Iran’s Options for Retaliating Against U.S. Strikes (Full Transcript)

[00:00:00] Speaker 1: How could Iran hit back if the U.S. does launch military strikes against it? First, they could strike back with their own military. Iran is still believed to be in the possession of thousands of ballistic missiles and drones that can inflict damage in the region and even as far as southern Europe.

[00:00:14] Speaker 2: We have 30,000 to 40,000 American troops stationed across eight or nine facilities in that region.

[00:00:19] Speaker 1: It also has the loyalty of regional armed proxy militias who are ready to mobilize. This is known as the Axis of Resistance and although being severely weakened by Israel and the United States in strikes over the past two years, some have vowed to wage war in retaliation if Iran were to be struck. And finally, while Iran might be outmatched militarily, it could inflict serious economic damage on America's allies in the region with repercussions that can even be felt globally. The Strait of Hormuz, which is this narrow maritime corridor right off the coast of Iran, is vital for the transport of oil and gas. More than a fifth, 20% of the world's oil passes through that strait every single day and Iran, which has developed its navy and different tactics like placing sea mines in the area, could easily disrupt that flow sending fuel prices soaring and even triggering global economic turmoil. But a move like this would also damage Iran's already ailing economy and hurt global allies like China who are reliant on oil coming from the region. So while it may seem unlikely that Iran would actually resort to that measure, one thing is clear. If the United States decide to strike Iran, and depending on how heavy the damage is inflicted on the Islamic Republic, the impact of the retaliation might be felt across the globe.