\n<\/p>\n
Lebanese armed group is an ally of Tehran but still under attack from Israel.<\/p>\n
Iran has been cultivating what it calls the \u201caxis of resistance\u201d for decades.<\/p>\n
Iranian officials describe the coalition of armed groups as uniting in their resistance to Israel and Western imperialism.<\/p>\n
Tehran\u2019s detractors say the \u201caxis\u201d is an attempt to tip the scales of regional power in Iran\u2019s favour, with Tehran providing the groups with money and weapons.<\/p>\n
But the alliance looks to be on shaky ground.<\/p>\n
Israeli forces are expanding their invasion in southern Lebanon and bombarding Beirut.<\/p>\n
They say Hezbollah, an \u201caxis\u201d member, poses a threat to Israeli national security.<\/p>\n
So, could Hezbollah be a sticking point in ceasefire negotiations between the US and Iran?<\/p>\n
And how far is Iran willing to go to back its allies?<\/p>\n
Presenter:<\/strong> James Bays<\/p>\n Guests:<\/strong><\/p>\n Hassan Ahmadian \u2013 Associate professor at the University of Tehran<\/p>\n Rob Geist Pinfold \u2013 Lecturer in international security at King\u2019s College London<\/p>\n Nadim Houry \u2013 Executive director of the Arab Reform Initiative<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Published On 9 Apr 2026<\/span>9 Apr 2026<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n