Abstract



Objective: Security and geopolitical developments in West Asia over recent decades have highlighted the role of regional and non-state actors in the region’s power and security dynamics. This study aims to analyze the impact of the Islamic Resistance Axis on the strategic interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran in West Asia and to explain its role in strengthening Iran’s balancing capabilities.



Research Methodology: In terms of its objective, this research is applied, and in terms of its methodology, it adopts a qualitative descriptive-analytical approach. The required data were collected from library sources, documents, academic and research works, and credible reports and were analyzed based on the theoretical logic of the balance of threat theory.



Findings: The findings indicate that the Islamic Resistance Axis cannot merely be regarded as a collection of ideologically aligned actors. Rather, within the context of the threatening environment of West Asia, this axis constitutes one of the balancing mechanisms of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Strengthening the capacities of this axis can contribute to enhancing deterrence, expanding strategic depth, improving Iran’s regional position, and reducing the vulnerability of its strategic interests.



Conclusion: The Islamic Resistance Axis constitutes an important, though not the sole, component of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s threat-balancing mechanism in West Asia. Its effectiveness depends on its interaction with other sources of national power and developments in the strategic environment. Therefore, preserving and strengthening Iran’s balancing capabilities requires the coordination of regional capacities with the country’s other political, diplomatic, and defense instruments.