Iran's missile arsenal, not Gulf deterrence, is the Middle East's real problem - opinion
Iran has not only built a massive missile program; it has turned missiles into a standalone strategic language, using them as a deterrent, a means of pressure, and a message of influence
Assessment
The argument that Iran's missile program, rather than Gulf military deterrence, poses the central threat reframes a longstanding regional debate. It suggests that Tehran's missile capabilities function as a strategic tool for coercion and signaling, independent of conventional military balances. Readers should watch for how this perspective influences Israeli and Gulf state defense priorities, and whether diplomatic efforts will address missile proliferation directly.