In this episode of Passages Pulse, Josiah continues our coverage of the war in Iran by focusing on one critical but often overlooked element of the conflict: Iran’s proxy network.

Joining the conversation is Bridget Toomey, a research analyst from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) who specializes in Iranian proxy groups, including Iraqi militias and the Houthis. Together, they unpack how these groups operate, why they have been central to Iran’s regional strategy for decades, and what role they may play in the current war.

The discussion explores the major players in Iran’s proxy network — including Hezbollah, the Houthis, Iraqi militias, and Palestinian groups — and explains how these organizations have allowed Iran to project power across the Middle East. They also examine why Iran’s proxy strategy has posed a long-term threat to U.S. forces, regional stability, and global trade routes.

As the war unfolds, understanding these groups is essential to understanding the broader conflict and what may come next.

🎧 If you missed our previous emergency episode explaining how the war began, be sure to listen for important context.

Disclaimer: Individual views are their own and do not necessarily represent those of Passages.

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