The middle east is one of the regions where many different players have different geopolitical interests. The Islamic Republic of Iran is certainly one of those powers as this old civilization gained an increased international prominence in the last few decades. This is based on various historical, social and regional developments.
From the theocratic revolution led by Al Khomeini to the rise to an energy superpower, Iran always had a direct impact on the regional security and geopolitical developments. The Islamic Republic’s nuclear and missile programs have also elicited close attention and anxiety on the part of the western world powers. Combined with the support of the various armed factions in the Middle East, Iran had become one of the main players that can influence the regional and global stability. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the rise of Iran as a regional and international key actor and its global aspirations.
The importance of the regional role
The first notable perspective about Iran regional and international role should be analysed through the prism of the various conflicts in the region. There is almost no war or crisis in the Middle East without Iran having some role in it. The War with Iraq in the ’80s postponed the Iranian Rise the prominence. However, it was the US invasion of Iraq in 2003 that provided a fertile ground for the so-called Iranian expansionism.
On that note, it is important to emphasize that the Iranian regime was actively supporting the Shia militant groups in post-Saddam Iraq. Moreover, many of these Shia armed factions(such as the Mehdi Army) had a significant role in raising the sectarian tensions in Iraq. Furthermore, these Iranian backed militias engaged the US troops in Iraq in a post-invasion insurgency that prolonged the American presence in Iraq. In other words, Iran had a direct influence on the deterioration of the security of its neighbour.
The second notable issue that needs to be analyzed is the constant tensions with Israel. The Iranian theocratic regime represents one of the main backers of Hamas – a militant organization that controls the strategic Gaza strip. In the same time, the Iranian aspirations extended to Lebanon where the Iranian Revolutionary Guard supported the creation of Hezbollah. This militant organization was in war with Israel in 2006 and one of its main backers was the Islamic Republic of Iran. In the same time, the political wing of Hezbollah represents one of the popular parties in Lebanon and it is part of the coalition government. In other words, Iran has a significant impact on the stability of Lebanon and the region. This regional role is the first crucial element of Iran’s rise to prominence as an international key player
Relations with the West
The second element needs to be analyzed through the relations with the Western world. After the Islamic revolution in 1979, led by Shia cleric Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Iran had an uneasy relations with the West. Certainly, the Ballistic Missile and the Nuclear program did not help in this process. However, these two elements were the main elements of the deterrence strategy which prevented a possible American military intervention. Moreover, the nuclear deal with the West enabled the Iranian economy and energy sector to come back on the front door in the region.
Although the new American administration led by President Trump pulled off that deal, the high military and ballistic capabilities and the geographical position enable Iran to keep the status quo. From a strategic point of view, the close proximity to Saudi Arabia and the advanced ballistic capabilities can significantly affect the global oil and energy markets in case of armed conflict. In simple words, the military capabilities and the close proximity to the Saudi and Gulf oil reserves make Iran a key player on the global political scene. Combined with the possibility of building pipelines to India, the Iranian role on the international geopolitics can only grow.
The Syrian Conflict and the Rise to Prominence
The final segment of the Iranian growth to prominence can be observed through the prism of the Syrian Civil War and the Yemen conflict. On that note, it is important to emphasize that the Iranian arms assistance to the Houthis has been the key to enabling this rebel faction to withstand the Saudi led coalition attacks. In the same time, the Iranian role in the Syrian conflict has been detrimental in maintaining the Assad regime in power. Also, it can deploy strong militia groups in Iraq to fight against the ISIL.
Many geopolitical strategists put the survival of the Assad led administration thanks to the Russian intervention in Syria. However, it is imperative to underline that the Iranian support was the key segment in preventing the fall of Syria. To be more specific, Iranian backed Hezbollah combined with the Afghan militias paid by Iran took an active role in defending the Syrian government. Furthermore, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard also took an active role in this armed conflict.
But what is the importance of these events to this analysis? Well, the answer is pretty simple. It extended the Iranian influence in the region and on the world geopolitical stage. The Islamic republic is one of the main players that can determine the outcome of this conflict that took more than 400 000 lives. This thesis is supported by the so-called Astana agreement in which Iran was one of the key players (together with Russia and Turkey) in securing a truce and a pathway for the end of the war.
Conclusion
On a final note, we can conclude that the Islamic Republic of Iran rise to prominence is still an ongoing process. From the prospect of its energy resources and economic potential to the military and political influence in the fragile region of the middle east – Iran has become a key global player with a significant international influence.
Image Credit: UN News