The US is gradually reducing its commitments in the MENA region, taking several approaches, including networking among regional powers (particularly between Israel and the Arabs). However, this commitment reduction creates a vacuum in MENA, which grows as the US becomes more involved in international affairs (Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa), prompting other powers (inevitably) to fill it to the extent of their strength.
While Russia is preoccupied with its senseless war in Ukraine, China is gradually attempting to fill the vacuum (at least economically and diplomatically) in the initial stages. However, its international experiences to date do not confirm its ability to establish broad security networking, and its experiences in establishing infrastructure in several African countries were tinged with skepticism, with some of them proving to be failures, as part of what has become known as the "debt trap," in which China seizes assets and economic programs in exchange for unconditional political or humanitarian debts (such as Western debts).
That is, because the vacuum is too large for China to fill alone, the regional powers (each of them) seek to fill a share of it, and the weight of this share is linked to each country's strength, the strength and sustainability of its strategy, its ability to plan long-term to acquire a regional role, and its desire to engage in this intense rivalry.
In the medium term, Iran remains one of the most significant powers actively seeking to fill a portion of this vacuum and expand its Middle Eastern share. While it employs a variety of approaches, including human, ideological, and military, the crisis-cooling approach will allow it to catch its breath and prepare for new stages.
There is skepticism about Iran's claim, but part of it exists because Iran is continuing to develop its weapons program, which exclusively targets its Middle Eastern neighbors. Aside from drones, there are ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles, a potential nuclear bomb, and constant ideological mobilization.
Photo: 16 different types of Iranian drones from the most recent Iranian military display. Of course, such weapons can be tested in several international environments (collapsed states).
Dr. ABD ALQADER NANAA
Prepared for the Consulting Office for the Middle East
Risks and Solutions