Iran Faces a Dilemma… Who Will Be the Successor to Hezbollah?

17th October 2024

1 minute read

Iran Faces a Dilemma... Who Will Be the Successor to Hezbollah?

Iran is facing a strategic dilemma regarding who will be the strongest successor to replace Hezbollah as its main military and political arm in the region, with the party’s influence clearly declining and collapsing due to the assassination of its leaders and the targeting of its bases.

According to a report published by The National Interest, analysts suggest that Iran might consider the Houthis in Yemen or the Popular Mobilization Forces in Iraq as potential alternatives. However, the varying structures and capabilities make the Houthis a more viable option, due to their unified command structure and military support from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The Houthis, who have demonstrated their military capabilities in the Red Sea by targeting regional and international interests, represent a strong bet for Iran, especially amid rising tensions with Israel. As Tehran uses long-range missiles as a strategic tool, the Houthis could adopt this approach to expand their regional influence and achieve Iran’s objectives in the area.

What complicates the situation further is Russia’s growing role in supporting the Houthis. Moscow views the Houthis as a strategic tool that could enhance its influence in the Middle East, providing Iran with a rare opportunity for a strong alliance with Russia to coordinate efforts against American, European, and Israeli interests. Russian support could bolster the capabilities of the Houthis, potentially making them the best choice for Iran after Hezbollah.

In light of these changes, the question remains: Will the Houthis become Iran’s strongest arm in the region? And how will the United States and its allies deal with the growing threat to vital maritime routes in the Red Sea?