Following a 12-day war between Iran and Israel, Middle East analyst Lisa Daftari highlights Iran's diminished influence. Iran's threats to close the Strait of Hormuz had minimal global impact, and even key allies like China and Russia offered no support. Daftari credits Israel's military campaign with weakening Iranian proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas, bringing the conflict closer to Iranian soil. While the ceasefire may have been strategically timed, Daftari emphasizes the ongoing threat of Iran's nuclear ambitions and the need for continued vigilance from Israel and the US. She also notes the celebratory response from the Iranian diaspora and the internal repression within Iran itself.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.