Clashes intensify across Middle East
Since Hamas’ October 7 attacks and the ensuing Israeli offensive in Gaza, violence has ramped up between Israel and the US on one side and Iran and its proxies on the other. The US has stepped up its presence in the Middle East in response.
Iran-backed groups in the Middle East
and major US military deployments
US troops
Recent attacks
Attacks by Iran
Approximate
number of military
personnel
Attacks by Iran-
linked groups
Attacks by US
US Navy
presence
Attacks by Israel
TURKEY
1,465
LEBANON
IRAQ
SYRIA
800
ISRAEL
IRAN
2,500
JORDAN
3,000
GAZA
PAKISTAN
Kuwait
13,500
EGYPT
Qatar
SAUDI
ARABIA
UAE
BAHRAIN
3,500
9,000
OMAN
10,000
2,700
Red
Sea
SUDAN
YEMEN
Iran
Iran exerts considerable influence over armed groups
across the Middle East, with differing levels of control
over each. In April, both Iran and Israel carried out direct
attacks on each other’s territories.
Syria
Iran has a direct presence in Syria and backs groups that
have attacked US forces on the ground since the war
began. The US has responded with retaliatory strikes.
Iraq
Iran wields significant influence over several militias,
who have launched dozens of attacks on US forces in
Iraq since mid-October; the US has responded with
retaliatory strikes.
Lebanon
Hezbollah is the most powerful militia in the region;
it is armed, trained and funded by Iran.
Yemen
Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been striking ships in
the Red Sea, disrupting global shipping. The US and
UK have responded by striking Houthi targets in the
Red Sea and Yemen.
Gaza
Iran backs Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad
group, which have launched attacks on Israel.
Iran-backed groups in the Middle East
and major US military deployments
US troops
Recent attacks
Attacks by Iran
Approximate number
of military personnel
Attacks by Iran-linked groups
Attacks by US
US Navy presence
Attacks by Israel
TURKEY
1,465
LEBANON
IRAQ
SYRIA
800
ISRAEL
IRAN
2,500
JORDAN
GAZA
3,000
PAKISTAN
Kuwait
13,500
EGYPT
UAE
BAHRAIN
SAUDI
ARABIA
3,500
9,000
OMAN
QATAR
10,000
2,700
Red
Sea
SUDAN
YEMEN
Iran
Iran exerts considerable influence over armed groups
across the Middle East, with differing levels of control
over each. In April, both Iran and Israel carried out direct
attacks on each other’s territories.
Syria
Iran has a direct presence in Syria and backs groups that
have attacked US forces on the ground since the war
began. The US has responded with retaliatory strikes.
Iraq
Iran wields significant influence over several militias,
who have launched dozens of attacks on US forces in
Iraq since mid-October; the US has responded with
retaliatory strikes.
Lebanon
Hezbollah is the most powerful militia in the region;
it is armed, trained and funded by Iran.
Yemen
Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been striking ships in
the Red Sea, disrupting global shipping. The US and
UK have responded by striking Houthi targets in the
Red Sea and Yemen.
Gaza
Iran backs Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad
group, which have launched attacks on Israel.
Iran-backed groups in the Middle East and major US military deployments
Syria
Iran has a direct presence in Syria and backs groups that have attacked US forces on
the ground since the war
began. The US has responded with retaliatory strikes.
Iraq
Iran wields significant influence over several militias, who have launched dozens of attacks on US forces in Iraq since mid-October; the US has responded with retaliatory strikes.
Lebanon
Hezbollah is the most powerful militia in the region; it is armed, trained and funded by Iran.
TURKEY
Iran
Iran exerts considerable influence over armed groups across the Middle East, with differing levels of control over each. In April, both Iran and Israel carried out direct attacks on each other’s territories.
1,465
SYRIA
IRAQ
LEBANON
800
ISRAEL
AFGHANISTAN
2,500
JORDAN
IRAN
GAZA
3,000
BAHRAIN
Gaza
Iran backs Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, which have launched attacks on Israel.
Kuwait
9,000
PAKISTAN
13,500
Qatar
SAUDI
ARABIA
UAE
3,500
10,000
OMAN
2,700
SUDAN
Red
Sea
Approximate number of US troops
YEMEN
1,000 military personnel
Yemen
Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been striking ships in the Red Sea, disrupting global shipping. The US and UK have responded by striking Houthi targets in the Red Sea and Yemen.
US Navy presence
Recent attacks
Attacks by Iran
Attacks by Iran-linked groups
Attacks by US
Attacks by Israel
