Iran claimed to be pleased with how their proxies destabilized the situation in Israel
In Iran, they claimed to be pleased with how their proxies destabilized the situation in Israel (photo: GettyImages)
Iran's Minister of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics, Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Gharaei Ashtiani, stated that the Axis of Resistance (a collective term for Iran-affiliated militants) has successfully destabilized and isolated Israel following the Hamas attack, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Ashtiani claimed that the attack on the Al-Aqsa Mosque reduced Jewish migration to and within Israel, creating economic, political, and security crises for the country. He also stated that the war sparked anti-Israel sentiments worldwide and undermined trust in the Israeli government.
Ashtiani ultimately pointed out that the failures of the Israeli army and intelligence after October 7 provide lessons for future actions against it. Iranian state media widely disseminated Ashtiani's statements.
"This statement is consistent with ISW's assessment that Hamas is trying to prolong its war against Israel to create time for Hamas to rally support from its foreign partners and international actors," analysts said.
ISW also noted that Ashtiani's statement aligns with Iran's overarching strategic goal of international isolation and the ultimate destruction of the Israeli state.
"Ashtiani’s statement is especially noteworthy given his position in the Iranian regime. Ashtiani previously served as deputy chief of the Armed Forces General Staff from 2019 to 2021 before becoming defense minister. The position of defense minister is often a stepping stone into increasingly influential positions in Iran. Numerous Iranian defense ministers have later served as personal advisors to the supreme leader, for instance," explained ISW.
Iran's involvement in the war between Israel and Hamas
From the early days of the conflict, the United States has asserted that Iran is a co-perpetrator in the war. They claim that Iran trained Hamas militants, and then its proxies, such as Hezbollah, attacked Israel or American bases, destabilizing the situation in the region.
Iran itself denies its involvement, and recently, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei assured Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh that his country would not engage in a war against Israel on behalf of Hamas.
