Axis of Resistance
Iran's network of proxy forces, allied militias, and state backers that enable and sustain strike operations against Israel and coalition targets.
The "Axis of Resistance" (Mehvar-e Moqavemat) is Iran's term for its network of allied state and non-state actors united against Israel and US presence in the Middle East. The IRGC sits at the centre, conducting direct strike operations while coordinating proxy forces across multiple fronts. Three state backers — Russia, China, and North Korea — provide critical military technology, diplomatic cover, and economic lifelines that sustain Iran's ability to wage a prolonged campaign.
IRGC
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Primary strike force conducting all True Promise operations. Controls Iran's ballistic missile, cruise missile, and strategic drone arsenal.
Hizbullah
Iran's most capable proxy in Lebanon. Significantly degraded after 2024 Israeli operations but retains residual rocket, missile, and drone capability on the northern front.
Houthis (Ansar Allah)
Iran-backed Yemeni militia. Conducts Red Sea anti-shipping campaign and long-range missile/drone strikes toward Israel from the southern axis.
Three states provide critical support that enables Iran to sustain prolonged strike campaigns. None are direct combatants, but their contributions are militarily significant.
Russia RU
Military technology transfer, air defence systems, satellite intelligence, and diplomatic cover at the UN Security Council. The Iran-Russia defence relationship deepened significantly after 2022.
China CN
Iran's largest oil customer and primary economic lifeline. Provides dual-use technology, BeiDou satellite navigation access, sanctions evasion networks, and diplomatic protection at the UN.
North Korea KP
Long-standing missile technology partner. Iranian ballistic missile programmes trace lineage to North Korean designs. Ongoing cooperation on solid-fuel propulsion and warhead technology.
How state backers funnel weapons technology, intelligence, economic support, and diplomatic cover to Iran and its proxies. Hover over a node to highlight its connections; drag nodes to rearrange.
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The backers are themselves interconnected, creating a reinforcing network of mutual support that amplifies Iran's capabilities.
Shows inter-backer relationships and how resources flow through intermediaries.
AI-generated content for informational purposes only. Data should be independently verified.