As part of the “division of labor” on the resistance front, Iran has led a diplomatic campaign since the first day of the war designed to save Hamas, mainly while trying to impose a ceasefire. In the framework of the campaign, Iran applies diplomatic pressure on countries around the world, led by the Islamic countries, to be part of the overall activity of its proxies in the region. As time passes and the fighting continues, the frustration in Tehran increases and so does the pressure it exerts on the countries of the region to act against Israel.
After the Iranians failed at the gathering of the Organization of the Islamic Conference in Riyadh to achieve a decision that met their demands, Supreme Leader Khamenei appealed to the Muslim countries with the demand to sever political relations with the “Zionist regime,” at least for a limited period – a statement addressed primarily to countries that have normalized relations with Israel, and especially to the Gulf states whose relations with Israel arouse much anger in Tehran. Iran uses the war with Hamas to reiterate that relations with Israel are not a security asset. This is a clear hint to the Saudis, whom Iran seeks to warn against normalization with Israel. Moreover, over the last day the direct threat by one of the Iraqi militias toward Bahrain has increased. The militia publicized a photo of a US transport plane in Bahrain that it claims is delivering aid to Israel and warned that it will “cut off the hands” of those who help the US and Israel.
Although the Iranians repeat and insist that the various militias – Hezbollah, the Iraqi militias, and the Houthis – act of their own accord and without Iranian direction, the recent statement by the Supreme Leader was heard as a clear directive when he underscored that the main task of Muslim countries is to sever Israel’s vital artery and prevent shipments of goods and energy. These words link to the statement by the commander of the Revolutionary Guards about a week ago, whereby Iran controls two maritime chokepoints and can demonstrate power and strength there. As a result, the Houthis declared their intention to attack Israeli vessels, and yesterday seized a ship that is partially owned by an Israeli party.
Iran also pursues the same policy vis-à-vis the United States, which it identifies as a key element that helps Israel continue fighting. While continuing to deny its involvement, it encourages the Iraqi militias to act against the US presence in Syria and Iraq. So far, close to 60 attacks have been carried out, without casualties on the American side. In the international arena as well, there is evidence of the involvement of the Revolutionary Guards in demonstrations for Hamas, especially in European capitals.
As part of the “division of labor” on the resistance front, Iran has led a diplomatic campaign since the first day of the war designed to save Hamas, mainly while trying to impose a ceasefire. In the framework of the campaign, Iran applies diplomatic pressure on countries around the world, led by the Islamic countries, to be part of the overall activity of its proxies in the region. As time passes and the fighting continues, the frustration in Tehran increases and so does the pressure it exerts on the countries of the region to act against Israel.
After the Iranians failed at the gathering of the Organization of the Islamic Conference in Riyadh to achieve a decision that met their demands, Supreme Leader Khamenei appealed to the Muslim countries with the demand to sever political relations with the “Zionist regime,” at least for a limited period – a statement addressed primarily to countries that have normalized relations with Israel, and especially to the Gulf states whose relations with Israel arouse much anger in Tehran. Iran uses the war with Hamas to reiterate that relations with Israel are not a security asset. This is a clear hint to the Saudis, whom Iran seeks to warn against normalization with Israel. Moreover, over the last day the direct threat by one of the Iraqi militias toward Bahrain has increased. The militia publicized a photo of a US transport plane in Bahrain that it claims is delivering aid to Israel and warned that it will “cut off the hands” of those who help the US and Israel.
Although the Iranians repeat and insist that the various militias – Hezbollah, the Iraqi militias, and the Houthis – act of their own accord and without Iranian direction, the recent statement by the Supreme Leader was heard as a clear directive when he underscored that the main task of Muslim countries is to sever Israel’s vital artery and prevent shipments of goods and energy. These words link to the statement by the commander of the Revolutionary Guards about a week ago, whereby Iran controls two maritime chokepoints and can demonstrate power and strength there. As a result, the Houthis declared their intention to attack Israeli vessels, and yesterday seized a ship that is partially owned by an Israeli party.
Iran also pursues the same policy vis-à-vis the United States, which it identifies as a key element that helps Israel continue fighting. While continuing to deny its involvement, it encourages the Iraqi militias to act against the US presence in Syria and Iraq. So far, close to 60 attacks have been carried out, without casualties on the American side. In the international arena as well, there is evidence of the involvement of the Revolutionary Guards in demonstrations for Hamas, especially in European capitals.