Skip to main content

Will escalation in Iran-US tensions impact Syria conflict?

With tension between the United States and Iran rapidly increasing, northern and eastern Syria could witness an upsurge in proxy clashes between parties backed by each side.
RTX3HCP5.jpg
Read in 

US President Donald Trump's unilateral pullout from the Iranian nuclear deal May 8 and increased warnings May 21 by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo against Tehran’s ballistic missiles and regional proxy programs could herald more tension between Tehran and Washington, more specifically in areas where the two powers are in competition.

Pompeo said the United States and its allies would work on deterring Iranian aggression and track down Iranian operatives and proxies such as Hezbollah. Northeastern Syria is one region where this rivalry could play out because of the presence of US and Iranian troops supporting, respectively, Kurdish and regime forces, with a possible military escalation between the two powers.Also, Iran has been engaged in a faceoff with Israel since May 8, with the two countries exchanging rocket fire.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.