Iran's Role in Israel-Hamas War: A Potential Regional Conflict

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has the potential to spread to other regions, particularly Lebanon, where Hezbollah, a Shia militant group supported by Iran, is closely affiliated. While Hezbollah has engaged in cross-border firefights with Israel in the past, it has not yet opened up another front in the current conflict. Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria have also been attacking US forces, and the Houthis in Yemen have launched missiles and drones towards Israel. Iran's relationship with these proxy groups varies, but they provide Iran with options to send messages to its adversaries while maintaining plausible deniability. The risk of escalation exists, particularly if there are miscalculations or errors by Iran or its proxies. Hezbollah, in particular, has grown in capabilities and possesses a significant arsenal of rockets and artillery. However, a full-scale war in Lebanon would be unpopular and risky for Hezbollah, as it would face a well-prepared Israeli military. Other proxy groups, such as those in Iraq and Yemen, also have their own interests and may not necessarily escalate the conflict unless it serves Iran's interests. Iran itself faces domestic problems and public sentiment in the US is pushing for de-escalation.