Iran is rebuilding its defensive capabilities after the 12-day war with Israel and is likely focusing on new aerial defense systems. Iran may be eyeing advanced Russian defensive systems, but thus far, it has been encountering a less-than-enthusiastic response from Moscow after the embarrassing defeat of the Iranian regime.
Tehran was also focusing on its missile program, which was also severely hit in the war. The regime realized in recent years that it must rely on its own capabilities to attack Israel, especially with ballistic missiles, after its Lebanese proxy Hezbollah was defeated in the war and after the terror group refrained from intervening when Israel launched its attacks on Iran.
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Iranian missiles intercepted over the West Bank during the June war
(Photo: Mohamad Torokman / Reuters )
Therefore, the Iranians understand that they must maintain a significant missile force as a strategic threat against Israel. Unlike the development of nuclear weapons, Iran is not bound by international treaties preventing it from building an arsenal of ballistic missiles.
Western intelligence agencies, mostly those in Europe, have observed Iranian and Chinese cooperation in that regard. China supplied Iran with some equipment after the October 2024 altercation with Israel, but is now actually rebuilding the Iranian capabilities.
Senior Israeli officials said the Chinese intentions are not entirely clear and that Israel relayed messages to Beijing. They said China did not confirm that it would replenish Iran's missile stores, but the matter was of great concern and could have significant strategic implications.
Meanwhile, Iran has not yet dealt with the devastating damage caused to its nuclear program by the Israeli and American strikes.