A recent panel at the Command and General Staff College examined the challenges faced by Iran and the Axis of Resistance, highlighting their declining influence and changing dynamics. Experts discussed Iran’s historical capacity to adapt to crises, the Iranian populace’s admiration for U.S. values, and the fragmentation within the Axis of Resistance due to losses and shifting leadership. The panel underscored the importance of understanding these factors for future U.S. engagement with Iran.
The Axis of Resistance, a coalition of Iranian-supported militias and organizations, is encountering significant crises stemming from developments over the last two years. On February 6, 2025, the Command and General Staff College’s Cultural and Area Studies Office hosted a panel to examine whether Iran’s influence and the Axis of Resistance represent a declining power or an evolving threat. Dr. Mahir J. Ibrahimov, Director of CASO, noted the discussion’s relevance to current challenges faced by the U.S. and its allies.
Mark J. Bosse, Chair of Diplomacy Studies at CGSC, remarked that recent years have not been favorable for Iran and the Axis of Resistance. Yahya Sinwar, a leader of Hamas, intended to incite a regional conflict that would fully activate the Axis and likely lead to the destruction of Israel, a plan that has not materialized. The Axis has suffered substantial losses, including significant reductions in Hamas fighters and the leadership of both Hamas and Hezbollah.
The dissolution of Iran’s influence in Lebanon and Syria has been marked by new leadership distancing itself from Tehran. Additionally, the Houthis have halted their planned attacks aimed at destabilizing shipping routes in the Red Sea. Bosse emphasized Iran’s historical ability to adapt to crises while maintaining its power in the region, illustrated by the recent shift in public opinion in Oman and effective utilization of cultural politics.
Dr. Tirdad Daei, a Senior Instructional Specialist at CGSC and native Iranian, provided insights into the evolving U.S.-Iran relations that date back to 1833. Daei highlighted that hostility surged in 1953 with U.S.-backed intervention and continued during the Iranian hostage crisis of 1979-1981. Despite decades of animosity, he noted the Iranian populace’s enduring admiration for American ideals such as freedom and democracy, framing this dichotomy as crucial to understanding U.S.-Iran dynamics.
Daei elaborated that brutal crackdowns on protests and anti-Israel sentiment further alienate ordinary Iranians, who yearn for justice and freedom. He emphasized the critical divide between the Iranian populace and the regime, indicating that many aspire for a brighter future while still valuing U.S. principles. Gary Hobin, Assistant Professor at CGSC, described the Axis of Resistance as a loosely connected network that Iran influences but does not control.
Hobin stated that while these groups collaborate when interests align, they maintain independence. The recent fall of Syria’s regime has significant implications for the Axis, affecting alliances and sentiments among Iraqi Shi’i political factions, leading them to reconsider their stance toward U.S. forces in Iraq. Current protests within Iran offer a glimpse of the populace’s dissatisfaction, although a lack of unified leadership limits their effectiveness.
The panel concluded with a Q&A session that facilitated further discussions on Syria and Turkey. This event is part of broader seminars addressing significant strategic issues for the U.S., organized by CASO in collaboration with various academic and policy institutions, and is broadcast live via CGSC’s social media channels. To view the panel and previous events, access CGSC’s YouTube and Flickr pages for full footage and additional information.
The recent Cultural and Area Studies panel at the Army University illuminated the precarious state of Iran and the Axis of Resistance amidst shifting political dynamics. Experts emphasized Iran’s historical adaptability to crises, the enduring admiration of U.S. values among Iranian citizens, and the fragmentation within the Axis due to changing allegiances and leadership. The discussions underscored the necessity for nuanced engagement strategies with Iran that support its populace in their pursuit of freedom and justice.
Original Source: www.army.mil
