The Shi'a movements and proxy groups in context of the Middle Eastern policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Abstract

This article is dedicated to the role and significance of the Iranian proxy-groups in the system of international relations in the Middle East and national security structures of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The relevance of this work stems from significant increase of the Iranian influence in the region over the past ten years. The article includes research of the activity of Iranian proxies in specific countries (Lebanon, Syria, Iraq); analysis of their genesis and increasing political activity; research of their influence on the augment of conflict potential between Iran and Israel; analysis of these groups’ functions in the system of national security of Iran. The author of the article points out, among other factors, that the Hezbollah movement in Lebanon has considerably strengthened its positions in the recent years due to a number of reasons, first of all, the movement’s victory in the military conflict with Israel in 2006. The second reason is various political alliances and coalitions with other Lebanese parliamentary parties; the third one is considerable military experience obtained by Hezbollah in the civil war in Syria (2013–2019). The author also emphasizes Hezbollah’s significant influence in the military and political spheres of Iraq, which are held by the pro-Iranian “Al Khashd al Shaabi” created by Shi‘a parties. In conclusion, the author provides a review of these groups’s relations with Iran and their prospects. The Iranian proxy groups play a significant role in the national security of Iran. Taking Iran’s confrontation with the US, Israel and Saudi Arabia into account, these groups are providing deterrence against probable aggression of the US and Israel towards Iran.