NATO summit was going on in Ankara, the capital of Turkey on 7 July 2026. US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan were sitting together. Trump made an announcement that shook the politics of the entire Middle East, ‘We are considering selling F-35 fighter planes to Turkey.’ Israel became alert after hearing this announcement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu immediately protested, saying that selling the F-35 would upset the balance of power in the Middle East. This is not just a purchase and sale of weapons. This is a matter related to Middle East politics, American strategy and Israel’s security…

Why is the F-35 fighter jet so special?

F-35 is one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world. It is equipped with stealth technology (technology to avoid radar), that is, enemy radar cannot detect it easily. This is a fifth generation fighter aircraft, which America has sold only to its closest allies.

Till now only Israel had F-35 in the Middle East. Israel has operated them for many years and has formed many squadrons. This gives Israel the biggest advantage in air power in the Middle East.

Why was Turkey not getting F-35?

Turkey was originally part of the F-35 program and had also signed an agreement to purchase F-35s from the US. But in 2019, Turkey purchased S-400 missile defense system from Russia. America feared that if Turkey had both S-400 and F-35, then Russia might know the secret technology of F-35.

In 2020, America expelled Turkey from the F-35 program and imposed sanctions on it.

Now why did America suddenly change its strategy?

According to experts, Trump’s thinking has changed. They want to bring Turkey back to the center of the Western system. His argument is, ‘I don’t want to ban friends.’

In Trump’s view, Turkey is a major force in NATO. Turkey controls the route between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. It has influence in Syria, knows Iran well and has one of the largest armies in NATO. Trump feels that it is in America’s interest to keep Turkey in the Western camp.

Trump also said, ‘Turkey has been more loyal than other countries in many matters. He did not support Iran during the Iran-America war.

Why is Israel so worried about this matter?

For Israel this matter is related to existence. Israel considers its air superiority in the Middle East to be the backbone of its security. Netanyahu clearly said, ‘Giving F-35 to Turkey will upset the balance of power in the Middle East.’ He told Trump, ‘This will not make Turkey a friend of America.’

Turkey is not a typical Western ally for Israel. Turkish:

• Provides political support to Hamas.
• Constantly criticizes Israel’s actions in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria.
• Disputes with Greece and Cyprus.
• Wants to increase its influence in the Eastern Mediterranean.

So will Trump make this deal by angering ‘Bibi’?

The deal between America and Turkey is not so easy. Despite Trump’s approval, US law and Congress remain major obstacles.

• CAATSA Law: In 2020, the US Congress passed a law that F-35 cannot be sold to Turkey as long as it has the S-400 system.
• Congress’s opposition: 18 American lawmakers wrote a joint letter saying that in the current circumstances, selling F-35 to Turkey would be a violation of American law.
• Technical Threat: Congress fears that if S-400 and F-35 are together, Russia may know the radar technology of F-35.

There are differences within the White House also. Vice President JD Vance said the sale of the F-35 would require Congressional approval and Turkey meeting US conditions.

On January 7, 2026, Iran’s Army Chief Major General Amir Hatami issued a stern warning saying that no foreign power can threaten Iran and that if anyone attacks, its ‘hand will be cut off.’

In fact, recently US President Donald Trump wrote in a post on Truth, ‘If Iran shoots or kills peaceful protesters violently, America will come to save them. We are ready and loaded.

After this, tension has increased in both the countries. Meanwhile, let us compare the weapons of both the countries with the report of Global Firepower. Global Firepower ranks the armies of 145 countries of the world and gives a Power Index score, lower score means more power.

If there is a war between America and Iran, how long will it last?

If there is a war between America and Iran, it could last not in hours but for days, weeks or months. According to the data of Global Firepower, America’s army appears to be much stronger than Iran, so America can dominate soon. But Iran’s army specializes in asymmetric warfare (guerrilla style attacks, missiles and proxy groups), which can prolong the war.

What is the overall military ranking and strength of both the countries?

In the Global Firepower 2025 report, America is the world’s number 1 military power, with a power index score of 0.0744. Iran is ranked 16th among 145 countries and its score is 0.3048. This means that America’s military is far ahead of Iran, especially in technology, budget and global reach.

America has been on top for the last 10 years and is a founding member of NATO, while Iran maintains partnerships with countries like Russia. America’s army is balanced in every field, whereas Iran focuses more on land force and missiles.

What is the military strength of both the countries?

• America: There is more than 15 crore manpower, out of which 12.4 crore are fit for service. Every year 44.4 lakh people reach military age. Total military personnel are 21.2 lakh, of which 13.2 lakh are active, 7.9 lakh are reserve and no paramilitary.
• Iran: There is more than 4.94 crore manpower, out of which 4.15 crore are fit for service. Every year more than 14 lakh people reach military age. The total military personnel is 11.80 lakh, of which more than 6 lakh are active, 3.5 lakh are reserve and 2.2 lakh are paramilitary soldiers.

America’s manpower is 4 times more than Iran’s, but Iran’s paramilitary force Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is strong in asymmetric attacks.

Which country has more budget and dangerous weapons?

America’s defense budget is $895 billion, while Iran’s budget is $15.45 billion. Whereas, if we talk about weapons…

America has the world’s most advanced air force

• There are a total of 13,043 aircraft, of which 9,782 are ready to attack at any time. This also includes 5,843 helicopters and 1,002 attack helicopters. The American Air Force is the most advanced in the world, having F-35 fighter jets and B-2 bombers.
• There are 4,640 tanks, of which 3,480 are ready for attack. There are more than 39 thousand armored vehicles, 671 self-propelled artillery and 641 rocket projectors. The US Army is dependent on advanced tanks like M1 Abrams.
• There are a total of 440 naval assets, whose total tonnage is 4,168,037 tonnes. This includes 11 aircraft carriers, 9 helicopter carriers, 81 destroyers, 26 corvettes, 70 submarines and 8 mine warfare. America’s Navy is global and can launch air attacks from carriers.

Iran strong in drones and missiles

• There are a total of 551 aircraft, of which 331 are ready to attack at all times. There are 128 helicopters and 13 attack helicopters. Iran’s air force is old, consisting mostly of American and Russian aircraft from the 1970-80s. But he is strong in drones and missiles. However, America is 20 times ahead.
• There are a total of 1,713 tanks, 65,825 armored vehicles, 392 self-propelled artillery and 1,517 rocket projectors. Iran’s land force is large and strong in Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), but lags behind America in technology. America’s armored vehicles are 6 times more than Iran’s.
• There are a total of 107 naval assets, whose total tonnage is 2,23,395 tonnes. It has 7 frigates, 3 corvettes, 25 submarines, 21 offshore patrol and 1 mine warfare. Iran’s navy is small but can pose a threat in the Gulf with submarines and fast attack craft. America is completely dominant here.

Is a nuclear attack possible on both countries?

America is a nuclear power. It is a member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which has thousands of nuclear warheads. It has been noted with nuclear capability in the Global Firepower Report. Iran is suspected of having a nuclear program and the report says that it focuses on indigenous nuclear capability, but officially denies making any nuclear weapon.

If nuclear is used in war then the situation can be very dangerous, but both the countries avoid it. Iran has a partnership with Russia, while America is the leader of NATO.

Then which country is more powerful?

According to Global Firepower, America is more powerful than Iran in every category. Rank 1 vs 16 means more soldiers, aircraft, ships, budget and technology. America can fight a global war, while Iran is a regional threat. But with the help of Houthi and Hezbollah, Iran’s missiles, drones and proxy forces can cause harm to America.

Overall, America can win but the cost will be high. However, a situation of war does not seem to be brewing between the two countries.

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Israel Attacks Iran: Iran hit two upgraded F-35 stealth fighter jets and several drones in response to the attack on it in the early hours of Friday. The attack was carried out after the murder of Iran’s top military commanders, nuclear scientists and ordinary citizens (including women and children). According to Iran, this attack was carried out by Zonist rule i.e. Israel.

Military official confirmation
The Public Relations Office of the Iranian Army said in an official statement that the country’s air defense units successfully destroyed these two F-35 fighter jets and several drones. At present, the investigation of the pilots of these aircraft is going on and further detailed information will be given.

F-35 is considered the world’s most advanced fighter jet
The F-35 fighter aircraft is considered to be the fifth generation of advanced and equipped with stealth technology. It is considered a major performance of the military power of any country. Iran has become the first country to kill such aircraft.

Israel rejected claims
The Israeli army has dismissed these claims outright. Arabic spokesperson Avichay Adrai, Arabic Defense Force (IDF), said in a statement, “Iranian media is spreading lies. This whole news is baseless.”

According to Iranian media reports, Tehran has claimed that it has hit two F-35 stealth fighter jets of Israel on Friday. It was also said that a pilot has been caught during these attacks, which is being told the woman. According to Iran’s official news agency Tasneem, this action was taken by Iran’s air defense system.

Iran’s claim has also been shared by the Iranian Embassy in India on its official X handle. The post said, “Iran’s air defense hit two F-35 fighter jets of Israel and prevented many enemies drones.”