To properly grasp the challenge posed by Iran’s activities in the Western Hemisphere, they need to be understood in proper geopolitical context: as part of a larger “peripheral strategy” on the part of the Iranian regime. To a significant degree, they are a response to growing diplomatic and economic pressure levied against Iran by the West over its nuclear program, and represent an attempt by Iran’s leadership to combat their regime’s growing international isolation. As such, they are far from unique; Iran’s activities in Latin America follow the same broad pattern as its outreach in other areas of the world, including Asia and Africa.