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Straits Times
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Explainer-How Iran's network of Middle East power faded
A paratrooper carries the Iranian flag over the shrine of Iran's late leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini during the National Army Day parade ceremony in Tehran, Iran, April 18, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo 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 threatened to trigger a formidable response. Now, with talks deadlocked over its nuclear programme and U.S. President Donald Trump saying an Israeli strike on Iran "could very well happen," Tehran must face a fresh crisis with those capabilities greatly diminished. 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 its main regional partner, Syria's President Bashar al-Assad. Here is how Iran built up its "Axis of Resistance", how that network has come undone, and the regional resources Tehran can still count on. HOW DID IRAN BUILD UP SUCH A WIDE REGIONAL NETWORK? Iran spent decades after its 1979 Islamic Revolution developing a network of allies across the Middle East that accepted Tehran's leadership and shared its regional vision of fighting what they described as Western imperialism. This "Axis of Resistance", as it was dubbed, drew on the appeal of Iran's revolutionary theocratic ideas to traditionally marginalised fellow Shi'ite Muslims across the region, and on its staunch support for Palestinian nationalism. It grew to include Hezbollah in Lebanon, President Bashar al-Assad's government in Syria, Shi'ite Muslim armed groups in Iraq, the Houthis in Yemen and the Palestinian militant group Hamas - extending Iran's influence to both the Mediterranean and Red Sea. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and its elite Quds Force lay at the heart of the axis. The IRGC answers to the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and was set up soon after the revolution as an ideologically committed counterweight to the regular armed forces. The Quds Force operates as the IRGC's overseas wing, working closely with allies in the Axis of Resistance to train and arm them, and to provide direction and guidance in their military operations. Its tough, shrewd commander Major-General Qassem Soleimani was killed by a U.S. drone attack in Iraq in 2020 after decades spent knitting together groups across the region and Iran has struggled to replace him. WHY HAVE KEY PARTS OF IRAN'S NETWORK CRUMBLED? When Hamas attacked Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, it triggered massive military retaliation that has killed much of the group's top leadership including political chief Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated in Tehran last summer. Hamas is still fighting in Gaza and retains a significant presence in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, but it does not presently boast a military force capable of posing a realistic threat to Israel. The war quickly spread as Iran's most important regional ally Hezbollah fired on Israel from Lebanon in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, leading to months of cross-border fire between the group and Israel. That conflict suddenly escalated in September 2024 when Israel detonated thousands of booby-trapped pagers used by Hezbollah operatives, killing and maiming hundreds of them. Over the following weeks a string of Israeli airstrikes killed Hezbollah's top leadership including overall chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, dealing the group a stunning blow and revealing how far it had been infiltrated. Hezbollah accepted a ceasefire with Israel in November and remains far from the powerful organisation that once threatened Israeli security. Syria's Assad was ousted soon afterwards. Israel had targeted top Iranian commanders in Syria with airstrikes over the summer, causing a partial IRGC pullout. Without Iranian and Hezbollah support, and ally Russia bogged down with war in Ukraine, Assad's army crumbled when rebels mounted an offensive in late November and he fled in December. WHAT REMAINS OF THE AXIS OF RESISTANCE? With Hamas and Hezbollah greatly weakened, Iran can still turn to the Shi'ite militias it supports in Iraq and to the Houthis in Yemen. Iraq has a constellation of Iran-aligned armed groups but just a handful count among the most loyal and powerful to Tehran, including Kataib Hezbollah and the Nujaba group. These groups receive arms and directives from Iran and have pledged allegiance to Iran's supreme leader but retain a degree of autonomy on their operations inside Iraq. They have all but ceased attacks targeting U.S. forces and Israel since last year. Analysts question how far they would go to protect Iran if an attack was aimed at its nuclear sites rather than as part of an effort to topple the Islamic Republic given that would pose an existential threat to their main source of support. The Houthis have continued to fire missiles at Israel, but their ability to pose a significant threat from their distant base in Yemen is in doubt. Their attacks on Red Sea shipping have cooled since striking a deal with the U.S. after weeks of bombings in the spring. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Iran Threatens Israel's Nuclear Sites as Trump Blocks Strike Plan
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Iran has threatened to strike Israel's nuclear facilities if attacked, claiming it has gathered extensive intelligence on them. The warning comes as U.S. President Donald Trump told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a 40-minute call that a military strike on Iran "must be taken off the table for now," according to Israeli state media. The exchange highlights widening tensions between the U.S. and Israel, with Netanyahu pushing for a tougher stance while Trump presses for diplomacy—even as he acknowledged Iran's "much more aggressive" behavior. Newsweek has reached out to the State Department as well as the foreign ministries of Iran and Israel for comment. Why It Matters Iran's warning signals a heightened risk of regional conflict involving nuclear infrastructure. For the U.S., which is engaged in delicate nuclear talks with Tehran, the threat complicates its effort to balance deterrence with diplomacy. Israel's concern over Iranian intentions—driven by Tehran's expanding nuclear activity—puts added pressure on the Trump administration's strategy. As Iran moves to leverage intelligence gathered on Israeli facilities, and the U.S. refrains from endorsing military escalation, the situation threatens to widen the gulf between allies and embolden hardliners in both countries. Military personnel parade on National Army Day in Tehran, Iran, on April 18, 2025. Military personnel parade on National Army Day in Tehran, Iran, on April 18, To Know Iran's Supreme National Security Council said that Iranian intelligence services had obtained "a vast quantity of strategic and sensitive information and documents" related to Israel's nuclear infrastructure. The council claimed this intelligence had completed an "operational cycle" enabling Iran's armed forces to target Israeli nuclear sites in response to any Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. The council warned that "any act of evil against [Iran's] economic and military infrastructure" would result in a "precise and proportionate response." Diplomacy With Tehran On Tuesday, during a call with Netanyahu, Trump emphasized his preference for diplomacy, saying the U.S. had submitted a "reasonable proposal" to Iran and was expecting a response soon. He noted that Iran had become more aggressive in recent negotiations, but talks were ongoing. Netanyahu countered by calling the negotiations futile, accusing Iran of playing for time and urging that a "credible military threat" remain on the table. Trump rejected this stance, insisting that a military strike on Iran "must be taken off the table for now." When Netanyahu sought clarity on whether the U.S. would approve Israeli action if necessary, Trump did not provide a definitive answer. The conversation ended without any breakthrough on Israel's demands, according to Israel's Channel 12 and public broadcaster Kan. President Donald Trump is seen in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 10, 2025. President Donald Trump is seen in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 10, Progress Meanwhile, U.S. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said the talks with Iran were making some progress despite recent setbacks. She emphasized that negotiations are dynamic, adding that "it would appear that things are moving forward," though not dramatically. She confirmed that another round of talks is expected soon. What People Are Saying Iran's Supreme National Security Council: "These sites would be attacked in response to any Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear infrastructure." U.S. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce: "It is a dynamic, as it would be with any diplomatic consideration, that negotiations are meant to move things forward and the good news is, is that, in fact, it would appear that things are moving forward, and that's what we all want." What Happens Next Iran is expected to respond to a new U.S. proposal at an upcoming sixth round of nuclear talks, with the location still unconfirmed after earlier sessions in Oman and Italy. Despite mediation efforts, Washington and Tehran remain divided over uranium enrichment—Trump demanding a full halt, while Iran insists on its right to peaceful nuclear energy. With tensions rising and a counterproposal pending from Tehran, the gap between diplomacy and confrontation appears increasingly difficult to bridge.
Newsweek
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Iran Ramps Up Defenses as Risks of U.S. Attack Grow
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Iranian's army chief of staff said the country's air defense capabilities have significantly increased, in preparedness for any violation of its airspace. Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) for comment. Why It Matters Military posturing has continued in parallel with diplomatic efforts to resolve the standoff over Iran's nuclear program, with U.S. President Donald Trump threatening military action if talks fail. The United States and Iran remain at odds over uranium enrichment, making the discussions increasingly fraught and increasing the risk of failure. A missile system is carried on a truck during a parade commemorating National Army Day in front of the shrine of the late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini, just outside Tehran, Iran, Friday, April 18, 2025.... A missile system is carried on a truck during a parade commemorating National Army Day in front of the shrine of the late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini, just outside Tehran, Iran, Friday, April 18, 2025. More Vahid Salemi/AP Photo What To Know Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Major-General Mohammad Baqeri, told an air defense meeting that the country has seen a fivefold increase over the last year in the number of radars, monitoring systems, and detection equipment it has, according to semi-official Tasnim News Agency. The U.S. Air Force, which has been bolstering military equipment in the remote Diego Garcia airbase with strategic bombers, has meanwhile deployed additional F-15 fighter jets to the Indian Ocean island, bringing the total to six, The War Zone reported, citing a U.S. defense official. Diego Garcia would be within bombing range of Iran. As the U.S. is pressing Iran to abandon enrichment, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior officials have strongly opposed the demand. "For the Americans to say, 'We won't allow Iran to enrich uranium,' is utter nonsense," Khamenei posted to his X account, casting doubt on the outcome of ongoing talks. Baqeri said Iran's interception and destruction capabilities for aerial threats had increased by as much as three times, adding that Iran's airspace is under constant surveillance. Tehran has also recently unveiled a new ballistic missile capable of striking U.S. targets. Iran says that its enrichment of uranium is for a civilian nuclear program, with monitoring from International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) but the watchdog, the United States and Israel are concerned that enrichment levels and activities could enable it to make nuclear weapons. What People Are Saying Commander Matthew Comer, Indo-Pacific Command spokesperson, told The War Zone this week: "The F-15s are deployed providing force protection." Chief of Staff of the Iranian army Major-General Mohammad Baqeri, as quoted by IRNA News Agency last week: "In case the enemies make a mistake or intend to take action against the establishment and the sacred waters and soil of the Islamic Republic of Iran, our armed forces have the ability and readiness to confront them." What Happens Next Nuclear talks are expected to continue, but the risk of an impasse increases the chances of military action.
Straits Times
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Iran's President Pezeshkian says Trump speaks of peace and threatens at same time
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivers a speech during the National Army Day parade ceremony in Tehran, Iran, April 18, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS/File Photo Iran's President Pezeshkian says Trump speaks of peace and threatens at same time Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Saturday that U.S. President Donald Trump speaks simultaneously about peace and threats. "Which should we believe?" Pezeshkian said at a naval event in Tehran. "On the one hand, he speaks of peace and on the other, he threatens with the most advanced tools of mass killing." Tehran would continue Iran-U.S. nuclear talks but is not afraid of threats. "We are not seeking war," he said. Trump said on Friday that Iran had a U.S. proposal about its nuclear programme and knows it needs to move quickly to resolve a decades-long dispute. "More importantly, they know they have to move quickly or something bad — something bad's going to happen," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One after departing the United Arab Emirates on Friday, according to an audio recording of the remarks. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in a post on X said Tehran had not received a U.S. proposal. "There is no scenario in which Iran abandons its hard-earned right to (uranium) enrichment for peaceful purposes..." he said. Pezeshkian said Iran would not "back down from our legitimate rights". "Because we refuse to bow to bullying, they say we are source of instability in the region," he said. A fourth round of Iran-U.S. talks ended in Oman last Sunday. A new round has not been scheduled yet. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Newsweek
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Iran Prepares Forces for War As Doubt Hangs Over US Nuclear Talks
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Iran's army chief of staff said the Islamic Republic's armed forces are at peak combat and intelligence readiness, warning that while enemies may start a conflict, Iran will decide how and where it ends, according to state news agency IRNA. Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. Department of State for comment. Why It Matters Iran and the United States concluded a tense fourth round of nuclear negotiations on Sunday in Oman, with President Donald Trump threatening military action if a deal is not reached. The talks seek to revive diplomacy after Trump's exit from the 2015 nuclear deal. With Iran still enriching uranium to 60% and Israel threatening strikes to prevent it getting atomic weapons, pressure is mounting to prevent conflict. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, center, reviews army's hardware as he is accompanied by armed forces commanders during the army parade commemorating National Army Day in front of the shrine of the late revolutionary founder Ayatollah... Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, center, reviews army's hardware as he is accompanied by armed forces commanders during the army parade commemorating National Army Day in front of the shrine of the late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini, just outside Tehran, Iran, Friday, April 18, 2025. More Vahid Salemi/AP Photo What To Know "In case the enemies make a mistake or intend to take action against the establishment and the sacred waters and soil of the Islamic Republic of Iran, our armed forces have the ability and readiness to confront them," IRNA reported Chief of Staff of the Iranian army Major-General Mohammad Baqeri as saying. Their mission readiness includes intelligence collection, operational planning and capability of implementing possible scenarios, Baqeri was quoted as saying. Iran has said it doesn't seek a nuclear weapon. But the United States is pressing Iran for full denuclearization, urging a voluntary end to enrichment and the abandoning of centrifuges and the raw materials that could lead to a bomb, according to Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff. What People Are Saying Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Maj. Gen. Mohammad Baqeri, as quoted by IRNA: "Our advice to the enemies who sometimes pose threats against the establishment is: You may initiate a conflict with the Islamic Republic based on a miscalculation, but the ending, manner, timing, location and developments on the battleground will not be within your control. It will be the Islamic Republic of Iran that will determine them." U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff told Breitbart on Friday: "They may attempt to manipulate me. I don't think they're going to be able to manipulate me. In that particular example, if the Iranians make the mistake of thinking they can procrastinate at the table then they won't see that much of me and the alternative as the president says will be a bad alternative for them." What Happens Next As talks are expected to unfold, the United States is significantly bolstering its military presence at the Diego Garcia airbase within operational reach of Iran.
