You see, Israel will never nuke Iran. Iran provides oil to other nuclear states such as Russia and China. In addition, we both know that the use of nukes by multiple states will destroy the entire world. So, nukes are out of the equation. Don't even dream on that.
Israel would use nukes if its existence were under true threat. That Russia and/or China would use nukes on Iran's behalf is questionable, though possible, and even if true, would be irrelevant if I. As a general rule, you don't back nuclear armed countries into a corner, or they will become desperate enough to use their nukes. Israel has shown itself willing to impoverish millions to get rid of Hezbollah, which attacked once in the past 6 years, and was willing to have peace again immediatly after that strike.
This information is 5 years old, but I can complement it with another source:
Without nukes, Israel doesn't look as strong as you say. If you are talking about airstrikes, well, Iran also have fighter jets, may be not as good as Israeli ones. Iranian missiles can reach Israel too. Also, Iran purchased missile-defence system from Russia and our own military industry recently unveiled newer military equipments. At one time Iran's air force was one of the most highly capable in the developing world. The Shah's appetite for US fighters was such that before his ouster he considered chipping in to help pay for development of the F/A-18.
Today, Iran has only about 150 aging US-built aircraft left. These include 66 F-4D/Es and 25 F-14-A/Bs, which are about 60 percent serviceable, according to a net assessment drawn up by Cordesman. Iran has long tried to evade the US embargo on parts for these airplanes by purchasing through third parties.
The backbones of the Iranian air force today are 24 Su-24 Fencers and 30 MiG-29 Fulcrums. These Soviet-era aircraft are about 80 percent serviceable, claims Cordesman. If Iran acquires a nuclear weapon, the Fencers could be used as an interim delivery capability, pending perfection of an adequate ballistic missile.
Iranian units also include 14 RF-4E and five P-3F reconnaissance aircraft. The air force has a limited aerial refueling capability. Air defense relies mainly on 100 Hawk missiles from the Shah's era, with a scattering of newer, shorter-range Soviet- and Chinese-made models.The Iran Problem
More recent developments, not completely up to date though:
An unknown number of "new" Su-25s were delivered to the Iranian Revolution Guards Corps Air Force (IRGCAF) in 2003. Where these Frogfoots originate from is unclear.
In July 2003 Chengdu Aircraft Industrial Corporation (CAIC) unveiled the new ‘Super-7’ or Chao Qi fighter plane to the public. The new Super-7 is “an all-purpose light fighter, required to have all-weather operation capabilities, be capable of performing the dual tasks of dogfight and air-to-ground attack, and have the ability to launch medium-range missiles. Mass production of the fighter will not begin until two and a half years of research are completed. The plane is being produced to be sold abroad to developing nations. China already has received orders from Iran and some African countries.
There have been reports of some 10 F-8Ms "Finback", 7 Tu-22Ms, 19 MIG-27s, and several MIG-31s (Russia's most modern fighter aircraft, US$40 million) being present in Iran, but these are not confirmed. The Iran Problem All told, the IRIAF flies as many as 300 fighters. All are older designs, but have been maintained and, in many cases, upgraded by the indigenous aerospace industry, which has become proficient in reverse-engineering weapons and spare parts -- and perhaps even engines. And the IRIAF has aerial tankers too -- a force multiplier only the most advanced air forces maintain Defense Tech: Taking on Iran's air force
I am not enitirely sure what to make of all this.
Given its history, pilots, superior size and technology, I would say that the Israeli airforce would beat Iran's airforce, but possibly mightn't not do so exceptionally quickly and/or without taking some loses.
Israeli Air Force - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
*The only documented successful emergency landing of an F-15 with one wing, after losing the starboard wing after an airborne collision with an A-4 Skyhawk during training. The Skyhawk exploded and its pilot ejected. McDonnell-Douglas, manufacturer of the F-15, refused to believe it was possible until photos of the incident were released. The F-15 was subsequently restored to flight status.
"Ace" pilots: 39 IAF pilots have shot down at least five jet planes, ten out of them shot down at least eight jet planes.
"Ace of Aces": Aluf Giora Epstein shot down seventeen jet planes, holding the world record of jet aircraft shot down, and the most aircraft shot of any type down since the Korean War.
Obtaining the first shoot-downs for the American fighter jets, the F-15 and the F-16. [1]
126 enemy planes were shot down in dogfights in the years between the wars — most of them in the 1970s. The IAF lost only two planes in dogfights between the wars, one in 1959 and the other in 1964.
Looks like a decent AMS system. Still, I doubt if air superiority were lost it could be maintained.
WorldNetDaily: Russia equips Iran for war Now let's go to military. Well, Hezbollah uses second-hand guns supplied by Iranian and old Soviet states that were made in 1940s. Now, after the so-called superior Israeli troops actually entered Lebanon and began fighting, 15 of them died in the first hour. THEN, all over sudden, peace was established. I doubt in a battle between armies, Israeli forces can stand up to Revoltionary Guards..
The Gaurds could only get to Israel through Syria, then Lebanon-a long roundabout exposing march to a narrow front. They are a conventional army.
The US and Israel both have very good track records in defeating conventional armies, and it is guirella forces which they have trouble with, and guirella forces can agitate but not really win in any other fashion then making their enemies give up. Furthermore guirellas cannot preservere where they do not have popular support (in Israel itself). They have been trying unsuccessfully to get rid of Israel for 40 years, with no success, and much strife to point to as a result of the effort.