Gavin Esler welcomes Hagai M. Segal, a professor at NYU London and expert on geopolitical strategy, and Paul Salem, VP for international engagement at the Middle East Institute. They delve into the dramatic unraveling of Iran's regional influence, spotlighting its declining power and the internal strife fueled by public demands for democracy. The conversation highlights the complexities of U.S. foreign policy, future interactions with Gulf states, and the potential for regime change as Tehran grapples with unprecedented challenges.
Iran has experienced significant regional weaknesses following the fall of Assad’s regime, complicating its proxy warfare strategy and alliances.
Internal discontent and political fragmentation within Iran challenge its leadership’s ability to address both domestic needs and foreign ambitions effectively.
Deep dives
Iran's Regional Power Dynamics
Iran has historically been a significant regional power, using proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas to assert its influence, particularly against Israel. However, 2024 marked a turning point with major setbacks for Iran and its allies, highlighting vulnerabilities in its military strategy and geopolitical posture. The aftermath of events such as the Hamas attack on Israel showed that Iran's influence may not be as strong as previously thought, with proxies acting independently rather than as direct extensions of Tehran's agenda. This shift indicates that Iran’s traditional methods of maintaining deterrence through proxy warfare are evolving, as international responses become more coordinated against its aggressive actions.
The Fallout of Allies and Strategic Isolation
The collapse of the Assad regime in Syria has had significant implications for Iran's regional strategy, leaving it more isolated and limiting its ability to connect with key allies such as Hezbollah. Without Syria as a conduit for military logistics and support, Iran’s power projection capability has diminished, complicating its strategic calculations. This isolation has been compounded by diminished trust among its allies, notably Russia, which has shown limited willingness to support Iran in conflicts. As a result, Iran faces a precarious situation as it navigates a transformed regional landscape, increasingly at odds with both enemies and erstwhile partners.
Domestic Discontent and Leadership Challenges
Internally, Iran is grappling with widespread discontent, particularly among its youth and female population, who resist the regime's restrictive social policies. The legitimacy of the government is undermined by a lack of economic progress and frustrations over its focus on foreign conflicts instead of domestic welfare. Notably, the political landscape is fractured, as reformist elements within the leadership advocate for a more moderate approach while hardliners push for confrontation. This internal division complicates decision-making and bespeaks a potential clash between military ambitions and the immediate needs of the Iranian populace, setting the stage for future instability.
Potential for Diplomatic Engagement under Trump
Looking toward 2025, there are questions about whether the incoming Trump administration can leverage Iran's weakened state to achieve meaningful dialogue or if it risks escalating tensions further. Analysts have speculated that Trump's approach could mirror historic diplomatic overtures in the region, potentially presenting opportunities for negotiation over nuclear capabilities. However, skepticism remains regarding whether Iran's leadership, with its deep-seated mistrust of the West, is genuinely open to such discussions. The success of any diplomatic efforts will largely depend on both parties' willingness to navigate the complexities of their historical enmity while addressing immediate regional challenges.
For decades the Islamic Republic of Iran used its ties to Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis in Yemen to create conflict and shore up its power in the Middle East and beyond. But in 2024 Iran’s plans and power fell apart in spectacular fashion, from Assad’s fall in Syria to Israel’s devastating attacks on its proxy groups. Once able to export chaos with impunity, Tehran is now in a state of unprecedented weakness. And it faces the return to the White House of Donald Trump, who enacted a strategy of ‘maximum pressure’ on Iran in his previous term.
What does 2025 hold for Iran? Gavin Esler talks to Hagai M. Segal, New York University London professor and Middle-East advisor, and Paul Salem,vice president for international engagement at the Middle East Institute.
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Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Produced by Robin Leeburn. Original theme music by Paul Hartnoll – https://www.orbitalofficial.com. Executive Producer Martin Bojtos. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. This Is Not A Drill is a Podmasters production.