For over 40 years, Iran's regional strategy relied on a network of proxies to project power while avoiding direct conflict. This 'Axis of Resistance', including groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, created a 'ring of fire' around Israel and extended Tehran's influence.
However, recent events have exposed critical weaknesses. Hamas has suffered severe losses in Gaza, and Hezbollah faces intense pressure, undermining Iran's strategic model. This erosion impacts Lebanon's economy and regional stability, forcing Iran to confront growing internal vulnerabilities and a changing geopolitical landscape where economic modernization is prioritized over ideological conflict. The once-feared expansion is showing signs of unraveling.
