Iran has developed "asymmetrical" responses - ballistic missiles, deadly drones and a web of militia allies in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen, among other things - with the aim of being able to inflict pain while avoiding the traditional battlefield for a confrontation with the USA.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/ballistic-missiles-deadly-drones-a-web-of-militias-how-iran-plans-to-confront-us/articleshow/73153593.cms