GREAT POWER RIVALRY AND REGIONAL ESCALATION: THE RUSSIA–U.S. PROXY CONFLICT AND ITS IMPACT ON THE IRAN–ISRAEL WAR

Abstract

The Iran–Israel conflict has increasingly become entangled within the broader dynamics of great power rivalry, particularly the proxy confrontation between Russia and the United States. This paper examines how geopolitical competition between Moscow and Washington influences the trajectory of the Iran–Israel war, transforming it from a regional struggle into a theater of global strategic contestation. By analyzing military alignments, economic sanctions, diplomatic maneuvers, and the role of non-state actors, the study highlights how external interventions exacerbate regional instability and complicate prospects for conflict resolution. The research argues that Russia’s strategic partnership with Iran and the U.S.’s enduring support for Israel create a layered proxy conflict, where localized hostilities intersect with global power competition. This interplay not only intensifies the risk of regional escalation but also reshapes the security architecture of the Middle East. The findings underscore the urgent need for multilateral diplomatic mechanisms to de-escalate tensions, prevent miscalculations, and address the broader implications of great power involvement in regional conflicts.

Keywords: Great Power Rivalry, Russia–U.S. Proxy Conflict, Iran–Israel War, Regional Escalation, Middle East Security