the focus of international attention and strategic debate in the region and beyond.