The overview of Iran’s decades-long tension and proxy warfare since the 1979 Islamic Revolution
1. The 1979 Islamic Revolution & Regional Strategy The overthrow of the Shah in 1979 marked a radical ideological shift: Iran embraced an Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Khomeini and adopted a revolutionary foreign policy aimed at challenging Western influence and supporting "Islamic resistance" regimes Practically isolated, Iran turned to non-state actors to extend its reach and project power, laying the foundation for its proxy network across the region. 2. . Foundation of Hezbollah in Lebanon (Early 1980s) In response to Israel’s 1982 invasion of Lebanon, Iran’s IRGC Quds Force helped found Hezbollah around 1982–85, providing training, finances, and political guidance based on the theocratic model Since then, Hezbollah has received up to $700 million–1 billion annually from Tehran and developed a sizable rocket force—making it a central pillar in Iran’s strategic deterrence Iranian support—including financial aid, the deployment of Revolutionary Guards, and military...
