Where Is The 'Axis of Resistance'? Iran Is Left To Fight Alone
By PNW Staff June 14, 2025
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When Iran launched its barrage of missiles and drones toward Israel, it was expected that its regional network--the so‑called "Axis of Resistance"--would erupt in synchronized retaliation. But Israel remains largely unchallenged, save for a lone Houthi missile. Where are Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iran‑aligned militias in Iraq and Syria?
A Shaky Alliance Built on Propaganda, Not Power
While Tehran has invested decades in training and arming these groups, the idea of a cohesive, centralized command was more rhetorical than real. Hezbollah, once the Axis's spearpoint in Lebanon, has limited its engagement to cautious border skirmishes. Facing devastating losses and domestic backlash amid Lebanon's economic crisis, its leadership appears reluctant to provoke full-scale war.
Complicating matters further, Hezbollah and Israel have an agreement in place--a tacit "rules of engagement" agreement to prevent further war. While skirmishes along the border are common, both sides have so far avoided actions that would force an escalation neither wants.
Hezbollah knows that if it breaks that understanding and initiates a full-scale confrontation, it would pay dearly. Israeli defense officials have made clear that the IDF's response would be swift and overwhelming, likely targeting Hezbollah's political infrastructure and strategic depth in Lebanon. For Hezbollah, the potential cost may now outweigh the ideological loyalty to Tehran.
Hamas, reeling from the October 2023 conflict and Israeli reprisals, is quietly rebuilding from the ruins of Gaza and remains mainly disorganized and in disarray while hiding in their remaining tunnels. No doubt they will still try to take advantage of the situation but barely have the means to do so.
Meanwhile, the Iraqi Shia militias--some of the most heavily armed proxies in Tehran's network--have been uncharacteristically silent. In Syria, similarly, militias remain inactive as the new Syrian leaders have no interest in becoming involved with Israel while they rebuild.
Even the Houthis, who have previously drawn headlines for their long-range strikes on Israeli and U.S. interests, have offered little more than symbolic participation. The few missiles they have launched during this round have been swiftly intercepted or fallen harmlessly. Unlike their more lethal operations in the Red Sea, these gestures appear designed to check a box--performative rather than operational. Their restraint signals either a reluctance to escalate or an acknowledgement that their deterrent capabilities are no longer as threatening as once believed.
The Militia Leader's Rebuke
In Iraq, this reluctance is no accident. A senior militia commander, speaking to Reuters, explained their stance bluntly, saying they "will not get involved" and instead must focus "on rebuilding their country." This cuts to the heart of the matter: Iraq's militant factions--once Tehran's regional shock troops--have declared that their priorities lie at home, not in a war on Iran's behalf.
Iran's Moment of Isolation
That single quote lifts the veil: Tehran has essentially been told, "This one isn't ours." Whether driven by domestic fatigue, strategic restraint, or hardened wills, Iran's primary leverage has evaporated. In this moment, Iran sits exposed, bearing the burden of retaliation largely alone.
The Bigger Picture - Strategic Ripples
1. Arab Silence Speaks Volumes: Israel's Military Superiority Acknowledged
In the immediate aftermath of Iran's much-hyped retaliation, Israel's ability to intercept nearly every drone and missile--across multiple fronts--has not gone unnoticed in Arab capitals. Rather than condemning Israel or rallying behind Iran, key Sunni governments have responded with pointed silence. Jordan intercepted Iranian projectiles in its own airspace. Saudi Arabia issued cautious diplomatic statements but avoided any show of support for Tehran.
The message is clear: regional powers have tacitly accepted that Israel holds air dominance and strategic superiority. This is a quiet, but profound, realignment. Iran's failure to inflict meaningful damage--and Israel's composure in its response--has only deepened Arab confidence in pivoting toward a security future that includes, not opposes, Israel.
2. The Axis of Resistance is Exposed, and So Is Iran
What was long marketed by Iran as a united front of anti-Israel resolve has now been exposed as fractured, cautious, and unreliable. Each proxy--Hezbollah, Hamas, Iraqi militias, Syrian factions, the Houthis--has either abstained, offered symbolic participation, or openly refused to act. In just 48 hours, the Axis's mystique has unraveled. Tehran's military credibility has taken a hit, and its deterrence strategy--based on the fear of regional escalation--suddenly appears hollow. The Islamic Republic has launched the first direct attack from its own soil in modern history--only to find itself standing virtually alone.
3. The U.S. and Coalition Air Defense Triumph
The past two days have also highlighted the growing power of U.S.-led multilateral defense systems. American, British, French, and Jordanian forces intercepted Iranian projectiles alongside Israel in a show of coordinated air defense efforts. This rapid, joint response shows that the West is not only capable of defending Israel but is willing to risk involvement to do so.
The message to Iran's leadership: not only are your proxies splintering, but your conventional capabilities are neutralized by an expanding security coalition. And unlike past years, even your missiles launched from home turf are no longer untouchable.
4. Tehran's Strategic Dilemma: Escalate or Retreat?
Now facing isolation and humiliation, Tehran is cornered. The cost of escalation has been revealed--high and ineffective. Yet retreat carries its own risks: loss of prestige, internal disillusionment, and regional marginalization. Iran is in a bind. It may shift to asymmetric pressure: cyberattacks or economic sabotage. But any path forward is fraught with danger. What's changed in the past 48 hours is that the veil of invincibility--through proxies or direct strikes--has been torn away. Tehran now faces hard limits on its regional playbook.
5. A Dangerous Void and a Quiet Opportunity
The temporary collapse of Iran's deterrence structure creates a dangerous power vacuum--but also an opening. If Israel acts wisely, this moment could reshape regional alignments long-term. Gulf states are watching closely. They now know two things: Iran's threats are far more bark than bite, and Israel's defensive capabilities are unmatched.
It's a window to solidify quiet cooperation into something more durable--whether through shared defense systems, backchannel diplomacy, or new economic ties. The past 48 hours have not just exposed Iran's weakness--they've introduced the possibility of a Middle East where old enemies see the value of quietly become uneasy allies.
