Exploring Iran’s Allies: Who Would Support Them if the US Joins Forces with Israel?

As tensions rise between Israel and Iran, global leaders, including US President Donald Trump, are taking a firmer stance against Iran. Trump has even suggested a potential attack on Iran’s nuclear sites, calling Iran’s supreme leader “an easy target” and demanding unconditional surrender.

In response, countries like Germany, Canada, the UK, and Australia are pushing Iran to completely abandon its nuclear ambitions. This raises the question: Is Iran isolated, or does it have allies ready to support it?

Iran has built a network of allied paramilitary groups in the Middle East, known as the “axis of resistance.” These include Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthi militants in Yemen, and the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) in Iraq. This arrangement has helped Iran avoid direct military strikes from the US or Israel.

However, Israel has recently inflicted serious damage on these groups. Hezbollah has notably suffered substantial losses, especially after the assassination of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Meanwhile, Iranian forces in Syria have been largely pushed out following the regime’s recent collapse.

Despite these setbacks, Iran still has influence in Iraq and Yemen. The PMF, which consists of about 200,000 fighters, remains a powerful force, and the Houthis have a similarly strong military presence in Yemen. Should Iran face an existential crisis, these groups may engage more actively, potentially escalating the conflict across the region.

The PMF could target US troops stationed in Iraq, while Iran may strike US bases in the Gulf region. The possibility of disrupting the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil shipping route, also looms large.

Looking at the broader picture, Iran has sought to strengthen ties with regional allies like Pakistan. Pakistani leaders have offered support to Iran, emphasizing their solidarity against Israeli actions. However, they also aim for a diplomatic resolution to avoid further conflict.

Iran has been reaching out to former rivals, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Recently, nearly two dozen Muslim-majority countries condemned Israeli actions, signaling some regional support for Iran. Yet, major powers like Saudi Arabia and Turkey are unlikely to support Iran militarily due to their close ties with the US.

On the global stage, allies like Russia and China have condemned Israel’s actions but remain hesitant to provide military support to Iran. Historically, both countries have been careful in their involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts. With Russia focused on Ukraine and China prioritizing economic interests, direct military intervention doesn’t seem likely at this time.

As this situation unfolds, the geopolitical landscape is complex. Analysts believe that while Iran’s allies may offer rhetorical support, tangible military backup remains uncertain unless the conflict escalates significantly. The delicate balance of power in the region continues to evolve, with ramifications for global security and economic stability.

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