Iran’s ‘Axis of Resistance’: The proxy forces shaping Mideast conflicts - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
by Patrick J. McDonnellMarch 1, 2026
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Iran’s “Axis of Resistance” represents a network of proxy forces that Tehran uses to project influence across the Middle East, often destabilizing the region and challenging U.S. and Israeli interests. These groups, primarily Shiite but also including Sunni factions like Hamas, are armed, trained, and funded by Iran to advance its geopolitical agenda. They operate in countries like Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, where they oppose what they view as foreign occupation and promote Iranian-backed ideologies.
Hezbollah, a key Iranian proxy in Lebanon, has emerged as one of Tehran’s most effective tools for regional influence. Formed during the Lebanese Civil War and strengthened by decades of Iranian support, Hezbollah has grown into a powerful military and political force, capable of challenging Israeli forces and maintaining a tense yet influential presence in Lebanon.
Hamas, another significant Iranian-backed group, operates primarily in Gaza and the West Bank. Despite its Sunni Islamist roots, Hamas has increasingly relied on Iranian funding and weapons since the 2000s, aligning itself with Tehran’s anti-Israel stance. The recent Israel-Hamas conflict, which erupted after Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, has further strained relations between Iran and Western powers.
The broader significance of these proxy forces lies in their ability to shape regional dynamics and fuel sectarian tensions. While groups like Hezbollah
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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 3/1/2026