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Iran-Israel Quagmire: Spiralling Escalation in Middle East

The Iran-Israel standoff appears to be spiralling out of control, harbouring dangerous consequences for the rest of the world. However, a slender margin of deterrence still exists.

By Srijan Sharma
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Iran-Israel Standoff

Iran-Israel Standoff | Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader (left) and Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's Prime Minister (right) | Photo courtesy: Public domain

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Iran's latest retaliatory strikes against Israel have escalated tensions between the two adversaries, teetering on the edge of war and broadening the scope of conflict in the Middle East. The Iran-Israel standoff appears to be spiralling out of control, harbouring dangerous consequences for the rest of the world. However, a slender margin of deterrence still exists, offering a chance to contain the burgeoning crisis.

Iran-Israel Crisis: The Objectives  

Israel's strategic goals centre around its commitment to completely dismantle Hamas and significantly weaken Iran’s influence in the region by targeting its proxies. This strategy aims to secure peace on Israel's terms and enhance its sense of security. However, Israel's approach is gradually drawing it into an unending conflict. While Israel currently maintains an advantage in this ongoing confrontation and can control some outcomes, it faces a long-term security challenge. The Middle East’s axis of resistance, which includes groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, continues to seek opportunities for retaliation.

Despite facing strong domestic and international opposition, Benjamin Netanyahu's administration has managed some tactical successes. Firstly, it has significantly weakened Hamas, causing internal divisions within the group. Secondly, the operational collaboration between the U.S. and Israel has placed strategic pressure on Iran, increasing its internal challenges—from a faltering economy to the emerging threat posed by ISIS.

Iran's strategic objective revolves around disrupting the geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East, countering the expanding influence of Israel and the United States in the region. Iran aims to severely tarnish Israel's internat

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