Iran pleased with its proxy actions against Israel - ISW

Iranian Defense and Armed Forces Logistics Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Gharaei Ashtiani argued that the Axis of Resistance has successfully destabilized and isolated Israel since Hamas’ attack.

Ashtiani asserted that the al Aqsa Flood attack has reduced Jewish migration to and within Israel by creating economic, political, and security crises for Israel. Ashtiani also claimed that the war has driven anti-Israel sentiment throughout the world and undermined the credibility of the Israeli government, Caliber.Az  reports citing ISW.

Ashtiani lastly noted that Israel’s military and intelligence failures since October 7 provide lessons for future action against it. Iranian state media widely circulated Ashtiani’s message.

“This statement is consistent with CTP-ISW's assessment that Hamas is trying to prolong its war against Israel to create time for Hamas to rally support from its foreign partners and international actors,” the analysts noted.

Ashtiani’s statement is also consistent with the Iranian grand strategic objective of internationally isolating and ultimately destroying the Israeli state.

“Ashtiani’s statement is especially noteworthy given his position in the Iranian regime. Ashtiani previously served as deputy chief of the Armed Forces General Staff from 2019 to 2021 before becoming defense minister. The position of defense minister is often a stepping stone into increasingly influential positions in Iran. Numerous Iranian defense ministers have later served as personal advisors to the supreme leader, for instance,” the ISW underlined.