Iran’s military and political isolation amid U.S.–Israeli strikes is destabilizing Tehran’s proxy network and raising risks of internal upheaval and broader escalation.
At a Glance
- Iran’s so-called “Axis of Resistance” — including Hezbollah, Hamas, Iraqi militias, and the Houthis — are largely staying out of the fight
- Israeli strikes from June 13 targeted nuclear and missile sites across Natanz, Fordow, Isfahan, and led to high-profile IRGC losses
- Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei warned the U.S. on June 18 that any involvement would inflict “irreparable damage”
- Gulf states and regional powers are urging de-escalation, with Oman and Qatar mediating conditional truce talks
- Despite Trump praising Israel’s actions and demanding Iran “surrender,” Tehran remains under pressure and increasingly isolated
Proxy Reticence Signals Strategic Retreat
Key Iran-aligned groups are notably sidelined. Hezbollah is avoiding escalation after sustaining recent losses. Iraqi militias are holding fire amid concerns for political and economic stability. The Houthis, though vocally supportive, remain constrained following Saudi-led airstrikes. Analysts at Reuters note that Tehran’s regional power projection is fragmenting under mounting military and diplomatic pressure.
The fallout is clear: Iran’s long-standing reliance on asymmetric warfare via proxy networks is faltering at a critical moment.
Israeli Air-Strikes and Mossad’s Covert Role
Beginning June 13, Israel launched a coordinated campaign, Operation Rising Lion, hitting enriched uranium facilities at Natanz, Fordow, and missile infrastructure in Isfahan. High-profile IRGC commanders were also targeted in precision airstrikes. This followed reported Mossad drone operations that disrupted Iranian air defenses and eliminated key launch capabilities.
Watch a report: An Isolated Iran Faces Hidden War.
Diplomatic Fallout and Regime Vulnerability
On June 18, Ayatollah Khamenei warned the U.S. that any military involvement would cause “irreparable damage.” Simultaneously, Gulf states—most notably Oman and Qatar—are engaged in mediation efforts, pushing for a conditional ceasefire.
President Trump, meanwhile, has endorsed Israel’s strikes and publicly demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender.” However, analysts warn that such aggressive posturing may backfire, bolstering Tehran’s hardliners and risking escalation beyond current thresholds.
Iran today faces a dual crisis: diminished external leverage and rising internal pressures. As its proxy shield falters and diplomatic mediation intensifies, Tehran stands at a dangerous crossroads between further defiance and the risk of systemic collapse.
