The war against Iran is characterized by a complex landscape of geopolitical alliances and rivalries. The ‘shadow front’ is a key aspect of this conflict, involving covert, proxy-driven operations that have accelerated in recent months.
Key Players and Alliances
- Iran’s ‘axis of resistance’ includes Hezbollah, the Quds Force, and Iraqi ‘Popular Mobilisation Forces’ (PMF) militias, among others.
- The Israel-Iran rivalry is a central aspect of the conflict, with Israel seeking to counter Iranian influence in the region.
- The Saudi-Iran proxy war is another key dimension, with Saudi Arabia supporting Sunni militias in Iraq and Yemen to counter Iranian-backed Shia groups.
The Shadow Front
- The shadow front involves covert operations, including the use of proxy forces, clandestine logistics, and cyber-warfare.
- Iran has relied on allied militias to project power, while the US and Israel have targeted these groups to degrade Iranian capabilities.
Recent Developments
- The death of Supreme Leader Khamenei has created a power vacuum, prompting the IRGC to project power through proxies.
- The US and Israel have launched coordinated strikes against Iranian targets, including missile launchers and airbases.
- Iran has responded by accelerating its proxy-driven operations, including the use of UAVs and cyber-attacks.