In the Read Sea region, Tehran has built a part of its foreign policy based on supporting the resistance groups, confronting the dominating countries, increasing access, influencing the Mediterranean region, and supporting a network of allies.
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The Impact of the New Syria on Lebanon
Assad's exit, in december 2024, resulting from internal unrest, military setbacks, Hezbollah’s recent defeat in its war with Israel, and growing external pressure, enabled Ahmad al-Sharaa, former leader of the Sunni rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), to assume leadership. Sharaa’s rise represents a significant shift in Syria's political landscape, with deep implications for Lebanon, which has been heavily influenced by Syria throughout its history. Under Syria's new leadership, Lebanon faces both opportunities and risks.
Read more »The Middle East awaits as Trump and Netanyahu meet
The meeting in Washington between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump is likely to set a new tone and a new page in Israel-US relations, after a sometimes tense relations during the Biden administration. Before leaving for America, Netanyahu clearly set his agenda by saying that he hopes his talks in Washington will help further redraw the map of the Middle East. That also means Iran will be high on the list of topics.
Read more »Trump 2.0 expectations
President Donald Trump has said that under his presidency, the United States will fundamentally rethink "NATO's purpose and NATO's mission."Trump had said there would be "hell to pay" if Israel and Hamas did not reach a ceasefire deal resulting in the return of hostages held by the Palestinian militant group in Gaza before he takes office.Trump's advisers have indicated they will renew the so-called maximum pressure campaign of his first term against Iran.
Read more »Tears and Smiles in Iran After the Fall of Bashar Assad
The collapse of Bashar Assad marks a significant and impactful event for Iran. On one hand, grief and regret can be observed among the leaders of the Islamic Republic, as they have lost their most critical regional ally. On the other hand, this event has sparked a wave of joy and optimism among the Iranian people, as the weakening of a religious regime in the region amplifies hope for the eventual downfall of the Islamic government in Iran. In a situation where the Islamic regime faces the dual challenges of losing its proxy forces and strategic ally while confronting a more determined population, the question arises: what pivotal changes await Iran after the fall of Assad's government?
Read more »The Iranian Opposition after the Fall of Assad
Contrary to the expectations of the opposition, the weakening the axis of resistance after the fall of Assad, may backfire and increase pressure on the Iranian opposition. Therefore, although there has been relatively high optimism and hope for the Iranian opposition after the fall of Assad, the main difference between the regime in Iran and Assad is represented by the supporters of the Iranian establishment.
Read more »Syria’s Power Dynamics and Persistent Challenges
The power struggle for Syria continues, evolving from a triangular contest among Iran, Russia, and Turkey to a duel between Turkey and Israel. Among these players, Turkey has emerged as the most assertive force, leveraging its regional priorities.
Read more »EU Commission launches WTO consultations challenging China’s anti-subsidy investigation into EU dairy
The Commission launched a consultation request at the World Trade Organization (WTO), challenging China’s initiation of an anti-subsidy investigation against imports of certain dairy products from the EU. This is the first time the EU has decided to challenge an investigation at its initiation stage. The EU’s action was prompted by an emerging pattern of China initiating trade defence measures, based on questionable …
Read more »How would Iran’s “friends” Russia and China react in case of an open conflict with Israel
Although China, Russia, and Iran are on the same page in their dissatisfaction with the current state of the world order and have relatively effective interactions with each other, they have never sought a military alliance and balance to counter and provoke the West; There is little likelihood of such an alliance in the near future. A closer look at Russia's history reveals a trend of lack of military support for its allies and signatories of military agreements following the Cold War.
Read more »The future of UNRWA is a test of our humanity
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell As the worst humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza’s history is unfolding, the Israeli Parliament has adopted laws to make the operations of UNRWA all but impossible. The UN Security Council has expressed its grave concern and the EU has condemned any attempt to abrogate the 1967 agreement between Israel and UNRWA. The Agency is …
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