#348: Why US is afraid to 'invade' IRAN?

Brief but concise pointers for UPSC!

This came in newspaper today

Why’s it hard for US to ‘win’ IRAN?

The answer lies in its geography. How? Learn in this post!

Borders unchanged for centuries.

Result? Geography offers stronghold at crossroads of 3 continents

Four things:

a) Mountains

b) Deserts

c) Coastline

d) Interior Logistics

Let’s look at each below

a) Mountains

Zagros & Alborz

2 ranges forming massive jagged rim around the country

Serving as high altitude barriers, these make land invasions next to impossible

b) Deserts

Dasht-e-Lut & Dasht-e-Kavir

upto 70°C in temperatures, environment here presents logistical hurdles to maintain equipment and move the troops

c) Coast Line

2,500km coastline overlooking Strait of Hormuz

Domination of this strategic ‘choke’ point, Iran checks 20% of world’s energy pass

This terrain itself acts as a global economic deterrent

d) Interior Logistics

The internal terrain heavily favors the defender

Iranian forces has ease of use in utilizing the internal supply routes from central plateau

On the contrary, any invader will have to face ‘vertical climb’ via rocky passes where supply lines are vulnerable

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