Tehran signals long war strategy as missile and drone exchanges intensify across the Middle East

Iran signals a long war strategy, using thousands of drones and missiles to challenge US-Israeli forces despite strikes on its underground storage bases.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 6, 2026, 3:25 PM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from DW

Commitment to prolonged hostilities

Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, stated on March 6, 2026, that the nation has prepared for a long term conflict and is ready to defend itself regardless of the cost. This declaration signals a strategic shift toward resilience and endurance as the coordinated military campaign by the United States and Israel enters its second week. Despite the intensity of the coalition air strikes, the Iranian leadership remains functional and appears determined to absorb military blows while maintaining a continuous response.

Scale of the Iranian aerial offensive

According to Brad Cooper, commander of United States Central Command, Iran has launched more than 500 ballistic missiles and over 2,000 drones as of March 4. These attacks have targeted Israeli territory as well as various locations across the Gulf, including sites hosting American military bases. Authorities in the United Arab Emirates reported that hundreds of rockets and drones have impacted their territory in recent days, illustrating the wide geographic reach of Tehran’s retaliatory capabilities.

Degradation of missile infrastructure

At the start of the conflict, military estimates suggested Iran possessed approximately 2,500 ballistic missiles, but that number is believed to have declined due to both active launches and coalition strikes. Satellite imagery indicates significant damage to missile bases in cities such as Kermanshah, Karaj, Khorramabad, and Tabriz. Reports suggest that tunnel entrances to underground storage facilities have been specifically targeted to trap or destroy mobile launchers before they can be deployed.