Iran Versus Israel: Proxies, Affiliates and Conflict Management

Abstract

The 12-day conflict (June 13–24, 2025) between Iran and the US-Israeli coalition concluded with a ceasefire. In spite of the backing from the United States, Israel was unable to significantly diminish Iran's influence within such a brief timeframe. This scenario enabled Iran to position itself as a powerful political and military force in the Middle East. This research employs a qualitative methodology to examine the ceasefire as a conflict management tactic utilized by both Iran and Israel. The results indicate that the assaults by the Israeli-US coalition not only failed to undermine Iran but also highlighted its economic and military fortitude. Although Russia and China were not directly engaged in the conflict, they provided support to Iran. Khamenei's regime has thus far endured, despite facing threats of being overthrown by Reza Pahlavi, the last son of the US-supported Shah of Iran. Consequently, the conclusion of the 12-day war was not genuinely aimed at fully resolving the conflict but rather at alleviating the military, economic, and allied pressures exerted by each side.