The military history of Iran spans thousands of years, beginning with ancient empires like the Achaemenid Empire, which established one of the first organized military forces. This period saw significant developments in warfare, including the use of cavalry and archers, which contributed to the empire's expansion across three continents. In more recent history, Iran's military has been shaped by events such as the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, which had a profound impact on its military strategy and capabilities. The Islamic Republic established after the 1979 revolution has focused on asymmetric warfare and regional influence, particularly through proxy groups in the Middle East.