In recent years, Iran’s regime has increasingly positioned itself as a significant threat to global peace and stability.
Through its aggressive foreign policy, military expansions, and alliances with authoritarian regimes, Iran has extended its influence beyond its borders, stirring conflicts across the Middle East and threatening international security.
The regime’s nuclear ambitions, missile development programs, and support for militant groups are all critical issues that raise alarm among world powers. Additionally, its involvement in conflicts like those in Syria, Yemen, and Ukraine-Russia war contribute to an unstable geopolitical landscape.
The Iranian regime’s vision of extending its theocratic model to other nations and its long-standing opposition to Israel and the U.S. further elevate global tensions.
A Hierarchical Rule: The Structure of Power in Iran
The Iranian regime, characterized by a rigid hierarchical structure, rules the nation with an iron hand. At the top sits the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, who wields ultimate authority. Although Iran’s National Security Council—comprising figures like the President, Defense Minister, Chief of the General Staff, and the Commander-in-Chief of the Revolutionary Guards—plays a role in shaping policy, all significant decisions are ultimately made by Khamenei. This structure limits the president’s influence, ensuring the regime’s top-down control remains unchallenged.
The Revolutionary Guards: The Regime’s Military Backbone
Integral to the regime’s strength is the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a military force created in the aftermath of the 1979 revolution by Khomeini. Tasked with both internal protection and external expansion, the Revolutionary Guards serve the interests of the regime and report directly to Khamenei. Their primary role is to prevent any internal protests and popular uprisings, while safeguarding the regime’s regional ambitions through a sophisticated military and political network.
Economically, the Revolutionary Guards have stakes in numerous companies, making them not only a military force but also an economic powerhouse in Iran. Their financial influence further consolidates their political power within the regime. Over the years, they have become a key player in the Iranian economy, using their resources to fund both internal control measures and external military operations.
A Vision for Theocratic Expansion
Since its inception, the primary goal of Iran’s regime has been to export its theocratic model across the Middle East. At the core of its foreign policy is deep hostility toward Israel and the United States. The regime perceives these nations as its principal adversaries and actively seeks to undermine their influence in the region.
Supreme Leader Khamenei has frequently called for the destruction of Israel, referring to it as a “cancer” that must be eradicated. Tehran backs its rhetoric with action, supporting various Shiite militias that carry out attacks on Israeli and U.S. targets. The objective is to gradually weaken Israel through continuous low-intensity conflicts, while also pushing for the withdrawal of American troops from the Middle East.
Missile Programs and Military Alliances
Iran’s missile program, bolstered by technologies acquired from Russia and North Korea, represents a significant threat to regional stability. The Shahab-3 medium-range missile, developed from North Korean technology in the 1990s, symbolizes Tehran’s growing capabilities. Iran’s involvement with Russia has deepened in recent years, as evidenced by its role in supplying arms to Moscow in exchange for resources, funds, and military expertise. This relationship has alarming implications for the balance of power in both the Middle East and beyond.
Since joining the BRICS group of nations in 2024, alongside major players like Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, Iran has also signaled its desire to align with emerging powers outside the Western sphere. This alliance offers Iran diplomatic cover and economic support, further emboldening its ambitions.
The Axis of Resistance: Iran’s Regional Network
Iran’s regime has cultivated a formidable network of Shiite militias across the region, collectively known as the “Axis of Resistance.” These groups, united by their anti-Israeli stance, act as Tehran’s proxies in various conflicts. Hezbollah, based in Lebanon, is the most significant of these militias. Though weakened by recent Israeli attacks, Hezbollah still boasts a substantial force of 30,000 to 45,000 fighters and possesses a large arsenal of rockets, some of which are equipped with advanced GPS systems.
In Iraq, Iran supports the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a coalition of about 40 Shiite militias with between 60,000 and 120,000 fighters. These groups regularly launch attacks on Israeli and U.S. targets from both Iraq and Syria, heightening regional instability.
Meanwhile, the Houthis in Yemen, another ally of the Iranian regime, are equipped with advanced Iranian weaponry, including long-range missiles, drones, and anti-ship missiles. Their numbers are estimated to be between 10,000 and 30,000, further extending Iran’s military reach.
Conclusion
Iran’s regime, through its hierarchical leadership, military expansions, and international alliances, has emerged as a serious threat to both regional and global peace. Its persistent efforts to export its theocratic vision, coupled with its aggressive stance toward Israel and the U.S., continue to fuel tensions in the Middle East. As Iran fortifies its military capabilities and strengthens its ties with powers like Russia, the international community must remain vigilant to the growing dangers posed by this regime.
Source » irannewsupdate