Iran's Role in Escalating Conflicts Across the Middle East
Iran's history of supporting proxy forces and conflicts with separatist and terrorist groups has contributed to recent tensions in various regions, including Gaza, Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Pakistan. Iran's strategy of arming and training like-minded militias across the Middle East, known as the "Axis of Resistance," allows it to project power and influence while maintaining plausible deniability. Recent direct missile strikes on targets in Iraq, Syria, and Pakistan indicate Iran's willingness to defend itself and make a show of force amidst domestic challenges. The strikes in Pakistan, targeting a separatist group, have the potential to strain Iran's relationship with the country.
