Iranian regional power. With a population of 92 million, [8 .

Iranian regional power. Disputes over n egotiations with the United States, the looming threat of popular uprisings fueled by economic distress, and struggles for political Sep 8, 2025 · Mohammad Eslami, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), said that Iran has become a regional power whose unity and resilience have defeated enemy plots. In the international context, such as the deconstruction of the superpowers in the era of the Cold War, the announcement of the Nixon doctrine to transfer the security of the regions to the states in line with Apr 21, 2024 · A keen reader of global history, philosophy and literature, Khamenei seeks to make Iran, which fought a war against Saddam Hussein’s Iraq in the 1980s, the pre-eminent regional power. MOP strikes, redefining Middle East deterrence and shifting regional power dynamics. Jul 13, 2024 · Iran has been searching for regional power status in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf, independent of regime type, since the 1970s. Jun 7, 2022 · How the 1979 Iranian Revolution and the eight-year Iran–Iraq War greatly and irreversibly influenced the geopolitics and regional dynamics of the Middle East Dec 10, 2024 · The Middle East faces another watershed moment. During the era of the last Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and the first decade of the Islamic Republic, diplomacy was pursued through a Jun 25, 2019 · The study adopts an analytical framework of analyzing a regional hegemony strategy which is approached by Miriam Prys in her study “Hegemony, domination, detachment: differences in regional powerhood” to study and analyze Iran’s regional behavior as one of regional power that is seeking regional hegemony. Jun 11, 2025 · A long-term strategic document, “Vision 2025”, talks of making Iran “the premier political, economic, scientific, and technological power in West Asia”. Topics include the rise of the Ayatollahs, the relationship between the IRGC and the Artesh, and Iran’s defense strategy. Nov 11, 2022 · Iran, a regional heavyweight in the Middle East and an outcast in the US-led regional order since 1979, has long struggled to overcome the limits of the US containment policy and its direct military threats against the country. Three key targets illustrate just how fragile the foundation is beneath Tehran Jun 22, 2025 · The attack marks a major escalation in the burgeoning war between Iran and Israel and came despite years of promises by President Trump to keep the U. The “Axis of Resistance,” a network of Iran-backed actors, is a significant element of Iran’s re-gional strategy. Feb 8, 2025 · Given this volatile backdrop, Mohsen Milani’s brilliantly researched book is a timely analysis of how Iran has built up its regional power over the last 70 years. It also explores the origins of Iran’s weapons and how effectively Israel defends against Iranian offensives Dec 16, 2008 · This paper assesses and analyses Iran’s regional policy since the Iranian Revolution (February 1979) focusing on the last ten years. Iran’s regional role is a persistent factor in almost all Middle East conflicts, and addressing its activities across the region is an important contributory process to a broader JCPOA dialogue Nov 6, 2024 · While Iran’s interest in diplomacy is not new, former President Ebrahim Raisi frequently stressed Iran’s interest in global and regional diplomatic efforts, this time Iranian officials are indicating a willingness to go beyond the nuclear file and engage on a broader range of political and security topics. Warpower: Iran Regional Defence Review 2025 The WARPOWER series takes a unique, 'by-the-numbers', quick-reference approach to the current (2025) military capabilities of Iran. This global transition has created a power vacuum in the Middle East, where regional actors, including Iran, Turkey and Israel, are pursuing unilateral strategies to establish dominance. Since the early 1940s, power had been dispersed Jan 1, 2025 · Blows to Iranian regional partners like Lebanese Hezbollah and the former Asad regime in Syria, as well as the underwhelming performance and uncertain future of Iran’s once-vaunted ballistic . Abstract Emerging as a destabilising factor for the Arab world and the Western powers in 1979, the Islamic Republic of Iran has over time established itself as a strong regional power. Dec 16, 2024 · Iraq has evolved from an enemy to a critical strategic location for Iran’s regional ambitions over the past two decades. Jan 9, 2024 · TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Late Iranian commander Lt. ” Iran’s procurement activities It is clear, however, that it is central to future Iranian power and assertiveness, as a nuclear- armed or nuclear-capable Iran could more assertively pursue its regional ambitions. In fact, Iran’s counter-containment and deterrence strategies are crafted to defuse such threat perceptions, driving Iran to favour a more indigenous regional order 2 days ago · Iran unveils new bunker-busting ballistic missiles after U. S. Given its large landmass and unique geographic position along the east–west transit route, Iran, since antiquity, has enjoyed a preeminent position in its region and beyond. Apr 19, 2024 · President Ebrahim Raisi has placed Iran’s “neighborhood” and “Look East” policies at the center of his foreign relations approach. Jun 24, 2025 · In the final analysis, Iran’s regional power status has collapsed due to the combined impact of military devastation, proxy network disintegration, and strategic isolation. Nov 27, 2024 · This has significantly affected hydropower generation, leading to severe power disruptions and widespread blackouts in Tehran and other cities, sparking protests and further unrest. Jun 18, 2025 · Despite its formidable rhetoric and regional ambitions, Iran remains acutely vulnerable in its critical infrastructure. invasion of Iraq Jul 17, 2025 · A recent flurry of high-level meetings across Central Asia and the Middle East signals a quiet but marked shift: Iran and Russia are increasingly sidelined in the region’s political and economic realignments in favor of Arab states. The Shia crescent was stronger than ever, and Iran’s regional influence was growing steadily. Jun 10, 2025 · Along with Trump’s initiation of direct talks with Iran—a step that Israel adamantly opposes but Arab leaders in the Persian Gulf welcomed and even helped facilitate—these developments suggest how much the regional balance of power has changed since Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. and Iran are major players in a volatile region, and their standoff affects oil markets, regional security and the balance of power in the Middle East. Standing tall in the Jun 1, 1996 · “The nuclear route may be the only way for Iran to become a regional power without destroying its economy,” said Michael Eisenstadt, senior fellow and specialist on the Iranian military for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Apr 17, 2014 · FULFILLING IRAN’S POTENTIAL As a solid regional power in this era of intense transition in global politics, Iran stands in a unique position. On December 8, Bashar al-Assad fled the country and sought asylum in Russia. The Squirrels examines the current strength of Iran’s army, navy, air force, and IRGC below. Iran’s regional strategy capitalizes on building and supporting a complex web of alliances, proxy forces, non-state actors, and soft power tools, all aimed at expanding its influence and challenging its adversaries. Oct 10, 2024 · WASHINGTON (AP) — Israeli military strikes are targeting Iran’s armed allies across a nearly 2,000-mile stretch of the Middle East and threatening Iran itself. Key questions to discuss include: May 31, 2025 · White House envoy Steve Witkoff sent Iran "a detailed and acceptable proposal" for a nuclear deal on Saturday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said. One of the most important developments in the early twenty-first century Middle East is the rise of Iran to become a regional great power. Standing tall in the Jun 14, 2025 · Under the Islamic Republic that took power in 1979, enmity toward Israel has been a core ideological tenet of Iranian foreign policy and a key driver in its regional policy. Towards the end of the evening, attention shifted to cultural tensions within Iran, punctuated by an anti-hijab protest by a young Iranian woman at a Tehran university. Positioning itself as a regional power, Iran developed alliances with Afghanistan and Iraq, while sectarian tensions increased, particularly with the Syrian crisis and military interventions in Syria and Bahrain. Subject matter experts discuss Iranian history, current affairs, and Iranian military doctrine Jun 30, 2024 · Iran, of late, has acquired increasing attention from scholars. First, in focusing attention on the regional–global nexus within which the international relations of regional powers have been conducted, demonstrating how regions can be mobilised as part of a Feb 27, 2024 · The deep-rooted relationships between Iran and its proxy groups, coupled with their ability to leverage regional conflicts, challenge regional security and stability, especially as Iran continues to assert its influence amid escalating regional tensions triggered by the ongoing war in Gaza. It borders Iraq to the west, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Armenia to the northwest, the Caspian Sea to the north, Turkmenistan to the northeast, Afghanistan to the east, Pakistan to the southeast, and the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf to the south. Join this Chatham House panel to understand the current regional power dynamics, what Iranian leaders have learned and the impact of external forces on Iran’s foreign policy objectives. Crucially, the “Axis of Resistance” allows Iran to proj-ect power and influence beyond its borders while reducing the risk of direct Iran’s Foreign Policy. Israel, deeply impacted by recent events, has adopted a more aggressive security stance, intensifying efforts to neutralise perceived threats from Iran’s Feb 19, 2019 · The conclusion of this paper is that Iranian policy is shaped by competing visions of Iran’s role in the world – from nationalists who wish to ensure Iran’s position as a regional power, to revolutionaries who believe that Iran is the leader of firstly the Shia, and secondly the Muslim world. Nov 19, 2019 · The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) today released “Iran Military Power,” an intelligence product that examines the core capabilities of Iran's military. Feb 14, 2025 · Will diplomatic efforts and global pressure be enough to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions, or is the world witnessing the rise of a new nuclear power in the Middle East? Jun 12, 2025 · At previous moments of tension over decades of rivalry with Western foes, Iran was able to project power across the Middle East using a network of close allies that meant any strikes against it Jun 1, 2016 · Limitations which were imposed on Iran by the world powers were implemented because they were aware of Iran’s potential power and its attempts to achieve it in the new political and security relations in the region. A country that, under Saddam Hussein, once waged a devastating war against Iran, is now a key base for displaying the power of the Islamic Jan 29, 2025 · Iran’s regional alliances are weakened militarily. Mar 26, 2020 · Available Downloads Iran and the Changing Military Balance in the Gulf - Net Assessment Indicators – Full report 9814kb Setting the Stage: Clashes, U. Dec 10, 2024 · After 54 years in power, the al-Assad family’s rule in Syria has come to an end. Giorgia Valente reports that years of financial and political investment in allies like Hezbollah, Hamas, and various factions in Yemen, Iraq, and Syria are unraveling, diminishing Iran’s regional power and leaving Dec 18, 2024 · Iran key services shut as rial plunges amid energy crisis, regional tension Iranians reel from worsening power cuts, fuel shortages, partial shutdowns and a falling purchasing power. We then turn to neighboring Jun 13, 2024 · To achieve regional power status, and to overcome these challenges Iran needs to focus on economic growth through cross-border trades and investments, heavy investment in research and development Jun 23, 2023 · “Regional Power: Iran” is the third film in a four-part series exploring America’s global competitors. Nov 25, 2024 · While this is a more challenging front for Iran, it remains a part of its broader geostrategic calculus. Mar 17, 2025 · The years setbacks culminated in the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, a key Iranian ally, in late 2024. With a population of 92 million, [8 Tehran’s national security strategy aims to ensure continuity of clerical rule, maintain stabil-ity against internal and external threats, secure Iran’s position as a dominant regional power, and achieve economic prosperity. Given, however, the Jun 23, 2023 · This film examines the current status of the Iranian military. Military Power Publications 2021 North Korean Military Power 2019 Iran Military Power 2019 China Military Power 2017 Russia Military Power Functional Threat Reports Apr 26, 2025 · Therefore, when we specifically identify global power centers (the imperialists), we can justifiably consider regional/middle powers (like Iran) as sub-imperialist states because the global power centers rely on these regional powers to pursue and advance their objectives. For the Middle East, Iran emerged as a key player in most regional con icts and it tried fl to increase its sphere of inuence as a regional hegemon. The following section assesses the extent to which one of those non-Arab powers, Iran, has gained the most from the Iraq conflict, examining both the reach and limits of Iranian influence. May 8, 2022 · A coordinated response to Iran’s aggression can preserve U. Despite economic sanctions, geopolitical challenges, and external pressures, the country has managed to enhance its influence across various domains, including military, political, and economic spheres. 2025 is the last year snapback sanctions can be applied against its nuclear programme. The Middle East was now joined Be that as it may, Iran’s efforts have initially focused on Shiite communities in the region: Lebanon (where the Shiite community was the third largest in the country and under-represented in its power structure), Iraq (where the Shiite Arabs represent about 60 percent of the population and had lived until 2003 under Arab-Sunni control Iran, [b] officially the Islamic Republic of Iran[c] and also known as Persia, [d] is a country in West Asia. Apr 25, 2020 · Emerging as a destabilising factor for the Arab world and the Western powers in 1979, the Islamic Republic of Iran has over time established itself as a strong regional power. Feb 7, 2024 · Iran funds a large network of armed groups across the Middle East as part of its ambition to replace the US as regional power. “Regional Power: Iran” is the third film in a four-part series exploring America’s global competitors. However, these efforts have intensified rivalries and 2 days ago · The U. Its spectacular rise, within a short span of a decade, from a small power to a medium power in the global context, and from a medium Aug 7, 2024 · Iran’s policy of expanding its regional and international influence through multiple avenues is not solely driven by security considerations for the regime and the country, but these concerns are integral to the ambitions of a state seeking to assert its status as a regional power while avoiding direct confrontation with superior forces. The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, coupled with the retreat of Iranian influence, has exposed the fragility of Tehran’s regional ambitions. Jun 20, 2025 · In a dramatic reversal of regional influence, Iran has, in under two years, transformed from a formidable Middle Eastern power into what many now describe as a third-rate actor on the global stage. The Iranian Armed Forces, [a] officially the Islamic Republic of Iran Armed Forces, [b] are the combined military forces of Iran, comprising the Islamic Republic of Iran Army (Artesh), the Police Command (Faraja) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (Sepah), (abbreviation: IRGC) [5] Iranian Armed Forces are the largest in the Middle East in terms of active troops. Taking advantage of the opportunity presented by the Arab Spring, it has solidified its Dec 11, 2007 · The first section addresses the shift away from traditional balance-of-power dynamics involving Arab state powers toward a regional envi-ronment in which non-Arab powers dominate. Iran’s position as a bridge between the Arab world, Central Asia, and the Caucasus gives it a unique strategic vantage point. It combines a large standing army with extensive missile forces, drone capabilities, and regional proxy networks. The efforts raise the possibility of an end to two decades of Iranian ascendancy in the region, to which the 2003 U. Apr 7, 2025 · Iran’s plan was that controlling Syria would transform it into a regional power, capable of shaping future of regional dynamics [6] and preventing any Arab attempts to form a Sunni bloc that could challenge Iran and its project in its vital areas. Feb 4, 2025 · File photo: Fighting in the Iranian regime’s Parliament Three-minute read The past few days have seen a surge in internal, regional, and international crises exacerbating the infighting among rival factions within Iran’s ruling regime. Its presence there is so embedded, pervasive and multifarious that it has arguably become a de facto local power. Dec 21, 2024 · Iran’s regional status as a power player has been severely diminished following the collapse of the al-Assad government in Syria and Israel’s decimation of Hezbollah in Lebanon. Sep 14, 2020 · However, Iran faces the prospect of being rejected by international and regional powers because of its expansionist behavior, and its competitors in the region may be able to limit the prospect of Iran emerging as a revisionist power in the balance of power in the region. and Western interests, reinforce Israel and America’s Arab allies, and promote regional stability. Feb 6, 2025 · This was a major setback for Iran—not only symbolically, but because it meant Iran wouldn’t be able to easily rearm or protect Hezbollah, and in turn, Iran could no longer deter Israeli actions via Hezbollah. officials say. Jan 26, 2025 · Iran’s longstanding strategy of wielding influence across the Middle East through proxy groups is facing a serious breakdown. Subject matter experts discuss Iranian history, current affairs, and Iranian military doctrine. from entering another Middle East conflict. Aug 20, 2025 · In the span of just over twelve months, Tehran has endured an unrelenting sequence of blows – external military defeats, internal structural losses, and mounting domestic crises – all of which together are reshaping the power dynamics in the Middle East and beyond. Abstract1 The international order is undergoing profound transformations, ushering in a transitional period marked by instability and redefined power structure. The author analyzes some of the challenges associated with this approach, draws conclusions about the prospects of Iran’s strategy Ted Galen Carpenter and Malou Innocent By deposing Saddam Hussein, the United States radically altered the balance of power in the Persian Gulf. Mar 12, 2025 · Over the past few decades, Iran has emerged as a significant regional power in the Middle East. Setbacks in 2024 may raise questions about the future of the Iranian government’s longtime strategy to erode U. The collapse of one of the most Dec 17, 2017 · Iran has achieved milestones of leverage and influence that rival any regional power in the past half-century. Jun 2, 2025 · Four top Princeton University experts sketch a possible regional multinational nuclear consortium whose initial core partners are Iran, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. This has come about not solely because Iran has an Islamist regime or even that it was driving strenuously for nuclear weapons, but also due to other factors including the country’s geopolitical assets and a relative power vacuum. Why it matters: The written U. This discontent, however, extends beyond Iran’s borders, and has strained the relationship with its regional clients. ” Jul 26, 2024 · The Axis serves as Iran’s primary vehicle for regional domination and power projection along the Gulf and Levant fronts, targeting Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, and potentially Jordan. Jun 2, 2025 · The fine line between balancing regional diplomacy and deterrence becomes increasingly narrow in this context: Iran is indeed in a limbo between fostering diplomatic relations to reduce international isolation, so maintaining ties at the regional and global level, while simultaneously strengthening its security through nuclear deterrence. Over decades, their Jan 28, 2025 · Before October 7, it could be said that Iran was at the peak of its regional influence and power. Mar 26, 2025 · Iran’s regional ambitions are closely tied to its desire for dominance in the Middle East, a region that is vital for both geopolitical and economic reasons. influence in the Middle East and project power in neighboring states by backing a range of regional armed groups (sometimes known as the “axis of resistance”). Iran’s strategy of so-called resistance—arming, directing, and supporting proxy militias—has faltered, leaving the regime vulnerable. “While building a bomb could cost billions, rebuilding its conventional military would cost tens of billions. The response would follow Iran launching ballistic missiles at Israel last week in retaliation for killings of Hezbollah and Hamas leaders. Oct 17, 2024 · Geopolitical tensions have intensified across the Middle East, amplifying the Iran-Israel standoff and reshaping regional power dynamics. Oct 20, 2022 · Will the Protests in Iran Change Regional Power Dynamics in the Middle East? Images of Iranian women burning their hijab in the last four weeks demonstrates the unraveling of the ideological foundations of the Islamic Republic. Commitments, and Comparative Resources 2170kb The First Key Shift in the Military Balance: Changes in in the Regional Struggle for Strategic Control and Influence 2655kb The Second Key Shift in the Military Balance: The Rising Impact of Iran 28 Countering Iran’s Regional Strategy doctrine of the IRGC and the Iranian regime to concentrate effort in a theater of fighting and of the Iranian regional militias to prevail over Iran’s enemies in the Middle East. Nov 19, 2019 · The Defense Intelligence Agency presents Iran Military Power, a report that examines the core capabilities of Iran's military. Standing tall in the face of isolationism, threats, sanctions and wars, it has cleverly embedded itself across the region. This network includes groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza and represents a key tool in Iran’s foreign policy. Jun 19, 2025 · The Iranian military power is one of the most formidable in the Middle East. Jun 28, 2025 · A nuclear-armed Iran may lead to “a regional arms race” as “other countries in the region would likely seek to develop or acquire their own to balance power. While there are limits to how far it can extend its authority, Tehran’s rapid rise “Trans-Rational” Iran’s Transnational Strategy for Dominance and Why It Cannot Survive Great Power Competition, Iran trains, supports, and employs a vast network of nonstate, transnational proxies to advance its foreign policy agenda across the Middle East. 60 Iran has devel-oped its security and military strategies based on these four enduring strategic objectives. Apr 14, 2021 · Western and Gulf Arab reliance on sanctions and containment measures is a reflection of limited creativity and capacity in developing more robust policies to address regional interfer ence by Tehran. This analytical framework is one of the most significant analytical tools that Mar 19, 2025 · Iran’s strategic decline in the Middle East marks a profound shift in the region’s balance of power. Israel severely degraded Iran-backed groups in Lebanon and Gaza in 2024, and regime change Jun 12, 2025 · The United States killed the mastermind of Iran's regional network in 2020 and since the war in Gaza began 20 months ago, Israel has hammered Tehran's closest ally Hezbollah while rebels ousted The international order is undergoing profound transformations, ushering in a transitional period marked by instability and redefined power structure. Standing tall in the Feb 24, 2016 · In recent years, Iran has successfully projected its influence in the Middle East and beyond – but are there long-term risks in its strategy of empowering Shias? This film examines the current status of the Iranian military. Therefore the question here would be: To what fl extend could Iran succeed in being a regional hegemon and what are the circumstances that could enhance or constrain this Iranian ambition? The Hamas-led attacks starkly illustrated how Iran’s nurturing of armed non-state actors in the Eastern Mediterranean has anchored it in the region and transformed its role. Iraq has become one of the main centers of the “Resistance Axis” and a strategic platform for Iran’s regional influence. General Qassem Soleimani played a key role in strengthening the Islamic Republic’s regional position and power and building up the Resistance Front Mar 1, 2024 · One of the most important elements of Iran’s regional and international power projection is its deployment of proxy forces. Jun 21, 2025 · Israeli strikes on Iran cap dramatic shift in Mideast strategic balance Israel has emerged as an unchallenged military power, Iran and its “axis of resistance” are in disarray, and the foes May 13, 2022 · This paper offers a revised and decentred perspective on regional power behaviour in world politics. Jan 24, 2019 · Iran’s quest for regional hegemony after 1979 and Turkey’s shift away from Europe to its neighborhood (sometimes called Neo-Ottomanism) transformed the region. Our revisionist approach departs from existing accounts by incorporating three key elements. Iran’s regional reach is the product of a patient, opportunistic strategy that has relied on a long Oct 8, 2024 · Anticipated Israeli counterstrikes on Iran could accelerate regional shifts in power. Beneath the surface of military posturing and ideological confrontation lies a country whose essential lifelines—energy, transport, and trade—are disturbingly concentrated and under-defended. Extended Abstract Intrduction The emergence of Iran's regional power dates back to the Pahlavi era, when the Shah sought the doctrine of Nixon as a regional gendarme in the Persian Gulf. Within a short period, we went from seeing Iran as the dominant regional power to Israel regaining the upper hand. proposal is an attempt to resolve the issue that has log-jammed the talks: Iran's demand to continue enriching uranium on its soil, U. From Israel’s perspective, the combination of Iran’s enhanced nuclear enrichment and diminished regional power, as well as the incoming Trump administration, which is expected to align with the Israeli perception, will be viewed as a strategic window of opportunity to target Iran’s nuclear project. While these two policy areas have overlapped in the past, they are now much more intertwined after Russia’s war against Ukraine, China’s political engagement in the Gulf region, and Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Which countries are real rivals of Iran in the region? Turkey and Israel are Iran’s two rival countries in the region. [6] Iran's military Oct 27, 2024 · This Iranian strategy of trying to position Iran as an influential regional power which is not just a focus of threats and confrontation, could have implications for the way it acts militarily, mainly against Israel. It is the first of three Working Papers in which the author will be looking at Iran’s regional and global policies. dndo szxq ame du33ob9y dkywn5 ie eaakf eysib vc ob0