ELI5: Why does Iran fight mostly with missiles not its army?

Iran fights mostly with missiles instead of its army because it's like using a slingshot instead of getting into a fistfight when you're not as strong.

Imagine you and your friend are arguing over a toy. Your friend is bigger and stronger than you.

• If you try to wrestle him, he'll probably win easily. That's like Iran sending its army to fight a country with a much bigger and better army. It might not go well.
• But, if you have a slingshot and can hit him from far away, you have a better chance of getting the toy without getting hurt. That's what missiles are for Iran.

• Reach far away places without sending lots of soldiers.
• Cause damage to its enemies without risking as many of its own people.
• Show that it's strong even if it doesn't have the biggest army.

• A missile is like throwing a rock from a distance.
• Sending an army is like getting into a close-up fight.