Countering Iran's strategies is imperative for US safety - opinion

• Published date: 14 March 2024
• Author: ERFAN FARD
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

This report underscores Iran's continued endeavors to assert its regional power, leveraging military, diplomatic, nuclear, and sales channels to advance its ambitions. Notably, Tehran's strategic posture and actions suggest a persistent threat landscape that the United States must navigate with vigilance and strategic acumen

Iran's regional and global activities, as delineated in the assessment, highlight a determined effort to entrench its emergent status as a regional power. This is achieved through the orchestration of a broad array of strategies aimed at undermining US influence while minimizing threats to its regime and curtailing the risk of direct military conflict.

The utilization of Iran's "Axis of Resistance" network, comprising various proxies and partners, underscores a tactical approach to extend its influence and operational reach across the Middle East.

The assessment further details Iran's tactical leverage gained from recent military successes, diplomatic gains, and the expansion of its nuclear program. This multi-pronged strategy is indicative of Tehran's intent to bolster ties with key allies, such as Moscow, and to utilize conflicts like the one in Gaza to position itself as a champion of the Palestinian cause. These actions are emblematic of Iran's broader goal to reshape regional dynamics in its favor, often at the expense of US strategic interests and the stability of its allies.

On the nuclear front, Iran's activities post-2020 mark a significant pivot from the constraints of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). By expanding its nuclear program and reducing International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) oversight, Iran has positioned itself to rapidly advance towards the development of a nuclear device, should it choose to do so. This progression not only challenges non-proliferation norms but also heightens the risk of nuclear escalation in an already volatile region.

Iran's hybrid tactics

Moreover, Iran's adeptness in hybrid warfare tactics – employing both conventional and unconventional capabilities – poses a continued threat to US and allied military and commercial assets in the region. The proliferation of ballistic missile technology and advancements in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) exemplify Tehran's commitment to enhancing its military capabilities, thereby complicating the security calculus for the United States and its partners.

The cyber domain represents another arena of contention, with Iran's growing...