In a previous article, I suggested that Iran adopts an expansionist strategy in the Middle East, especially between the Gulf and Mediterranean, and obviously has, in this regard, a key and vital interest in extending its presence and influence into the Mediterranean. This Iranian essential project constitutes an eager geopolitical ambition that gives Iran a significant geopolitical position in the region and imitates the historical realities of the Persian Empire.

The international sanctions and the international and somewhat regional isolation of Iran, following the Islamic revolution and its consequent theocratic regime, have been creating a situation that is stalling Iran’s expansion in the region. Actually, this situation affects the traditional geopolitical expansion and influence spread of Iran, as a regional power and through conventional foreign policies and relations. Therefore, Iran has been always seeking untraditional ways to reach this objective since the Islamic revolution.

In this regard, Iran adopts untraditional and unconventional ways and means intended to spread the Iranian influence in the region and to create realities and situations connected with Iran’s policy and view in some areas and countries in the region that provide Iran with regional tools, assets and political cards and eventually improves Iran’s geopolitical position in the Middle East. Consequently, Iran can be imposed as a key regional player with a significant role and importance, which enable Iran to achieve its interests and make them more respected at the regional and international levels.

On the Iranian untraditional practical regional policy, it is quite noticeable that in every single important country or situation in the region Iran tries to support an entity or force, which always should have a militia, and get it affiliated with the Iranian regime and policy. Furthermore, besides the financial support of that entity, Iran always provides it with the military support through the appropriate military equipment and military training.

In a simple empirical investigation, we can realize and affirm this Iranian policy. In the results of this investigation, there is Hezbullah in Lebanon, Hamas in the Palestinian lands and al-Mahdi army in Iraq, which has recently failed to impose itself as a significant and effective force in Iraq, as it lost the military battle with the Iraqi and American forces. Those are the main parts and evidences of the Iranian policy in question, and in each case, there are many evidences of the military, financial and sometimes organizational relations with Iran. In addition, every country or situation of those examples is of key regional and international importance.

This Iranian policy constitutes an indispensable and enduring part of the Iranian strategy in the region. Hence, Iran uses non-state entities and forces that have military capabilities or militias, along with their practical violence or potential violence threat and pressure, as the main means for Iranian regional policy and interests.

Hence, as these means are outlawed by the international law, so should be the Iranian policy and actions in this regard. Then, it is indispensable that Iran be held accountable for such actions.