Iran's strategies in Lebanon and Iraq exemplify the complexities of modern proxy warfare, which allow it to extend its influence while minimizing direct military engagement. In Lebanon, Iran has primarily utilized the militant group Hezbollah as a key proxy. Established in the early 1980s, Hezbollah receives substantial financial, military, and logistical support from Iran, enabling it to operate as a formidable force against both Israel and domestic political rivals. This relationship is underscored by Iran's ideological commitment to the export of its Islamic Revolution and its aim to create a "Resistance Axis" that includes various anti-Israel and anti-Western entities.
In Iraq, Iran has similarly cultivated a network of militia groups, often referred to as the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). Formed to combat the rise of ISIS, these militias have become a critical component of Iran's strategy in the region. Iran leverages these groups to exert influence over Iraq's political landscape, ensuring that pro-Iranian factions dominate key government positions. This influence is often exercised through the Quds Force, the external operations branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which plays a pivotal role in coordinating and supplying these militias.
Hezbollah's involvement in Syria further illustrates Iran's strategy of utilizing proxy forces to achieve its regional objectives. By intervening alongside the Syrian government, Hezbollah has helped to secure Iranian access to the Mediterranean, thus enhancing Tehran's strategic depth. This collaboration is indicative of a broader Iranian strategy to establish a land corridor stretching from Iran to Lebanon, facilitating the movement of weapons, fighters, and resources.
The dynamics of proxy warfare also involve information warfare and propaganda. Iran's use of media outlets, such as Al-Manar, allows it to disseminate its narrative, promote its allies, and undermine opponents. This form of soft power complements military strategies and helps to solidify Iran's influence in both Lebanon and Iraq.
Additionally, Iran's proxies operate within a complex web of local grievances and sectarian identities, which they exploit to garner support. In Lebanon, Hezbollah appeals to the Shia population by portraying itself as a defender against external threats. Similarly, in Iraq, the PMF has positioned itself as a guardian against Sunni extremism. This strategic alignment not only consolidates Iran's power but also creates a reliance on these proxies for local communities, further embedding Iranian influence in the region.