The article discusses the current state of confusion within Iran following recent U.S. strikes in Yemen and Israel’s operations in Gaza. Iranian officials are concerned about escalating conflicts while attempting to strengthen ties with Russia and China. Diplomatic efforts are being pursued to manage the situation, but the viability of their proxy network is at risk.
For four consecutive days, the United States has launched strikes against the Iranian-aligned Houthi forces in Yemen, coinciding with one day of Israeli Defense Forces’ (IDF) operations targeting Hamas in Gaza. This sequence has resulted in confusion within the Iranian leadership regarding its strategic response, particularly due to concerns that the U.S. actions could escalate tensions ahead of a potentially major confrontation for which Iran feels unprepared.
Iran’s Supreme Leader has advised the nation against trusting any overtures from the Trump administration, placing Tehran in a difficult position. To navigate these challenges, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi convened with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko in Tehran on Monday, where they expressed a commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting regional peace and stability, as reported by Iranian state media.
The meeting also highlighted Iran’s provision of kamikaze drones to Russia, which are being utilized in the conflict against Ukraine. Furthermore, they discussed multilateral topics involving recent meetings in China attended by delegations from Russia, China, and Iran, which focused on nuclear discussions and safeguarding common interests in international law, emphasizing Iran’s desire for support from both nations.
Araqchi did not hesitate to criticize U.S. and U.K. military actions against Yemen as well as Israeli actions towards Palestine, urging Muslim nations to take action during the month of Ramadan. Iran’s diplomatic strategy seems to be aimed at enhancing relationships with Russia and China, alleviating sanctions, and pursuing Islamic causes against the U.S. and Israel.
Nonetheless, the Iranian representative to the United Nations, Amir-Sa’eed Iravani, reiterated the need for caution against U.S. aggression, condemning provocative statements from U.S. officials. Iran appears to initially prefer diplomatic channels to manage U.S. and Israeli aggressiveness, yet faces the dilemma of how to maintain support for its allied factions, such as the Houthis, whom it had previously empowered. The potential collapse of its network of proxies, including those in Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon, poses a significant risk for Iran. Failure to manage these dynamics could render its allies a liability rather than an asset.
In summary, Iran finds itself in a precarious situation due to ongoing U.S. strikes against its proxies in Yemen and Gaza. While attempting to strengthen ties with Russia and China for support, Iran is also navigating the challenges of a diplomatic approach. The effectiveness of this strategy is yet to be seen, particularly given the potential consequences for its weakened network of regional allies.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
