A series of missile and rocket attacks in the first weeks of 2024 has raised concerns about the possibility of a broader war in the already volatile Middle East.

The common thread weaving through these incidents is Iran, as the nation takes a surprising shift in its decades-long strategy of “forward defence” by directly involving itself in conflicts, abandoning its reliance on proxies.

Recent attacks have spanned across several nations, including Syria, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, the Red Sea, Yemen, and most notably, Pakistan. The involvement of Iranian proxies or allies, and in some cases, Iran itself, has left the region on edge.

Iran’s missile strikes on northern Iraq and Pakistan mark a departure from its historical approach of engaging in conflicts through proxy forces rather than direct participation.

Middle East analysts are now questioning the wisdom of this strategic shift, emphasizing the potential costs for Iran and the broader regional stability.

Professor Shahram Akbarzadeh from Deakin University expressed his concerns: “More and more we see Iran embroiled in confrontation, and more and more, we see Iran also suffering attacks.”

The risks associated with this change in strategy are evident, with the region witnessing a dangerous escalation of tensions.

“We’re in the middle of a regional war,” warned Sami Nader from the Universite Saint Joseph in Beirut. “It’s true that it’s still low intensity, but the whole region is going through an escalation.”

Nader’s assessment underscores the gravity of the situation as the Middle East teeters on the brink of a broader conflict.
The shift in Iran’s strategy raises questions about the motivations behind this change.

Analysts suggest that Iran’s direct decision to engage in conflicts may be driven by a desire to assert dominance and safeguard its interests in the face of evolving geopolitical dynamics. However, the risks associated with this approach are not to be underestimated.

The attacks on northern Iraq and Pakistan have triggered concerns about the potential for further escalation. As tensions rise, the spectre of a full-blown regional conflict looms large, posing significant challenges to global peace and stability.

International actors closely monitor the situation, with calls for diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the tensions. The United Nations and other global organizations are urged to proactively mediate and prevent the problem from spiralling out of control.

In conclusion, the recent wave of attacks in the Middle East, with Iran directly involved or supporting proxies, signals a dangerous departure from the status quo.

As the region grapples with escalating tensions, the international community faces the critical task of finding diplomatic solutions to prevent a broader war that could have far-reaching consequences for the Middle East and beyond.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members