Israel’s continuous efforts to expand its war to more parts of the Middle East have not only led to the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians and the extensive destruction of cities, schools, and hospitals in Gaza and Lebanon but has also altered the concept of “military deterrence” for regional powers. In Iran, as Israel’s attacks expanded into new territories, more officials are now advocating for the pursuit of nuclear weapons. Iran’s regional strategy once focused on supporting proxy forces in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen while developing its missile program, however a major shift oc…