Photo: While the US commands a large sphere of influence, the Middle East presents an uncertain landscape for Washington. (ABC News: Jarrod Fankhauser)
ABC News Online: Who are Iran's allies in a potential conflict with the United States?
After a week of hostilities between the US and Iran raised fears of an all-out conflict that could draw in the two countries' global allies, President Donald Trump says Iran appears to be "standing down".
The latest escalation came when top Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani was killed in a US drone strike near Baghdad airport last week, before Tehran hit back by firing missiles at Iraqi bases housing US troops.
Following the missile strikes, Foreign Minister Javad Zarif tweeted that Iran "took and concluded proportionate measures in self-defence" and did not "seek escalation or war".
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WNU Editor: Russia and China are not going to get involved. Iraqis have been protesting against the pro-Iranian government in Baghdad for months now, and I do not see that changing anytime soon. And as for Syria. The country is majority Sunni, and many harbour a deep resentment towards Iran and pro-Iranian allies like Hezbollah on what they have done to their country after years of war.
