In early summer, the Iranian capital was host to a number of secret Arab visitors, Amwaj.media has learned. Leaders and representatives of armed factions loyal to the ‘Axis of Resistance’—including from Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and Yemen—gathered in Tehran for what has become an annual occasion. The meetings stretched out over several days. On the surface, informed sources told Amwaj.media, the purpose was to “enhance communication” between Iran’s allies. But the real focus this year is said to have been the establishment of a Joint Operations Chamber at the regional level, geared to counter challenges from both Israel and the United States. Amid the war sparked by the Hamas movement’s surprise attack on Israeli communities near Gaza earlier this month, that chamber has been activated.

The discussions this summer went into specifics, informed sources explained. The participants debated the responsibilities that would fall on the shoulders of each actor, and how confrontations and cooperation within the ‘Axis of Resistance’ ought to be managed. The meetings did not...