This paper explores the key security challenges and threats Iran has faced since October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel. This event marked a turning point in Middle Eastern geopolitics, unexpectedly reshaping regional dynamics. Iranian policymakers now confront a dual challenge: preserving Tehran’s strategic position while avoiding direct military engagement. This dilemma is further compounded by Iran’s deepening economic and social crises, which threaten the regime’s legitimacy and risk sparking new waves of domestic unrest.
The study examines how the conflict’s escalation has influenced Iran’s regional strategy, the Axis of Resistance, and its deterrence doctrine. It reconstructs Iran’s geostrategic position before the Hamas attack, assesses subsequent regional shifts, and evaluates Iran’s security posture through the end of the first quarter of 2026, which also covers the US-Israeli aggression. The analysis is based on qualitative research, drawing from Persian-language Iranian sources, reports from international organizations, scholarly publications, and expert analyses. Media coverage is also incorporated to ensure the study remains current. This methodological approach provides a comprehensive understanding of Iran’s evolving geopolitical landscape.
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