West Asia Geopolitics
Iran, the "Axis of Resistance," and Regional Implications
Iran operates in a complex regional geopolitical environment, leading a coalition of allied state and non-state actors (Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, Houthis in Yemen, Hashd al-Shaabi in Iraq) it describes as the "Axis of Resistance" against US and Israeli regional influence.
- Iran's nuclear program is inseparable from its broader regional strategy — a nuclear capability functions as an "umbrella" for its proxy network activities.
- Following US-Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear sites (June 2025) and Israel's military operations in Gaza and Lebanon (2024-2025), Iran's "Axis of Resistance" has been significantly weakened: Hezbollah degraded, Hamas leadership decimated, and Houthis under sustained US military pressure.
- Iran's economic crisis: GDP contracted significantly under sanctions; inflation has exceeded 40% in recent years; currency (rial) has collapsed.
- India's stakes in Iran: Chabahar port (Iran's southeast coast) is central to India's connectivity to Afghanistan and Central Asia via the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC); India has received US waivers for Chabahar-related activities.
- India-Iran trade: muted due to sanctions, but Iran's LPG, LNG and potential future oil exports remain of interest to India's energy planning.
● Tracked since February 26, 2026 · last seen April 15, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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