Iran proxy refers to the network of allied fighting forces that Iran has formed and supported throughout the Middle East since its Islamic Revolution in 1979. Irans Quds Force, part of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), serves as the main point of contact with these groups, providing them with training, weaponry, and funds to promote Iranian regional objectives. Fighters from Shiite Muslim-majority countries such as Iraq and Lebanon compose Irans main proxies, but groups in Sunni-majority Afghanistan, the Palestinian territories, and Syria have also formed associations with Iran. Some of Irans proxies in the Middle East include Hezbollah in Lebanon and Syria, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip, and the Houthis in Yemen. Irans quest for regional dominance has created tremendous instability in the region and inflamed wars that have left thousands dead. The United States has struggled to deal with Irans proxies short of military confrontation, and since 1984, the United States has sanctioned Irans extensive network of militia proxies in the Middle East to contain Tehrans regional influence.