$367B GDP — heavily distorted by sanctions. Oil exports to China via ghost tankers. 40%+ inflation. Rial collapsed 90% vs USD. Significant barter/cryptocurrency use to evade SWIFT exclusion.
Ballistic missiles with 2,000km range. Proxy forces in Lebanon, Gaza, Yemen, Iraq, Syria. Shahed drones exported to Russia. Cyber capabilities (Shamoon, Stuxnet retaliation). No nuclear weapon yet — 60% enriched uranium stockpile.
Axis of Resistance network. Nuclear talks with US at critical stage. Russia/China alignment. Houthi Red Sea attacks as leverage tool. ICC accusations against officials. Saudi détente brokered by China (2023).