Destroy.pdf

The Gulf Military Balance report focuses on the missile and nuclear dimensions of US-Iranian competition, highlighting the dangers of Iran's potential deployment of long-range, nuclear-armed missiles. Iran's current missile and rocket forces compensate for its lack of air power, posing a threat to its neighbors and US forces. The report notes that Iran has acquired most elements of a nuclear breakout capability, except for fissile material, and has transferred long-range rockets to proxy forces like Hezbollah and Hamas. The US and its allies seek a negotiated solution to Iran's nuclear efforts, but there is a risk of preventive strikes by Israel or the US if negotiations fail. The report emphasizes that Iran's nuclear threat is part of its broader long-range strike capabilities, and that the country faces pressures from sanctions, US buildup in the Gulf, and regional competitors, which may lead it to use conventionally armed missiles or pursue asymmetric warfare.