Gaza War Seen by Iranians as Proof of Coordination Between Iran's Diplomacy and Revolutionary Guard

The recent Gaza war is being viewed by Iranians as evidence of coordination between Iran's diplomatic efforts and the "field" activities of its Revolutionary Guard and affiliated groups, according to a report in a Middle East newspaper. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian emphasized that Israel's refusal to discuss a political solution with the Palestinians serves as a catalyst for expanding Iran's influence and expelling Israel from the region.

The war has highlighted the role of Iran's "Axis of Resistance," a transnational coalition that includes state, semi-state, and non-state actors who cooperate to secure their collective interests, which include eroding American influence in the Middle East and destroying Israel. Iran has been quick to intensify its regional diplomacy under President Ebrahim Raisi, and the aftermath of the war has somewhat eased Western pressure on Iran's nuclear program.

However, the Gaza war has also exacerbated the clash between Iran's Arab allies' commitment to Tehran's directives and the interests of these host countries. This can be seen in the growing criticism in Lebanon of Hezbollah's involvement and the Assad administration's refusal to allow an Iranian attack on Israel from its territory. Israel's unwillingness to discuss a two-state solution with the Palestinians has undermined the prospects of a renewed momentum in Arab-Israeli relations, which could have turned Hamas's cognitive victory into a strategic defeat for Iran and its proxies.

Why this matters: The Gaza war has become a proxy battleground between Iran and Israel, with both sides seeking to assert their regional influence and power. The conflict highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East and the potential for escalation between Iran and Israel.

Iran has been exploiting the war to redefine the strategic balance of power in the Middle East by eroding Israeli and American influence and strengthening its own, focusing on pressuring key countries to reduce diplomatic ties with Israel. The Iranians officially deny direct involvement in the Gaza war but see it as the greatest evidence of coordination between diplomacy and field activities by the Revolutionary Guard and allied groups. As tensions remain high, the potential for further confrontation between Iran and Israel looms large.

Key Takeaways

• Iranians view Gaza war as coordination between diplomacy and Revolutionary Guard activities.
• Iran's "Axis of Resistance" aims to erode US influence and destroy Israel in the region.
• Gaza war has eased Western pressure on Iran's nuclear program but strained Iran's Arab allies.
• Gaza war is a proxy battleground between Iran and Israel, with potential for escalation.
• Iran exploits the war to redefine regional power balance by eroding Israeli and US influence.