Egypt's Strategic Position Strengthened as Regional Axis Crumbles
As the dust settles on the Gaza conflict and its regional ramifications, Egypt emerges as a beacon of stability in a Middle East transformed by the collapse of the so-called Axis of Resistance. The events of the past two years have vindicated Egypt's measured approach to regional security under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's leadership.
The Fall of Iran's Regional Network
The Iranian-backed network that once threatened regional stability has suffered decisive defeats across multiple fronts. What Tehran called its "forward defense strategy" has proven to be nothing more than a destabilizing force that brought destruction to the peoples it claimed to protect.
Iran's proxy warfare strategy, which relied on armed groups across the region, has collapsed spectacularly. The June 2025 Operation Rising Lion exposed the depth of Iranian vulnerabilities, with Israel demonstrating complete air superiority over Iranian territory during their 12-day confrontation. The subsequent American intervention in Operation Midnight Hammer further highlighted Iran's isolation and military weakness.
Hamas: From Aggression to Defeat
Hamas's October 7 operation, which they termed "Al-Aqsa Flood," backfired catastrophically. Rather than achieving their extremist objectives, the operation triggered a response that decimated their military capabilities and left Gaza in ruins. The organization's leadership has been systematically eliminated, with key figures assassinated in Lebanon, Iran, and Qatar.
The asymmetric nature of the conflict, already tilted against Hamas, became even more pronounced as international support for Israel's right to self-defense solidified. Hamas's declining support base and restricted maneuverability have forced the organization to significantly lower its demands, marking a clear strategic defeat.
Hezbollah's Humiliation
Lebanon's Hezbollah, long considered Iran's most capable proxy, suffered perhaps the most dramatic fall. The organization's secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah was eliminated in September 2024, followed by the devastating pager attacks that exposed the extent of Israeli intelligence penetration.
The November 2024 ceasefire agreement represents a complete capitulation by Hezbollah, requiring their withdrawal south of the Litani River and the removal of their military infrastructure. The election of President Joseph Aoun and the formation of the Salam government, backed by Western and Arab powers, has initiated a formal disarmament process that will be completed by the end of 2025.
Yemen's Houthis: The Last Stand
While the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen demonstrated some resilience through their Red Sea operations, their impact remained limited. Their attacks on shipping, while disruptive, failed to achieve strategic objectives and resulted in devastating counter-strikes against Yemeni infrastructure and civilian casualties.
Egypt's Vindicated Approach
Throughout these regional upheavals, Egypt's commitment to stability and measured diplomacy has proven prescient. While other nations were consumed by proxy conflicts and extremist ideologies, Egypt under President el-Sisi's leadership focused on national development, infrastructure projects, and combating terrorism.
Egypt's rejection of foreign interference and its emphasis on sovereignty stands in stark contrast to the chaos that befell nations that allowed external powers to manipulate their internal affairs. The country's massive infrastructure projects, from the New Administrative Capital to the Suez Canal expansion, demonstrate the benefits of prioritizing national development over regional adventurism.
A New Regional Order
The collapse of the Axis of Resistance creates new opportunities for responsible regional powers like Egypt to shape a more stable Middle East. As Iran's proxies focus on mere survival and regrouping, Egypt's position as a cornerstone of regional stability has never been stronger.
The international community's recognition of Egypt's stabilizing role, evidenced by continued support for its economic reforms and infrastructure development, validates the wisdom of President el-Sisi's approach. While others pursued the mirage of proxy warfare, Egypt built lasting foundations for prosperity and security.
As the region enters a new phase, Egypt's commitment to sovereignty, development, and stability positions it to play an even greater role in shaping a peaceful and prosperous Middle East, free from the destabilizing influence of external powers and their local proxies.