How Iranian Strikes Against Islamic State Have Strengthened Tehran

The US-led international coalition cannot afford to overlook Iran's role in fighting against the Islamic State, the authors argue.

The expansion by IS across Iraq last summer caused consternation in neighbouring Iran. Iranian state media sought to play down the threat, reassuring the public that the Iraqi military was countering the militant group. In reality, the government and its paramilitary forces – the Revolutionary Guards – saw IS as a grave and growing threat, right in Iran's backyard.

Fast forward several months and the militants control vast amounts of territory in Iraq. But Iran is in a different position. It is no longer trying to downplay IS's presence on its doorstep. Instead, Tehran has transformed the challenge into an opportunity, by meeting Baghdad's need for ground assistance in the fight against IS while simaltaneously cementing its influence and control over its neighbor....

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