A strategic military comparison highlights the balance of power between Iran and the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. While the GCC collectively fields an estimated 350,000-400,000 troops, Iran maintains a larger force of around 610,000 personnel, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Gulf states rely heavily on advanced Western-supplied tanks and layered missile defence systems such as Patriot and THAAD, whereas Iran's strength lies in its expansive offensive missile arsenal, including Fateh, Zolfaghar and Shahab series missiles.