Israel vs Iran’s nuclear weapon arsenal amid WW3 fears after missile attack

The Middle East has been the site of numerous conflicts following the turn of the 20th centuries with dictators going to war and intervention from nations outside the region

Tensions in the Middle East continue to ratchet up amid ongoing conflicts between Israel and terrorist organisations Hamas and Hezbollah that have sucked in Iran risking a nuclear-level WW3 conflict- and the states control a fearsome arsenal of weaponry.

Iran and Israel are among the most well armed nations in the Middle East with both boasting large and well-trained militaries as well as hosting nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities. An all-out conflict between the two countries appears to be becoming more likely after Tehran launched dozens of missiles against Israel on Tuesday night.

Tehran claimed the attack was in response for Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon that resulted in the deaths of key leaders in Hezbollah, which is a major Iranian ally in the Middle East. Israeli operations have also resulted in the deaths of Iranian generals and leaders, which was viewed as an affront and humiliation by Tehran.

Israel in turn views the strikes in Lebanon, Gaza and Syria this year as being crucial to defending the lives of the Jewish-majority state. Critics have argued that many of the strikes have been disproportionate, have killed an excessive number of civilians and as threatening stability in the Middle East.

Concerns any substantial Israeli response against Iran could flare up into a wider conflict and result in the region becoming unstable, producing a knock-on effect to neighbouring countries and even Europe and the US should people seek to flee their homes. But how do Israel and Iran's military capabilities compare and do both nations have nuclear weapons?

How many nuclear weapons does Iran and Israel have?

While Israel has never acknowledged possessing nuclear weapons, it is widely believed by experts and international monitors to maintain a notable arsenal. According to the Arms Control Association, a US-based organisation aimed to promote understanding of arms policies, Israel has an estimated 90 nuclear warheads.

While the nuclear weapons possess incredible abilities to cause mass destruction, Israel's arsenal is believed to be the second-smallest in the world ahead of North Korea's 50. It is dwarfed by the extensive number of nuclear weapons held by the US and Russia, which are understood to be maintaining 5,748 and 5,580, respectively.

In comparison, Iran is not believed to possess any nuclear weapons at this time - although Israel and other nations such as the US have been concerned Tehran has been seeking to develop them. Iran has developed a nuclear programme which its leaders claim is not geared towards producing weapons.

International deals aimed at swaying Iran away from the programme have been tabled and removed by ex US presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump, respectively. Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said following Iran's attack that Israel has "its greatest opportunity" in 50 years to change the face of the Middle East.

"We must act *now* to destroy Iran’s nuclear program, its central energy facilities, and to fatally cripple this terrorist regime," he said in a Tuesday X/Twitter post. "To strike the head of the octopus of terror, that, in its cowardice, sent its tentacles (Hamas, Hezbollah, the [Yemeni rebel] Houthis, etc.) to murder us, while the Ayatollahs sat safely in their palaces in Tehran."

How many ballistic missiles do both nations have?

Iran has an extensive arsenal of ballistic missiles and fired an estimated 180 toward Israel on Tuesday as part of its stated retaliatory attack. According to the Wall Street Journal, US officials believe Iran has one of the largest ballistic missile capabilities in the Middle East, most of which having been produced in the country.

They claim Iran has more than 3,000 ballistic missiles that are powered by rockets before falling unpowered on their targets. The missiles are believed to have a range of 1,250 miles although experts have suggested Iran could develop weapons with a longer range.

Israel maintains the short-range LORA system and has a range of 173 miles, although the exact total number it has is not currently known. A 2021 analysis by the UK-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) defence think tank said Israel does "not parade" its inventories and that the system have never been used in combat.

"Nonetheless, in Israel’s case in particular, its programme represents an important piece of contingency planning," Mark Fitzpatrick, an associate fellow for Strategy, Technology and Arms control said in the analysis piece.

How large are Iran and Israel's armies?

Both Iran and Israel have armies that can field hundreds of thousands of soldiers should conflict between the two countries come down to a on-the-ground invasion. While Israel is a tiny nation compared to Iran in terms of population, the IISS said in 2023 that it has an estimated 169,500 active personnel in addition to 465,000 reserve personnel.

The Israeli military is widely considered to be one of the most adept in the world and men undergo 32 months of military service while women do 24 months followed by a period of reserve duty until 40. But there are exceptions to military service with the state only applying the conscription to Jews as well as Druze and Circassian men.

Ultra-religious Haredi Jews and Muslim citizens of Israel have historically been exempt although the arrangement has been controversial in regard to the former and Muslims can voluntarily enlist.

Iran has between 610,000 active-duty personnel in addition to 350,000 reserve and trained personnel. All healthy men aged 19 and above must complete a two-year-long military service in the country.

Women have historically been banned from undergoing military service, but Persian-language outlets suggested in 2023 women could play some role in the future.

The Mirror has contacted numerous Middle East and conflict experts for comment.