Every four years, the world shifts its attention to the US presidential elections. But perhaps this is most deeply felt in the Middle East, where American politics seriously affect the region.
This election cycle seems to be looking like former US President Donald Trump will secure a decisive victory against the embattled incumbent, Joe Biden, whose policy of disengagement with the Middle East seems to be going horribly wrong.
Trump's presidency left a lasting imprint not only on the Middle East but also on the world. Under his tenure, the US stepped back from world leadership while China and Russia became more assertive.
The current tensions unfolding across the Middle East can be partly attributed to Biden's anticipated departure. Within the context of Israel's war on Gaza following Hamas's 7 October attacks, Iran has stepped up its attacks on the US and, to a certain extent, Israel through its proxies.
Approximately 600 Iranian-backed strikes have been recorded, with Hezbollah alone executing over 450 attacks on Israel. Furthermore, Iranian proxies have carried out 175 attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria, while Houthi rebels have launched more than 30 missile strikes on commercial ships in the Red Sea.
Read more: Iran and Israel face off on Middle East chessboard