For nearly four decades, since the rise of Iran's Islamist regime in 1979, the West has funneled substantial political and economic resources into combating Iran's proxies. To what effect? Not enough, it would seem, to write home about.
After all these years, the West might consider, instead, facing a crucial realization: it might consider attacking the source, not merely its symptoms. It is high time for the West to wake up.
After nearly 40 years, it is only natural to ask whether these efforts have succeeded in even curbing Iran's proxies, terrorist groups, and militias. Unfortunately, not even a fraction of success can be claimed. On the contrary, these groups have grown stronger, more entrenched, and more lethal over the years. Their numbers and influence have multiplied, and their power has only solidified, until they are now formidable forces in the region – because no one has stopped them.
Iran's regime and its proxies constantly launch attacks – at Sunni Gulf States, at Israel and at US troops -- with the seeming goal of eradicating the Jewish state and driving "The Big Satan" out of the region. That way, the mullahs appear to believe, Imperial Iran would be able to enjoy the run of the corral without interference from countries they allege are imperialist, and revel in an unfettered "open season."
Iran and its proxies have attacked US troops in the region more than 150 times just since October. The US response has not exactly been a deterrent. In the meantime, the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism continues cheerfully to put the finishing touches on its nuclear weapons program.
In Lebanon, for instance, Iran has meticulously cultivated the terrorist group Hezbollah, turning it into a dominant force that wields significant control over the Lebanese government. Driven by the mullahs' mission of "Death to Israel" and "Death to America," Hezbollah has become a relentless adversary of both Israel and the US.
In Iraq, the situation is similarly troubling. Iran's Shiite militia groups, operating under the umbrella of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), now encompass more than 60 militias. These groups are not just rogue elements; they are integrated into the Iraqi government, consistently attacking U.S. bases under the Biden-Harris administration, and furthering Iran's anti-American ideology. The mullahs' influence is now deeply embedded within the very fabric of Iraq's governance.
Meanwhile, Iran's support for Hamas is well-documented. Through funding and weaponry, Iran has built up Hamas, presumably with the explicit aim of annihilating Israel. This support is also part of a broader strategy to destabilize the region and force out the West.
In Syria, Iran's involvement has been both extensive and strategic, with its militia groups playing a crucial role in sustaining the Assad regime. Iran has deployed and supported a network of Shiite militias, including Hezbollah fighters and various groups recruited from Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, all under the guidance of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force.
In Yemen, the Houthi rebels have been serving as yet another Iranian proxy. These militants have attacked the oil-rich nations of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and wreaked havoc in the Red Sea, attacking ships and launching Iranian missiles and drones into Israel. Their actions have further destabilized an already volatile region, extending Iran's reach into yet another theater of conflict.
At the core of all these operations is the Iran's IRGC and its elite Quds Force. These entities are the godfathers of Iran's proxy strategy, providing funding, training, and support to militia groups throughout the Middle East. Their ultimate goal is to assert the mullahs' power and influence across the region, using these proxies as cats' paws in their grand strategy.
Since the regime's establishment in 1979, the number of Iran's proxies has vastly increased. Yet, despite this alarming trend, the West, for decades, continues to pursue a strategy that has clearly failed. It seems that for many sanctimonious Europeans who are forever preaching to everyone else about human rights, the profits of doing business and selling cars take priority.
When an Iranian proxy, such as Hamas, launches an attack, the response should be to strike the IRGC directly. When Iran's proxies threaten other nations, the West should target Iran's key assets, such as its ports or oil refineries. Such actions might actually get the regime's attention.
The regime hides behind its proxies because it would rather its proxies receive retaliatory strikes instead of Tehran, Isfahan, Qom or Natanz, and it seems above all to fear losing its grip on power. The mullahs doubtless are aware that they lack broad support among the Iranian people, so it is easier to extend their influence and Islamist ideology through their proxies. Why should a country that does not treat its own people well treat others any better?
The time to put a stop to Iran's runaway aggression is long overdue – before it launches nuclear weapons.
Dr. Majid Rafizadeh is a business strategist and advisor, Harvard-educated scholar, political scientist, board member of Harvard International Review, and president of the International American Council on the Middle East. He has authored several books on Islam and US Foreign Policy. He can be reached at Dr.Rafizadeh@Post.Harvard.Edu
