Iran and its Lebanese proxy Hezbollah are seeking to expand their influence in the Levant by cooperating with local forces in Syria, according to a regional think tank.
Israel’s Alma research institute anticipates Iran and Hezbollah attempting to reactivate a previously used land corridor that stretches from the Iraqi border in eastern Syria to the Lebanese border in the west. It suggests the local withdrawal of U.S. troops has given Iran great leeway in its regional ambitions.
An emboldened Iran would have greater influence in the Daraa province, which borders Israel, the report concludes. With Hayat Tahrir al-Sham now dominant in Syria—after toppling the Assad government—Iranian forces are expected to relocate to other parts of the area, seeking new allies on the ground.
