This is not an easy period for the Islamic Republic; even though Syria has been more of a burden than an advantage for years now (being very dependent on Iranian aid), the fall of the Assad regime has certainly created problems, and the Israeli invasion of southern Syria constitutes a threat to Hezbollah (the closest ally in the region), just as – paradoxically – the (temporary) end of the conflicts in Lebanon and Gaza, with the consequent suspension of attacks on Israel by Iraq and Yemen, relaunches Tel Aviv's drive to strike Tehran.