Cross-border attacks between Israel and the Lebanese militia Hezbollah have rekindled fears of the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza expanding into a larger regional war nearly a year after its inception. Concerns have arisen that a broader conflict may involve Iran and other regional militias supported by Tehran. The history of arming militias by Iran dates back to the aftermath of the 1979 Islamic Revolution when the country faced challenges in acquiring advanced weaponry due to the halt in U.S. arms shipments and international sanctions. As a result, Iran turned to arming militias as an asymmetric tactic to confront Israel and the United States.

Iran’s alliances in the region include the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon, Shiite forces in Iraq, and support for Syrian President Bashar Assad during the country’s prolonged conflict. The relationships with these groups fall under Iran’s “Axis of Resistance” managed by the powerful Revolutionary Guard. Iraqi militias, such as the Popular Mobilization Forces, have developed into a significant political faction with extensive military capabilities and have carried out attacks against U.S. forces in Iraq in conjunction with the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Lebanon’s Hezbollah, formed in response to Israel’s presence in southern Lebanon, possesses a substantial arsenal of rockets and missiles that pose a significant threat to Israel. The group’s involvement in the Syrian conflict has further heightened tensions in the region. Palestinian militant groups, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, have received support from Iran despite being Sunni, with Israel launching significant attacks in response to militant actions.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, have been able to launch drone and missile attacks disrupting Red Sea shipping and posing a threat to Israel. The group’s actions have led to intense combat in the region, with its international profile rising as they continue to resist opposition forces. The risk posed by the ongoing cross-border attacks between Israel and Hezbollah could potentially escalate into a larger conflict drawing in Iran and other militias supported by Tehran. Despite calls for restraint, the situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalations from various actors involved in the region.