Hamas’s al-Aqsa Flood operation, Israel’s brutal response, and the regional escalation of the conflict, including Iran’s and Israel’s unprecedented strikes on each other’s territory, mark a critical juncture for the Middle East. These events have brought a renewed focus on the Levant as a key area of Iranian geopolitical interest and rivalry with Israel. Syria and the broader subregion are viewed by Tehran as vital for its national security and that of its alliance network, the Axis of Resistance, and for the survival of the regime. This article explores Iran’s policy toward the Levant, focusing on Syria as the crucible of Iran’s engagement with the region over the last decade. The study highlights how Iran’s approach is defined by its continued desire to maintain its projection of strategic depth, thus ensuring its own security and that of the Axis of Resistance. Israel looms large over this calculus as the Islamic Republic looks to strengthen its allies’ positions against its enduring rival.
Middle East Policy is fully accessible through the Wiley Online Library
Click below to subscribe to the online or print edition of Middle East Policy and gain access to all journal content.