Iran

Sara Vakhshouri explores Iran’s oil export options following the decision by the US to withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Israel’s prime minister offered little hope for Americans seeking a swift end to the war – and gave no detail on a dignified future for Palestinians.

The nuclear threat is resurgent – more must be done to avert the havoc of escalation.

Are we seeing a resurgence of the threat posed by nuclear weapons, given recent events in the Middle East and rhetoric from world leaders?

Beijing’s diplomatic activism shows it is worried Iran–Israel tit-for-tat may undermine Saudi–Iran reconciliation.

The strikes demonstrated a more assertive approach from Tehran, but the region’s security now depends on Israel’s ability to play a longer game.

Israel’s attack signalled a shift in its strategy towards Iran. Tehran’s response and the US promise of ‘ironclad’ support for Israel risks escalation of this transnational conflict.

Tehran’s dilemma is finding a response that maintains its position in the ‘axis of resistance’ but does not precipitate an escalation which it would likely lose.

This paper explores how the remote border district of Sinjar in Iraq became a transnational conflict hub that threatens wider security in the Middle East.

A historic low turnout points to declining public interest amid uninspiring leadership choices.

Reports that China pushed for a complete end to Houthi attacks are inaccurate: Beijing will not use its limited influence to support the US agenda.

Despite fears that Iran–Pakistan strikes would see spillover of conflict from the Middle East, the situation remains relatively self-contained.

US politicians should not pretend that military strikes can alone solve the problem of Iran and its proxies.

The latest episode of our weekly podcast discusses Iran’s role in the war in Gaza and Israel.

While Iran has denied involvement in the Hamas attacks on Israel, its backing of a regional ‘axis of resistance’ means it will have a major influence on whether the conflict spreads.

Regional players have spent the last five years finding pragmatic solutions to end conflict and forge connections. Now they must address the issue they have sought to avoid.

A historic opportunity exists to promote multilateral cooperation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, building on recent political de-escalation. With the right design, a new forum could succeed where previous initiatives have failed.

Episode 38 of our weekly podcast discusses the year long protests in Iran following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini.

The 22-year-old’s death at the hands of Iran’s morality police has led to hundreds of deaths, widespread protests and international condemnation.

Due to worsening Sino-US relations and tightening EU markets, Beijing is hoping for a better reception in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, writes Yu Jie.

‘The Smarties’ defy Iran’s hijab mandate by boldly colouring their hair and taking to the streets, writes Shiva Khademi who photographed them.

As dust storms in the Middle East become increasingly frequent and intense, adversaries must cooperate to address the causes.

The case of Iran shows that countering covert action in the digital age requires transparency, persistence and international cooperation. But also that it is unrealistic to expect states to stop completely.

Episode 27 of our weekly podcast examines the Syrian regime with signs that governments in the Middle East are prepared to engage with Bashar al-Assad again.

Amid escalating nuclear threats from North Korea, Iran, and Russia, it is crucial for the US, Europe, and others to reaffirm their collective values.

By disseminating narratives of its own supremacy, China deepened relations with the Gulf during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Countries across the Middle East have engaged in an unprecedented pattern of reconciliation to protect their interests amid fluctuations in the international order. But without deliberate international support, these new ties can easily unravel.

With consistent and long-term support from the US, the Abraham Accords could have a transformative impact on Middle East economic cooperation and regional security.

Analysing key foreign policy aspects of President Joe Biden’s annual address, and what it means for the upcoming Munich Security Conference and the year ahead.

Behind the current protests convulsing Iran lie years of resistance to the theocracy’s repression of women, says Sanam Vakil.

Episode five of our new weekly podcast has a Middle East focus with insights into what is driving the ongoing protests in Iran, and the progress of Iraq in the years since the fall of Saddam Hussein.