Missiles and negotiations: Iran 100 days into the war with US and Israel
Tehran, Iran – Iranian authorities remain defiant 100 days into the war launched by the United States and Israel as no lasting resolution appears in sight, and civilians bear the brunt of a conflict …
Tehran, Iran – Iranian authorities remain defiant 100 days into the war launched by the United States and Israel as no lasting resolution appears in s
Read Full Story at Al Jazeera →Why This Matters
The standoff between Iran and its adversaries risks reshaping regional power dynamics, with ripple effects far beyond the immediate conflict zone. This prolonged confrontation tests the limits of proxy warfare and asymmetric tactics, setting precedents for how non-state actors and state sponsors navigate escalation in an era of shifting alliances and blurred conventional warfare lines.
Background Context
Iran’s military doctrine has long relied on a doctrine of "forward defense," using regional proxies to counter perceived encroachment by the U.S. and Israel without direct large-scale confrontation. The current conflict escalates a decades-long shadow war, where covert operations, cyberattacks, and proxy conflicts have now coalesced into a more overt and sustained campaign, blurring the lines between war and deterrence.
What Happens Next
Expect Iran to double down on its proxy network, particularly in Yemen, Iraq, and Syria, while intensifying hybrid warfare tactics to avoid direct retaliation. Meanwhile, the U.S. and Israel may escalate targeted strikes or covert operations to degrade Iran’s missile and drone capabilities, raising the risk of miscalculation in an already volatile region.
Bigger Picture
This conflict underscores a broader shift toward "gray zone" warfare, where states navigate aggression without triggering full-scale war. As Iran and its adversaries refine their strategies, the episode could redefine deterrence calculations across the Middle East, potentially drawing in new actors or accelerating arms races in asymmetric capabilities.
