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.

