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Short answer
Iran actively supports jihadist Islamic militant groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, The Houtis and Shiite militias in Iraq, arming and training them to attack Israel and Western interests.
Additionally, Iran’s alliances with Russia, China, and North Korea strengthen its position and enhance its military and technological capabilities, forming the “Axis of Evil.”
Iran’s interest in leading the “Axis of Evil” can be explained as follows: as an Islamic republic, it is vehemently opposed to Israel and Western values. Iranian ideology is based on a radical interpretation of Shia Islam and aims at promoting hatred towards Israel and the US. A second goal of the regime is to force Shia rule over the entire world, thus expanding its authority and countering Western influence in the Middle East.
Long answer
Iran is leading the “Axis of Evil” for several reasons – Iran, an Islamic republic, is vehemently opposed to Israel and Western influence. Its ideology, based on a radical interpretation of Shia Islam, aims to spread hatred towards Israel and US and to force the Shia rule in the entire word. Its goal is to expand its influence and counter Western dominance in the Middle East.
One of Iran’s primary tools is its network of proxy groups, often referred to as the “Axis of Resistance.” These groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Gaza, Shiite militias in Iraq, and the Houthi movement in Yemen, are armed and funded by Iran to advance its geopolitical interests.
By supporting these groups, Iran can project power without direct involvement, divert blame, weaken rivals, and shape regional politics. For example, Hezbollah in Lebanon, serves as a deterrent to Israel and a tool to project Iranian influence in the Mediterranean. Similarly, Iran’s support for Hamas and Islamic Jihad allows them to maintain a state of conflict with Israel.
Iran’s alliance with Russia, China, and North Korea further strengthens its position. Russia and China, particularly, provide crucial support to Iran’s proxy network. All of these countries are totalitarian, non democratic and very limited on civil liberties for their population while simultaneously waging war against other sovereign democratic nations.
