On Israel's borders, a "Ring of Fire" forms as Iran's terror proxies gather.

For over four decades, the Iranian government has meticulously constructed a "Ring of Fire" around Israel, using various terror groups to extend its influence across the Middle East. However, recent military actions by Israel have begun to unravel this intricate network, indicating a potential turning point in the ongoing conflict.

Amnon Sofrin, the former head of the Intelligence Directorate at Mossad, revealed to Planet Chronicle Digital that a massive clock was set up in central Tehran in 2015, counting down to the time when Israel would cease to exist by 2040. He stated that Iran had been preparing for this moment and some of its militias conducted reconnaissance with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, claiming they would assist once the IDF entered Lebanon.

"Despite being in Lebanon, no pro-Iranian militia has offered assistance yet. Iran has not instructed its other regional proxies to participate in the ground war, at least not yet, as stated by Sofrin."

Pro-Iranian militias in Iraq have launched drones loaded with explosives against an Israeli military base in the Golan Heights, killing two Israeli soldiers and injuring 24, while Tehran's other terror proxies have not yet engaged directly in ground battles.

The pro-Iran militia groups in Iraq have previously claimed responsibility for attacks on Israel. In April, an unmanned aerial vehicle launched from Iraq infiltrated Israeli territory through Jordan and exploded on a structure at an IDF base in Eilat without being intercepted. "That was a sophisticated maneuver, sending it through Jordan to Eilat," said Sofrin, "showing their high capabilities."

In Iraq, about 25 to 30 Shiite militias have formed in response to ISIS, and they have become Iran's ground troops, strengthening its presence in both Iraq and Syria.

According to Professor Uzi Rabi, director of the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Tel Aviv University, the defeat of ISIS has resulted in the benefit of pro-Iranian militias in Iraq. These militias, numbering around 60,000 to 70,000 individuals, are a formidable force and are supported by the Shiite regime in Iraq. Furthermore, they possess military capabilities that go beyond being mere militias, similar to Hezbollah in Lebanon, who are more than just a faction.

Another concerning development, as Rabi pointed out, is the rapprochement process between the Houthis in Yemen and the militias in Iraq. The Houthis have established a liaison office in Baghdad and are receiving training there.

"The Houthis have dispatched a specialized unit to southern Syria to train militias in operating missiles and rockets, potentially increasing their presence in the region and posing a threat to Israel and American forces through physical or missile attacks."

"Rabi stated that Iran is deploying forces and there is a possibility that pro-Iranian militias in Iraq and Syria will join in targeting Israel. However, he believes that the Iraqi arena serves as a facilitator, with its primary function being to create an Iranian corridor from one side of the region to the other, enabling logistical capabilities and weaponry to reach Hezbollah, the focal point."

"Avner Golov, former senior director of Israel’s National Security Council, stated that Israel still has an open bill with Iran-backed Iraqi militias. He added that these militias killed two of Israel's soldiers, and he will criticize Israel for not retaliating. Golov emphasized that if it were American soldiers, America would not have remained silent."

In Syria, three militias operate under Iranian guidance, with soldiers from different countries. The Fatemiyoun Brigade is composed of Afghan mercenaries, Liwa' Zaynabiyun is made up of Pakistani mercenaries, and Imam Ali has fighters from other Muslim countries. Each soldier is paid between $500 to $800 a month.

Rabi explained that these individuals are either criminals who will be freed in exchange for joining the Iranian war effort or family members who are being kidnapped or seeking patronage.

"Rabi stated that Iran has consistently practiced a tyrannical and cruel approach, as seen throughout the years, by exploiting the suffering of people in failed states."

The Al Mazna border crossing between Lebanon and Syria, a central passage used to transfer weapons from Iran, was bombed by the IDF earlier this month.

"We possess the ability to detect and thwart threats before they materialize," stated Sofrin. "An attack took place in Syria, close to the Khmeimim airport, which has been under Russian control for 49 years. Despite the proximity of the Russians, Israel launched a strike, causing significant damage to the systems."

If Israel increases its military activities, several outcomes could occur. Sofrin cautions that the activation of Iranian terror proxies could lead to an escalation of hostilities. However, he notes that these groups are prepared to attack but are waiting for instructions from Iran, which adds complexity to the situation. Additionally, Sofrin warns that these groups may engage in sporadic attacks against American forces in the Middle East, further complicating matters.

The "Ring of Fire" in Iran is facing unprecedented challenges, as Sofrin emphasizes the need for continued pressure on Iranian proxies to prevent them from regrouping.

As winter nears, Lebanon's operational challenges will intensify, hindering the effectiveness of military responses. Nevertheless, Golov emphasizes that the key to dismantling the Iranian axis lies in sending a strong message to Assad.

Golov stated that if Assad cooperates with Iran and remains an instrument of Iranian influence, he will be the next target. He must comprehend the risks to his regime, which could force him to reevaluate his ties with Iran, potentially affecting Iran's broader strategy in the region.