Since Reza Shah Pahlavi, the unseated monarch made no secret of his tilt towards America, his ouster despite by his own people was considered by the United States to be a challenge to it. It was a bipolar way back in the late '70s.

The presence of Russia in Afghanistan discouraged the United States of America from a prompt retaliatory strike But the Iranian regime made its place into the US black list and the fallout of all that it entails.

Given its martial capability, Iran is a minnow vis-a-vis the USA. Yet clashes between Iran-backed militia and United States forces can by no chalk of imagination be stated to be a triumph of the country which is the "minder" of an unipolar world.

Deterrence, a seemingly straight forward concept which is the backbone of international relations is proving to be elusive in case of Iran shed light on a perplexing puzzle. In so many words, application of force by USA has failed to intimidate Iran.

Recent attacks in Yemen, Iraq and Syria on U.S troops by Iran backed militia makes it clear that the latter is far from being brought to heel. Iran has shown a resilience which others have not dared to in the face of US attempts to curb the influence of those nations.

The secret of Iran backed proxy militia's success spread across West Asia against apparently overwhelming US forces lies in the unconventional approach of the former. It brings to light limitations of conventional deterrence.

These proxy militia groups thrive on attrition and survival. Establishment of well ordered governance is never a part of their game plan. To cut a long story short, a conventional army is at a loss in the face of a shoot and scoot adversary For one, these Iran backed militia is immune to air strikes

They have in focus deeply entrenched strategies which are long term with capability of withstanding casualties. The persistence of the attacks of these militia units reveal a disconnect between American threats and it's perceived credibility.

Iran's alliances with Russia and China come in the way of any American intent to directly strike Iran as such incursion can turn into a high stake gamble. Such attacks would escalate tension rather than subsiding it.

American presence in West Asia is insufficient to constrain Iran. The policy limbo is for all there to see. The drone attack on U.S forces in Jordan recently is a manifestation of this void. It is rooted in the paradox of US policy in West Asia.

There is a thinking aloud in some quarters that ending the war in Gaza would bring to an end the activities of Iran's proxies. But the fact remains that roots of these proxy forces predate present events.

Such tactics would be over simplification. The solution seems to lie in recognition of evolving dynamics of power keeping in mind the conflicting interests and historical complexities that are at tug of war in this region. (IPA Service)