SCFR Online – Opinion: The future of the so-called Trump peace plan for Gaza, despite claims of an agreement on Hamas’s disarmament, remains shrouded in ambiguity due to structural deficiencies and opposition from key actors.
SCFR Online – Opinion: An examination of the mechanisms of the Israeli regime’s influence in the United States depicts a complex picture of shared interests, strategic dependencies, and the limitations of this relationship.
SCFR Online – Interview: The signing of the Makkah agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey has raised questions about the future of the region’s security structure and the position of these countries in West Asian equations. Can this agreement become a genuine collective defense mechanism, or does it have more of a political and deterrent function than creating new military capacity?
SCFR Online – Opinion: The continuation of the US war against Iran, in addition to increasing operational costs, has called into question the actual capacity of the American arsenal to simultaneously fulfill security commitments on multiple fronts; an issue that affects deterrence, defense production capacity, and Washington’s resource prioritization.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Russia-Ukraine war and the war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran have been formed with different objectives and actors, but field and political developments indicate that they are not entirely separate from one another.
SCFR Online – Opinion: On Friday, August 7, the heads of state of three countries – Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan – signed a text under the title “Makkah Joint Defense Agreement.”
Strategic Council Online – Note: The initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway, beyond being a transportation project, constitutes an attempt to redefine geopolitics, the economy, and Turkey’s regional position; however, its realization appears to face significant financial, security, and institutional challenges.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Strait of Hormuz crisis is no longer merely the consequence of a military confrontation, but rather a sign of the transition from the US-centered maritime order to a new energy security structure involving the participation of emerging and influential powers.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international affairs analyst stated that Trump’s deal-oriented and authoritarian diplomacy, disregarding the complexities of a multipolar world, is doomed to failure. Lasting peace in Ukraine will only be possible through cooperation with Europe and respect for international law. Donald Trump, the President of the United States, with a deal-oriented approach aimed at quickly ending the war in Ukraine, has increased pressure on Europe to accept primary responsibility for that country’s security guarantees. According to a Politico report, senior Pentagon officials, in meetings with European defense ministers, emphasized that the U.S. would play a minimal role in this regard, with the main burden falling on Europe. This approach, evident at the August 18 meeting in Washington with European leaders and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, highlights a deep rift in transatlantic relations. Europe, concerned about the diminishing U.S. commitments to NATO and the fragility of the peace, is seeking security independence and strengthening its own diplomacy.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior West Asia affairs analyst wrote: A report by the Hebrew magazine “972” reveals that after October 7, 2023, the Zionist regime established a unit called the “Legitimization Unit” for media warfare and defaming Palestinian journalists. The goal of this unit is not security-related, but rather an effort to legitimize the actions of the Israeli regime in the eyes of public opinion and prevent international pressure. According to this report, the Israeli regime’s intelligence teams distort data and falsely link journalists to Hamas to both justify their killing and silence the Palestinian narrative. In some cases, a journalist was labeled as a “Hamas member” before being assassinated—an act that amounts to an unofficial death sentence in Gaza. The severe restrictions on foreign journalists entering Gaza are also part of this policy of narrative monopoly. According to statistics, over the past 22 months, at least 270 journalists have been killed in Gaza—an unprecedented number that exceeds the total number of journalists killed in World Wars, Vietnam, and Afghanistan. The recent drone attack on journalists’ tents near Al-Shifa Hospital and the martyrdom of Al Jazeera journalists represent the peak of this targeted and inhumane policy. As a result, the Israeli regime’s war against Gaza is not only military but also an organized media battle to distort reality and legitimize war crimes.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international relations analyst stated that the recent visit of Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, to New Delhi is not merely a routine diplomatic meeting; rather, it represents a decisive point in the geopolitical equations of South Asia and even the new global order. After four years of tension and distrust stemming from deadly border clashes in Ladakh and Beijing’s full-throated support for Islamabad during the four-day India-Pakistan war, Beijing and New Delhi are now moving towards economic and political reconciliation under circumstances where external variables, including Trump’s tariff pressures and India’s closeness to Russia, have complicated the equation.
Strategic Council Online– Opinion: Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of the Zionist regime, in an interview with the i24 network, while receiving the “Promised Land” talisman from Sharon Gal, a former representative of the right-wing faction, said he is very attached to the ideal of “Greater Israel.” In this interview, he emphasized that he sees himself on a historical and spiritual mission that includes generations of Jews who dreamed of coming here and generations of Jews who will come after us.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international affairs analyst stated that the recent meeting of the foreign minister of Syria’s interim government with a delegation from the Zionist regime in Paris marks a turning point in the regional equations; an event that, beyond a simple diplomatic meeting, signifies a redefinition of strategies regarding Syria’s future. These talks, which were mediated by the United States and focused on reducing tensions in southern Syria, monitoring the ceasefire, and reactivating the 1974 agreement, clearly indicate that the Syria file can no longer be analyzed solely within the framework of an internal crisis or field conflicts. Instead, Damascus today is caught in a complex duality: on one hand, it faces the occupation of part of its territory by the Israeli regime and increasing pressures on its strategic geography, and on the other hand, it feels the necessity of utilizing diplomacy to break out of political isolation. Meanwhile, the Israeli regime seeks to consolidate its position in the region, an issue that links to the long-standing project of “Greater Israel” and efforts to dismantle the traditional structures of the Middle East.
Strategic Council Online: Mr. Hafiz Naeem Al-Rehman, Secretary-General of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, met today with Dr. Seyed Kamal Kharrazi, President of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations (SCFR).
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior Palestinian affairs analyst stated: To justify its crimes in Gaza, the Zionist regime employs two main strategies: using military censorship regarding the publication of operational details and presenting an official narrative by military spokespersons in Hebrew and Arabic. By relying on selective images and information, it attempts to make its military actions in Gaza seem believable. While Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of the Israeli regime, has announced readiness to expand military operations in Gaza and claimed that Palestinians would be allowed to leave the area, international criticism of this regime’s actions under the accusation of ethnic cleansing has intensified. By controlling Gaza’s borders, the Israeli regime’s military has restricted the exit of Palestinians and simultaneously carried out extensive bombings in the residential areas of Zeitoun and Sabra, which, according to the Hamas Civil Defense Organization, resulted in at least 33 deaths and widespread destruction. The European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Japan, in a joint statement, have warned of an impending famine in Gaza and called for a halt to the use of lethal force near aid distribution sites. The World Health Organization has also emphasized the necessity of medical equipment entering Gaza, but the Israeli regime continues to prevent sufficient humanitarian aid from being sent.
Strategic Council Online Interview: A senior Turkish affairs analyst stated: The signing of a military memorandum of understanding between Turkey and Syria on August 13, 2025, in Ankara marks a turning point in the defense relations of the two neighboring countries, which have grappled with years of political and military tensions. This agreement, signed after intensive negotiations between the two countries’ defense ministers, Yaşar Güler and Merif Abu Qasrah, provides a framework for educational and advisory cooperation and the exchange of military personnel. The primary objective of this memorandum is to enhance the capabilities of the Syrian army, rebuild its defense structures according to international standards, and reduce the threats posed by non-professional armed groups. This move, within the context of recent regional developments, particularly following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024, signifies a shift in Turkey’s approach towards Syria and an effort to establish stability along their shared borders. This agreement not only helps redefine the defense relations between Damascus and Ankara but could also lead to a reduction in border tensions and counter common threats, including the activities of Kurdish groups such as the “People’s Defense Units” [YPG]. Hakan Fidan, Turkey’s Foreign Minister, in a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart, Esad Hasan eş-Şibani, criticized the interventions of the Zionist regime in the Suwayda conflicts and emphasized the necessity of establishing an inclusive government in Syria. These statements reflect Turkey’s concern over the role of external actors in regional instability. However, some analysts believe this memorandum might imply a tacit acceptance of Turkish influence within the military structures of Syria’s new government. At the same time, internal challenges, including ethnic and religious tensions, continue to pose obstacles to sustainable stability in the region.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Despite widespread disagreements between Netanyahu and the Chief of the General Staff of the Zionist regime’s army, Eyal Zamir, the main framework of the plan to occupy Gaza City was finally signed after the war cabinet agreed to seize Gaza City; a decision that could have extensive consequences in the Occupied Territories and the region.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on West Asian affairs stated that under the current circumstances, discussing the disarmament of the Resistance is not only unfeasible but could also lead to an escalation of tensions. Following the 12-day aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, efforts in another layer to disarm Resistance groups, including Hezbollah, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF or Hashd al-Shaabi), and Hamas, have intensified as part of a coordinated project pursued to weaken the Axis of Resistance and impose American regional dominance. The U.S. proposal for Lebanon, which includes disarming Hezbollah by the end of 2025 and the withdrawal of the Israeli regime from border positions, is an attempt to transform an external conflict into an internal one. Hezbollah has firmly rejected this proposal, deeming it a violation of national sovereignty and a service to the interests of the Israeli regime, while emphasizing its defensive role. In Iraq, pressure on the Popular Mobilization Forces has been accompanied by accusations and economic sanctions, yet this group continues to stand as a popular force against external threats. Hamas, despite heavy attacks by the Israeli regime, has continued its resistance and rejected a recent ceasefire proposal in exchange for disarmament. These plans, supported by U.S. and allied diplomatic and economic backing, seek to alter the balance of power in the region. Still, the resistance of the groups and popular support have prevented the realization of these objectives.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The future of the so-called Trump peace plan for Gaza, despite claims of an agreement on Hamas’s disarmament, remains shrouded in ambiguity due to structural deficiencies and opposition from key actors.
SCFR Online – Opinion: An examination of the mechanisms of the Israeli regime’s influence in the United States depicts a complex picture of shared interests, strategic dependencies, and the limitations of this relationship.
SCFR Online – Interview: The signing of the Makkah agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey has raised questions about the future of the region’s security structure and the position of these countries in West Asian equations. Can this agreement become a genuine collective defense mechanism, or does it have more of a political and deterrent function than creating new military capacity?
SCFR Online – Opinion: The continuation of the US war against Iran, in addition to increasing operational costs, has called into question the actual capacity of the American arsenal to simultaneously fulfill security commitments on multiple fronts; an issue that affects deterrence, defense production capacity, and Washington’s resource prioritization.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Russia-Ukraine war and the war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran have been formed with different objectives and actors, but field and political developments indicate that they are not entirely separate from one another.
SCFR Online – Opinion: On Friday, August 7, the heads of state of three countries – Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan – signed a text under the title “Makkah Joint Defense Agreement.”
Strategic Council Online – Note: The initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway, beyond being a transportation project, constitutes an attempt to redefine geopolitics, the economy, and Turkey’s regional position; however, its realization appears to face significant financial, security, and institutional challenges.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Strait of Hormuz crisis is no longer merely the consequence of a military confrontation, but rather a sign of the transition from the US-centered maritime order to a new energy security structure involving the participation of emerging and influential powers.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international affairs analyst stated that Trump’s deal-oriented and authoritarian diplomacy, disregarding the complexities of a multipolar world, is doomed to failure. Lasting peace in Ukraine will only be possible through cooperation with Europe and respect for international law. Donald Trump, the President of the United States, with a deal-oriented approach aimed at quickly ending the war in Ukraine, has increased pressure on Europe to accept primary responsibility for that country’s security guarantees. According to a Politico report, senior Pentagon officials, in meetings with European defense ministers, emphasized that the U.S. would play a minimal role in this regard, with the main burden falling on Europe. This approach, evident at the August 18 meeting in Washington with European leaders and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, highlights a deep rift in transatlantic relations. Europe, concerned about the diminishing U.S. commitments to NATO and the fragility of the peace, is seeking security independence and strengthening its own diplomacy.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior West Asia affairs analyst wrote: A report by the Hebrew magazine “972” reveals that after October 7, 2023, the Zionist regime established a unit called the “Legitimization Unit” for media warfare and defaming Palestinian journalists. The goal of this unit is not security-related, but rather an effort to legitimize the actions of the Israeli regime in the eyes of public opinion and prevent international pressure. According to this report, the Israeli regime’s intelligence teams distort data and falsely link journalists to Hamas to both justify their killing and silence the Palestinian narrative. In some cases, a journalist was labeled as a “Hamas member” before being assassinated—an act that amounts to an unofficial death sentence in Gaza. The severe restrictions on foreign journalists entering Gaza are also part of this policy of narrative monopoly. According to statistics, over the past 22 months, at least 270 journalists have been killed in Gaza—an unprecedented number that exceeds the total number of journalists killed in World Wars, Vietnam, and Afghanistan. The recent drone attack on journalists’ tents near Al-Shifa Hospital and the martyrdom of Al Jazeera journalists represent the peak of this targeted and inhumane policy. As a result, the Israeli regime’s war against Gaza is not only military but also an organized media battle to distort reality and legitimize war crimes.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international relations analyst stated that the recent visit of Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, to New Delhi is not merely a routine diplomatic meeting; rather, it represents a decisive point in the geopolitical equations of South Asia and even the new global order. After four years of tension and distrust stemming from deadly border clashes in Ladakh and Beijing’s full-throated support for Islamabad during the four-day India-Pakistan war, Beijing and New Delhi are now moving towards economic and political reconciliation under circumstances where external variables, including Trump’s tariff pressures and India’s closeness to Russia, have complicated the equation.
Strategic Council Online– Opinion: Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of the Zionist regime, in an interview with the i24 network, while receiving the “Promised Land” talisman from Sharon Gal, a former representative of the right-wing faction, said he is very attached to the ideal of “Greater Israel.” In this interview, he emphasized that he sees himself on a historical and spiritual mission that includes generations of Jews who dreamed of coming here and generations of Jews who will come after us.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international affairs analyst stated that the recent meeting of the foreign minister of Syria’s interim government with a delegation from the Zionist regime in Paris marks a turning point in the regional equations; an event that, beyond a simple diplomatic meeting, signifies a redefinition of strategies regarding Syria’s future. These talks, which were mediated by the United States and focused on reducing tensions in southern Syria, monitoring the ceasefire, and reactivating the 1974 agreement, clearly indicate that the Syria file can no longer be analyzed solely within the framework of an internal crisis or field conflicts. Instead, Damascus today is caught in a complex duality: on one hand, it faces the occupation of part of its territory by the Israeli regime and increasing pressures on its strategic geography, and on the other hand, it feels the necessity of utilizing diplomacy to break out of political isolation. Meanwhile, the Israeli regime seeks to consolidate its position in the region, an issue that links to the long-standing project of “Greater Israel” and efforts to dismantle the traditional structures of the Middle East.
Strategic Council Online: Mr. Hafiz Naeem Al-Rehman, Secretary-General of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, met today with Dr. Seyed Kamal Kharrazi, President of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations (SCFR).
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior Palestinian affairs analyst stated: To justify its crimes in Gaza, the Zionist regime employs two main strategies: using military censorship regarding the publication of operational details and presenting an official narrative by military spokespersons in Hebrew and Arabic. By relying on selective images and information, it attempts to make its military actions in Gaza seem believable. While Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of the Israeli regime, has announced readiness to expand military operations in Gaza and claimed that Palestinians would be allowed to leave the area, international criticism of this regime’s actions under the accusation of ethnic cleansing has intensified. By controlling Gaza’s borders, the Israeli regime’s military has restricted the exit of Palestinians and simultaneously carried out extensive bombings in the residential areas of Zeitoun and Sabra, which, according to the Hamas Civil Defense Organization, resulted in at least 33 deaths and widespread destruction. The European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Japan, in a joint statement, have warned of an impending famine in Gaza and called for a halt to the use of lethal force near aid distribution sites. The World Health Organization has also emphasized the necessity of medical equipment entering Gaza, but the Israeli regime continues to prevent sufficient humanitarian aid from being sent.
Strategic Council Online Interview: A senior Turkish affairs analyst stated: The signing of a military memorandum of understanding between Turkey and Syria on August 13, 2025, in Ankara marks a turning point in the defense relations of the two neighboring countries, which have grappled with years of political and military tensions. This agreement, signed after intensive negotiations between the two countries’ defense ministers, Yaşar Güler and Merif Abu Qasrah, provides a framework for educational and advisory cooperation and the exchange of military personnel. The primary objective of this memorandum is to enhance the capabilities of the Syrian army, rebuild its defense structures according to international standards, and reduce the threats posed by non-professional armed groups. This move, within the context of recent regional developments, particularly following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024, signifies a shift in Turkey’s approach towards Syria and an effort to establish stability along their shared borders. This agreement not only helps redefine the defense relations between Damascus and Ankara but could also lead to a reduction in border tensions and counter common threats, including the activities of Kurdish groups such as the “People’s Defense Units” [YPG]. Hakan Fidan, Turkey’s Foreign Minister, in a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart, Esad Hasan eş-Şibani, criticized the interventions of the Zionist regime in the Suwayda conflicts and emphasized the necessity of establishing an inclusive government in Syria. These statements reflect Turkey’s concern over the role of external actors in regional instability. However, some analysts believe this memorandum might imply a tacit acceptance of Turkish influence within the military structures of Syria’s new government. At the same time, internal challenges, including ethnic and religious tensions, continue to pose obstacles to sustainable stability in the region.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Despite widespread disagreements between Netanyahu and the Chief of the General Staff of the Zionist regime’s army, Eyal Zamir, the main framework of the plan to occupy Gaza City was finally signed after the war cabinet agreed to seize Gaza City; a decision that could have extensive consequences in the Occupied Territories and the region.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on West Asian affairs stated that under the current circumstances, discussing the disarmament of the Resistance is not only unfeasible but could also lead to an escalation of tensions. Following the 12-day aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, efforts in another layer to disarm Resistance groups, including Hezbollah, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF or Hashd al-Shaabi), and Hamas, have intensified as part of a coordinated project pursued to weaken the Axis of Resistance and impose American regional dominance. The U.S. proposal for Lebanon, which includes disarming Hezbollah by the end of 2025 and the withdrawal of the Israeli regime from border positions, is an attempt to transform an external conflict into an internal one. Hezbollah has firmly rejected this proposal, deeming it a violation of national sovereignty and a service to the interests of the Israeli regime, while emphasizing its defensive role. In Iraq, pressure on the Popular Mobilization Forces has been accompanied by accusations and economic sanctions, yet this group continues to stand as a popular force against external threats. Hamas, despite heavy attacks by the Israeli regime, has continued its resistance and rejected a recent ceasefire proposal in exchange for disarmament. These plans, supported by U.S. and allied diplomatic and economic backing, seek to alter the balance of power in the region. Still, the resistance of the groups and popular support have prevented the realization of these objectives.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international affairs analyst stated that Trump’s deal-oriented and authoritarian diplomacy, disregarding the complexities of a multipolar world, is doomed to failure. Lasting peace in Ukraine will only be possible through cooperation with Europe and respect for international law. Donald Trump, the President of the United States, with a deal-oriented approach aimed at quickly ending the war in Ukraine, has increased pressure on Europe to accept primary responsibility for that country’s security guarantees. According to a Politico report, senior Pentagon officials, in meetings with European defense ministers, emphasized that the U.S. would play a minimal role in this regard, with the main burden falling on Europe. This approach, evident at the August 18 meeting in Washington with European leaders and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, highlights a deep rift in transatlantic relations. Europe, concerned about the diminishing U.S. commitments to NATO and the fragility of the peace, is seeking security independence and strengthening its own diplomacy.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior West Asia affairs analyst wrote: A report by the Hebrew magazine “972” reveals that after October 7, 2023, the Zionist regime established a unit called the “Legitimization Unit” for media warfare and defaming Palestinian journalists. The goal of this unit is not security-related, but rather an effort to legitimize the actions of the Israeli regime in the eyes of public opinion and prevent international pressure. According to this report, the Israeli regime’s intelligence teams distort data and falsely link journalists to Hamas to both justify their killing and silence the Palestinian narrative. In some cases, a journalist was labeled as a “Hamas member” before being assassinated—an act that amounts to an unofficial death sentence in Gaza. The severe restrictions on foreign journalists entering Gaza are also part of this policy of narrative monopoly. According to statistics, over the past 22 months, at least 270 journalists have been killed in Gaza—an unprecedented number that exceeds the total number of journalists killed in World Wars, Vietnam, and Afghanistan. The recent drone attack on journalists’ tents near Al-Shifa Hospital and the martyrdom of Al Jazeera journalists represent the peak of this targeted and inhumane policy. As a result, the Israeli regime’s war against Gaza is not only military but also an organized media battle to distort reality and legitimize war crimes.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international relations analyst stated that the recent visit of Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, to New Delhi is not merely a routine diplomatic meeting; rather, it represents a decisive point in the geopolitical equations of South Asia and even the new global order. After four years of tension and distrust stemming from deadly border clashes in Ladakh and Beijing’s full-throated support for Islamabad during the four-day India-Pakistan war, Beijing and New Delhi are now moving towards economic and political reconciliation under circumstances where external variables, including Trump’s tariff pressures and India’s closeness to Russia, have complicated the equation.
Strategic Council Online– Opinion: Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of the Zionist regime, in an interview with the i24 network, while receiving the “Promised Land” talisman from Sharon Gal, a former representative of the right-wing faction, said he is very attached to the ideal of “Greater Israel.” In this interview, he emphasized that he sees himself on a historical and spiritual mission that includes generations of Jews who dreamed of coming here and generations of Jews who will come after us.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international affairs analyst stated that the recent meeting of the foreign minister of Syria’s interim government with a delegation from the Zionist regime in Paris marks a turning point in the regional equations; an event that, beyond a simple diplomatic meeting, signifies a redefinition of strategies regarding Syria’s future. These talks, which were mediated by the United States and focused on reducing tensions in southern Syria, monitoring the ceasefire, and reactivating the 1974 agreement, clearly indicate that the Syria file can no longer be analyzed solely within the framework of an internal crisis or field conflicts. Instead, Damascus today is caught in a complex duality: on one hand, it faces the occupation of part of its territory by the Israeli regime and increasing pressures on its strategic geography, and on the other hand, it feels the necessity of utilizing diplomacy to break out of political isolation. Meanwhile, the Israeli regime seeks to consolidate its position in the region, an issue that links to the long-standing project of “Greater Israel” and efforts to dismantle the traditional structures of the Middle East.
Strategic Council Online: Mr. Hafiz Naeem Al-Rehman, Secretary-General of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, met today with Dr. Seyed Kamal Kharrazi, President of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations (SCFR).
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior Palestinian affairs analyst stated: To justify its crimes in Gaza, the Zionist regime employs two main strategies: using military censorship regarding the publication of operational details and presenting an official narrative by military spokespersons in Hebrew and Arabic. By relying on selective images and information, it attempts to make its military actions in Gaza seem believable. While Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of the Israeli regime, has announced readiness to expand military operations in Gaza and claimed that Palestinians would be allowed to leave the area, international criticism of this regime’s actions under the accusation of ethnic cleansing has intensified. By controlling Gaza’s borders, the Israeli regime’s military has restricted the exit of Palestinians and simultaneously carried out extensive bombings in the residential areas of Zeitoun and Sabra, which, according to the Hamas Civil Defense Organization, resulted in at least 33 deaths and widespread destruction. The European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Japan, in a joint statement, have warned of an impending famine in Gaza and called for a halt to the use of lethal force near aid distribution sites. The World Health Organization has also emphasized the necessity of medical equipment entering Gaza, but the Israeli regime continues to prevent sufficient humanitarian aid from being sent.
Strategic Council Online Interview: A senior Turkish affairs analyst stated: The signing of a military memorandum of understanding between Turkey and Syria on August 13, 2025, in Ankara marks a turning point in the defense relations of the two neighboring countries, which have grappled with years of political and military tensions. This agreement, signed after intensive negotiations between the two countries’ defense ministers, Yaşar Güler and Merif Abu Qasrah, provides a framework for educational and advisory cooperation and the exchange of military personnel. The primary objective of this memorandum is to enhance the capabilities of the Syrian army, rebuild its defense structures according to international standards, and reduce the threats posed by non-professional armed groups. This move, within the context of recent regional developments, particularly following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024, signifies a shift in Turkey’s approach towards Syria and an effort to establish stability along their shared borders. This agreement not only helps redefine the defense relations between Damascus and Ankara but could also lead to a reduction in border tensions and counter common threats, including the activities of Kurdish groups such as the “People’s Defense Units” [YPG]. Hakan Fidan, Turkey’s Foreign Minister, in a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart, Esad Hasan eş-Şibani, criticized the interventions of the Zionist regime in the Suwayda conflicts and emphasized the necessity of establishing an inclusive government in Syria. These statements reflect Turkey’s concern over the role of external actors in regional instability. However, some analysts believe this memorandum might imply a tacit acceptance of Turkish influence within the military structures of Syria’s new government. At the same time, internal challenges, including ethnic and religious tensions, continue to pose obstacles to sustainable stability in the region.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Despite widespread disagreements between Netanyahu and the Chief of the General Staff of the Zionist regime’s army, Eyal Zamir, the main framework of the plan to occupy Gaza City was finally signed after the war cabinet agreed to seize Gaza City; a decision that could have extensive consequences in the Occupied Territories and the region.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on West Asian affairs stated that under the current circumstances, discussing the disarmament of the Resistance is not only unfeasible but could also lead to an escalation of tensions. Following the 12-day aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, efforts in another layer to disarm Resistance groups, including Hezbollah, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF or Hashd al-Shaabi), and Hamas, have intensified as part of a coordinated project pursued to weaken the Axis of Resistance and impose American regional dominance. The U.S. proposal for Lebanon, which includes disarming Hezbollah by the end of 2025 and the withdrawal of the Israeli regime from border positions, is an attempt to transform an external conflict into an internal one. Hezbollah has firmly rejected this proposal, deeming it a violation of national sovereignty and a service to the interests of the Israeli regime, while emphasizing its defensive role. In Iraq, pressure on the Popular Mobilization Forces has been accompanied by accusations and economic sanctions, yet this group continues to stand as a popular force against external threats. Hamas, despite heavy attacks by the Israeli regime, has continued its resistance and rejected a recent ceasefire proposal in exchange for disarmament. These plans, supported by U.S. and allied diplomatic and economic backing, seek to alter the balance of power in the region. Still, the resistance of the groups and popular support have prevented the realization of these objectives.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The future of the so-called Trump peace plan for Gaza, despite claims of an agreement on Hamas’s disarmament, remains shrouded in ambiguity due to structural deficiencies and opposition from key actors.
SCFR Online – Opinion: An examination of the mechanisms of the Israeli regime’s influence in the United States depicts a complex picture of shared interests, strategic dependencies, and the limitations of this relationship.
SCFR Online – Interview: The signing of the Makkah agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey has raised questions about the future of the region’s security structure and the position of these countries in West Asian equations. Can this agreement become a genuine collective defense mechanism, or does it have more of a political and deterrent function than creating new military capacity?
SCFR Online – Opinion: The continuation of the US war against Iran, in addition to increasing operational costs, has called into question the actual capacity of the American arsenal to simultaneously fulfill security commitments on multiple fronts; an issue that affects deterrence, defense production capacity, and Washington’s resource prioritization.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Russia-Ukraine war and the war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran have been formed with different objectives and actors, but field and political developments indicate that they are not entirely separate from one another.
SCFR Online – Opinion: On Friday, August 7, the heads of state of three countries – Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan – signed a text under the title “Makkah Joint Defense Agreement.”
Strategic Council Online – Note: The initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway, beyond being a transportation project, constitutes an attempt to redefine geopolitics, the economy, and Turkey’s regional position; however, its realization appears to face significant financial, security, and institutional challenges.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Strait of Hormuz crisis is no longer merely the consequence of a military confrontation, but rather a sign of the transition from the US-centered maritime order to a new energy security structure involving the participation of emerging and influential powers.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international affairs analyst stated that Trump’s deal-oriented and authoritarian diplomacy, disregarding the complexities of a multipolar world, is doomed to failure. Lasting peace in Ukraine will only be possible through cooperation with Europe and respect for international law. Donald Trump, the President of the United States, with a deal-oriented approach aimed at quickly ending the war in Ukraine, has increased pressure on Europe to accept primary responsibility for that country’s security guarantees. According to a Politico report, senior Pentagon officials, in meetings with European defense ministers, emphasized that the U.S. would play a minimal role in this regard, with the main burden falling on Europe. This approach, evident at the August 18 meeting in Washington with European leaders and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, highlights a deep rift in transatlantic relations. Europe, concerned about the diminishing U.S. commitments to NATO and the fragility of the peace, is seeking security independence and strengthening its own diplomacy.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior West Asia affairs analyst wrote: A report by the Hebrew magazine “972” reveals that after October 7, 2023, the Zionist regime established a unit called the “Legitimization Unit” for media warfare and defaming Palestinian journalists. The goal of this unit is not security-related, but rather an effort to legitimize the actions of the Israeli regime in the eyes of public opinion and prevent international pressure. According to this report, the Israeli regime’s intelligence teams distort data and falsely link journalists to Hamas to both justify their killing and silence the Palestinian narrative. In some cases, a journalist was labeled as a “Hamas member” before being assassinated—an act that amounts to an unofficial death sentence in Gaza. The severe restrictions on foreign journalists entering Gaza are also part of this policy of narrative monopoly. According to statistics, over the past 22 months, at least 270 journalists have been killed in Gaza—an unprecedented number that exceeds the total number of journalists killed in World Wars, Vietnam, and Afghanistan. The recent drone attack on journalists’ tents near Al-Shifa Hospital and the martyrdom of Al Jazeera journalists represent the peak of this targeted and inhumane policy. As a result, the Israeli regime’s war against Gaza is not only military but also an organized media battle to distort reality and legitimize war crimes.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international relations analyst stated that the recent visit of Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, to New Delhi is not merely a routine diplomatic meeting; rather, it represents a decisive point in the geopolitical equations of South Asia and even the new global order. After four years of tension and distrust stemming from deadly border clashes in Ladakh and Beijing’s full-throated support for Islamabad during the four-day India-Pakistan war, Beijing and New Delhi are now moving towards economic and political reconciliation under circumstances where external variables, including Trump’s tariff pressures and India’s closeness to Russia, have complicated the equation.
Strategic Council Online– Opinion: Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of the Zionist regime, in an interview with the i24 network, while receiving the “Promised Land” talisman from Sharon Gal, a former representative of the right-wing faction, said he is very attached to the ideal of “Greater Israel.” In this interview, he emphasized that he sees himself on a historical and spiritual mission that includes generations of Jews who dreamed of coming here and generations of Jews who will come after us.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international affairs analyst stated that the recent meeting of the foreign minister of Syria’s interim government with a delegation from the Zionist regime in Paris marks a turning point in the regional equations; an event that, beyond a simple diplomatic meeting, signifies a redefinition of strategies regarding Syria’s future. These talks, which were mediated by the United States and focused on reducing tensions in southern Syria, monitoring the ceasefire, and reactivating the 1974 agreement, clearly indicate that the Syria file can no longer be analyzed solely within the framework of an internal crisis or field conflicts. Instead, Damascus today is caught in a complex duality: on one hand, it faces the occupation of part of its territory by the Israeli regime and increasing pressures on its strategic geography, and on the other hand, it feels the necessity of utilizing diplomacy to break out of political isolation. Meanwhile, the Israeli regime seeks to consolidate its position in the region, an issue that links to the long-standing project of “Greater Israel” and efforts to dismantle the traditional structures of the Middle East.
Strategic Council Online: Mr. Hafiz Naeem Al-Rehman, Secretary-General of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, met today with Dr. Seyed Kamal Kharrazi, President of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations (SCFR).
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior Palestinian affairs analyst stated: To justify its crimes in Gaza, the Zionist regime employs two main strategies: using military censorship regarding the publication of operational details and presenting an official narrative by military spokespersons in Hebrew and Arabic. By relying on selective images and information, it attempts to make its military actions in Gaza seem believable. While Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of the Israeli regime, has announced readiness to expand military operations in Gaza and claimed that Palestinians would be allowed to leave the area, international criticism of this regime’s actions under the accusation of ethnic cleansing has intensified. By controlling Gaza’s borders, the Israeli regime’s military has restricted the exit of Palestinians and simultaneously carried out extensive bombings in the residential areas of Zeitoun and Sabra, which, according to the Hamas Civil Defense Organization, resulted in at least 33 deaths and widespread destruction. The European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Japan, in a joint statement, have warned of an impending famine in Gaza and called for a halt to the use of lethal force near aid distribution sites. The World Health Organization has also emphasized the necessity of medical equipment entering Gaza, but the Israeli regime continues to prevent sufficient humanitarian aid from being sent.
Strategic Council Online Interview: A senior Turkish affairs analyst stated: The signing of a military memorandum of understanding between Turkey and Syria on August 13, 2025, in Ankara marks a turning point in the defense relations of the two neighboring countries, which have grappled with years of political and military tensions. This agreement, signed after intensive negotiations between the two countries’ defense ministers, Yaşar Güler and Merif Abu Qasrah, provides a framework for educational and advisory cooperation and the exchange of military personnel. The primary objective of this memorandum is to enhance the capabilities of the Syrian army, rebuild its defense structures according to international standards, and reduce the threats posed by non-professional armed groups. This move, within the context of recent regional developments, particularly following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024, signifies a shift in Turkey’s approach towards Syria and an effort to establish stability along their shared borders. This agreement not only helps redefine the defense relations between Damascus and Ankara but could also lead to a reduction in border tensions and counter common threats, including the activities of Kurdish groups such as the “People’s Defense Units” [YPG]. Hakan Fidan, Turkey’s Foreign Minister, in a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart, Esad Hasan eş-Şibani, criticized the interventions of the Zionist regime in the Suwayda conflicts and emphasized the necessity of establishing an inclusive government in Syria. These statements reflect Turkey’s concern over the role of external actors in regional instability. However, some analysts believe this memorandum might imply a tacit acceptance of Turkish influence within the military structures of Syria’s new government. At the same time, internal challenges, including ethnic and religious tensions, continue to pose obstacles to sustainable stability in the region.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Despite widespread disagreements between Netanyahu and the Chief of the General Staff of the Zionist regime’s army, Eyal Zamir, the main framework of the plan to occupy Gaza City was finally signed after the war cabinet agreed to seize Gaza City; a decision that could have extensive consequences in the Occupied Territories and the region.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on West Asian affairs stated that under the current circumstances, discussing the disarmament of the Resistance is not only unfeasible but could also lead to an escalation of tensions. Following the 12-day aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, efforts in another layer to disarm Resistance groups, including Hezbollah, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF or Hashd al-Shaabi), and Hamas, have intensified as part of a coordinated project pursued to weaken the Axis of Resistance and impose American regional dominance. The U.S. proposal for Lebanon, which includes disarming Hezbollah by the end of 2025 and the withdrawal of the Israeli regime from border positions, is an attempt to transform an external conflict into an internal one. Hezbollah has firmly rejected this proposal, deeming it a violation of national sovereignty and a service to the interests of the Israeli regime, while emphasizing its defensive role. In Iraq, pressure on the Popular Mobilization Forces has been accompanied by accusations and economic sanctions, yet this group continues to stand as a popular force against external threats. Hamas, despite heavy attacks by the Israeli regime, has continued its resistance and rejected a recent ceasefire proposal in exchange for disarmament. These plans, supported by U.S. and allied diplomatic and economic backing, seek to alter the balance of power in the region. Still, the resistance of the groups and popular support have prevented the realization of these objectives.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The future of the so-called Trump peace plan for Gaza, despite claims of an agreement on Hamas’s disarmament, remains shrouded in ambiguity due to structural deficiencies and opposition from key actors.
SCFR Online – Opinion: An examination of the mechanisms of the Israeli regime’s influence in the United States depicts a complex picture of shared interests, strategic dependencies, and the limitations of this relationship.
SCFR Online – Interview: The signing of the Makkah agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey has raised questions about the future of the region’s security structure and the position of these countries in West Asian equations. Can this agreement become a genuine collective defense mechanism, or does it have more of a political and deterrent function than creating new military capacity?
SCFR Online – Opinion: The continuation of the US war against Iran, in addition to increasing operational costs, has called into question the actual capacity of the American arsenal to simultaneously fulfill security commitments on multiple fronts; an issue that affects deterrence, defense production capacity, and Washington’s resource prioritization.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Russia-Ukraine war and the war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran have been formed with different objectives and actors, but field and political developments indicate that they are not entirely separate from one another.
SCFR Online – Opinion: On Friday, August 7, the heads of state of three countries – Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan – signed a text under the title “Makkah Joint Defense Agreement.”
Strategic Council Online – Note: The initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway, beyond being a transportation project, constitutes an attempt to redefine geopolitics, the economy, and Turkey’s regional position; however, its realization appears to face significant financial, security, and institutional challenges.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Strait of Hormuz crisis is no longer merely the consequence of a military confrontation, but rather a sign of the transition from the US-centered maritime order to a new energy security structure involving the participation of emerging and influential powers.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international affairs analyst stated that Trump’s deal-oriented and authoritarian diplomacy, disregarding the complexities of a multipolar world, is doomed to failure. Lasting peace in Ukraine will only be possible through cooperation with Europe and respect for international law. Donald Trump, the President of the United States, with a deal-oriented approach aimed at quickly ending the war in Ukraine, has increased pressure on Europe to accept primary responsibility for that country’s security guarantees. According to a Politico report, senior Pentagon officials, in meetings with European defense ministers, emphasized that the U.S. would play a minimal role in this regard, with the main burden falling on Europe. This approach, evident at the August 18 meeting in Washington with European leaders and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, highlights a deep rift in transatlantic relations. Europe, concerned about the diminishing U.S. commitments to NATO and the fragility of the peace, is seeking security independence and strengthening its own diplomacy.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior West Asia affairs analyst wrote: A report by the Hebrew magazine “972” reveals that after October 7, 2023, the Zionist regime established a unit called the “Legitimization Unit” for media warfare and defaming Palestinian journalists. The goal of this unit is not security-related, but rather an effort to legitimize the actions of the Israeli regime in the eyes of public opinion and prevent international pressure. According to this report, the Israeli regime’s intelligence teams distort data and falsely link journalists to Hamas to both justify their killing and silence the Palestinian narrative. In some cases, a journalist was labeled as a “Hamas member” before being assassinated—an act that amounts to an unofficial death sentence in Gaza. The severe restrictions on foreign journalists entering Gaza are also part of this policy of narrative monopoly. According to statistics, over the past 22 months, at least 270 journalists have been killed in Gaza—an unprecedented number that exceeds the total number of journalists killed in World Wars, Vietnam, and Afghanistan. The recent drone attack on journalists’ tents near Al-Shifa Hospital and the martyrdom of Al Jazeera journalists represent the peak of this targeted and inhumane policy. As a result, the Israeli regime’s war against Gaza is not only military but also an organized media battle to distort reality and legitimize war crimes.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international relations analyst stated that the recent visit of Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, to New Delhi is not merely a routine diplomatic meeting; rather, it represents a decisive point in the geopolitical equations of South Asia and even the new global order. After four years of tension and distrust stemming from deadly border clashes in Ladakh and Beijing’s full-throated support for Islamabad during the four-day India-Pakistan war, Beijing and New Delhi are now moving towards economic and political reconciliation under circumstances where external variables, including Trump’s tariff pressures and India’s closeness to Russia, have complicated the equation.
Strategic Council Online– Opinion: Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of the Zionist regime, in an interview with the i24 network, while receiving the “Promised Land” talisman from Sharon Gal, a former representative of the right-wing faction, said he is very attached to the ideal of “Greater Israel.” In this interview, he emphasized that he sees himself on a historical and spiritual mission that includes generations of Jews who dreamed of coming here and generations of Jews who will come after us.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international affairs analyst stated that the recent meeting of the foreign minister of Syria’s interim government with a delegation from the Zionist regime in Paris marks a turning point in the regional equations; an event that, beyond a simple diplomatic meeting, signifies a redefinition of strategies regarding Syria’s future. These talks, which were mediated by the United States and focused on reducing tensions in southern Syria, monitoring the ceasefire, and reactivating the 1974 agreement, clearly indicate that the Syria file can no longer be analyzed solely within the framework of an internal crisis or field conflicts. Instead, Damascus today is caught in a complex duality: on one hand, it faces the occupation of part of its territory by the Israeli regime and increasing pressures on its strategic geography, and on the other hand, it feels the necessity of utilizing diplomacy to break out of political isolation. Meanwhile, the Israeli regime seeks to consolidate its position in the region, an issue that links to the long-standing project of “Greater Israel” and efforts to dismantle the traditional structures of the Middle East.
Strategic Council Online: Mr. Hafiz Naeem Al-Rehman, Secretary-General of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, met today with Dr. Seyed Kamal Kharrazi, President of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations (SCFR).
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior Palestinian affairs analyst stated: To justify its crimes in Gaza, the Zionist regime employs two main strategies: using military censorship regarding the publication of operational details and presenting an official narrative by military spokespersons in Hebrew and Arabic. By relying on selective images and information, it attempts to make its military actions in Gaza seem believable. While Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of the Israeli regime, has announced readiness to expand military operations in Gaza and claimed that Palestinians would be allowed to leave the area, international criticism of this regime’s actions under the accusation of ethnic cleansing has intensified. By controlling Gaza’s borders, the Israeli regime’s military has restricted the exit of Palestinians and simultaneously carried out extensive bombings in the residential areas of Zeitoun and Sabra, which, according to the Hamas Civil Defense Organization, resulted in at least 33 deaths and widespread destruction. The European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Japan, in a joint statement, have warned of an impending famine in Gaza and called for a halt to the use of lethal force near aid distribution sites. The World Health Organization has also emphasized the necessity of medical equipment entering Gaza, but the Israeli regime continues to prevent sufficient humanitarian aid from being sent.
Strategic Council Online Interview: A senior Turkish affairs analyst stated: The signing of a military memorandum of understanding between Turkey and Syria on August 13, 2025, in Ankara marks a turning point in the defense relations of the two neighboring countries, which have grappled with years of political and military tensions. This agreement, signed after intensive negotiations between the two countries’ defense ministers, Yaşar Güler and Merif Abu Qasrah, provides a framework for educational and advisory cooperation and the exchange of military personnel. The primary objective of this memorandum is to enhance the capabilities of the Syrian army, rebuild its defense structures according to international standards, and reduce the threats posed by non-professional armed groups. This move, within the context of recent regional developments, particularly following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024, signifies a shift in Turkey’s approach towards Syria and an effort to establish stability along their shared borders. This agreement not only helps redefine the defense relations between Damascus and Ankara but could also lead to a reduction in border tensions and counter common threats, including the activities of Kurdish groups such as the “People’s Defense Units” [YPG]. Hakan Fidan, Turkey’s Foreign Minister, in a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart, Esad Hasan eş-Şibani, criticized the interventions of the Zionist regime in the Suwayda conflicts and emphasized the necessity of establishing an inclusive government in Syria. These statements reflect Turkey’s concern over the role of external actors in regional instability. However, some analysts believe this memorandum might imply a tacit acceptance of Turkish influence within the military structures of Syria’s new government. At the same time, internal challenges, including ethnic and religious tensions, continue to pose obstacles to sustainable stability in the region.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Despite widespread disagreements between Netanyahu and the Chief of the General Staff of the Zionist regime’s army, Eyal Zamir, the main framework of the plan to occupy Gaza City was finally signed after the war cabinet agreed to seize Gaza City; a decision that could have extensive consequences in the Occupied Territories and the region.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on West Asian affairs stated that under the current circumstances, discussing the disarmament of the Resistance is not only unfeasible but could also lead to an escalation of tensions. Following the 12-day aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, efforts in another layer to disarm Resistance groups, including Hezbollah, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF or Hashd al-Shaabi), and Hamas, have intensified as part of a coordinated project pursued to weaken the Axis of Resistance and impose American regional dominance. The U.S. proposal for Lebanon, which includes disarming Hezbollah by the end of 2025 and the withdrawal of the Israeli regime from border positions, is an attempt to transform an external conflict into an internal one. Hezbollah has firmly rejected this proposal, deeming it a violation of national sovereignty and a service to the interests of the Israeli regime, while emphasizing its defensive role. In Iraq, pressure on the Popular Mobilization Forces has been accompanied by accusations and economic sanctions, yet this group continues to stand as a popular force against external threats. Hamas, despite heavy attacks by the Israeli regime, has continued its resistance and rejected a recent ceasefire proposal in exchange for disarmament. These plans, supported by U.S. and allied diplomatic and economic backing, seek to alter the balance of power in the region. Still, the resistance of the groups and popular support have prevented the realization of these objectives.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The future of the so-called Trump peace plan for Gaza, despite claims of an agreement on Hamas’s disarmament, remains shrouded in ambiguity due to structural deficiencies and opposition from key actors.
SCFR Online – Opinion: An examination of the mechanisms of the Israeli regime’s influence in the United States depicts a complex picture of shared interests, strategic dependencies, and the limitations of this relationship.
SCFR Online – Interview: The signing of the Makkah agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey has raised questions about the future of the region’s security structure and the position of these countries in West Asian equations. Can this agreement become a genuine collective defense mechanism, or does it have more of a political and deterrent function than creating new military capacity?
SCFR Online – Opinion: The continuation of the US war against Iran, in addition to increasing operational costs, has called into question the actual capacity of the American arsenal to simultaneously fulfill security commitments on multiple fronts; an issue that affects deterrence, defense production capacity, and Washington’s resource prioritization.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Russia-Ukraine war and the war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran have been formed with different objectives and actors, but field and political developments indicate that they are not entirely separate from one another.
SCFR Online – Opinion: On Friday, August 7, the heads of state of three countries – Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan – signed a text under the title “Makkah Joint Defense Agreement.”
Strategic Council Online – Note: The initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway, beyond being a transportation project, constitutes an attempt to redefine geopolitics, the economy, and Turkey’s regional position; however, its realization appears to face significant financial, security, and institutional challenges.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Strait of Hormuz crisis is no longer merely the consequence of a military confrontation, but rather a sign of the transition from the US-centered maritime order to a new energy security structure involving the participation of emerging and influential powers.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international affairs analyst stated that Trump’s deal-oriented and authoritarian diplomacy, disregarding the complexities of a multipolar world, is doomed to failure. Lasting peace in Ukraine will only be possible through cooperation with Europe and respect for international law. Donald Trump, the President of the United States, with a deal-oriented approach aimed at quickly ending the war in Ukraine, has increased pressure on Europe to accept primary responsibility for that country’s security guarantees. According to a Politico report, senior Pentagon officials, in meetings with European defense ministers, emphasized that the U.S. would play a minimal role in this regard, with the main burden falling on Europe. This approach, evident at the August 18 meeting in Washington with European leaders and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, highlights a deep rift in transatlantic relations. Europe, concerned about the diminishing U.S. commitments to NATO and the fragility of the peace, is seeking security independence and strengthening its own diplomacy.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior West Asia affairs analyst wrote: A report by the Hebrew magazine “972” reveals that after October 7, 2023, the Zionist regime established a unit called the “Legitimization Unit” for media warfare and defaming Palestinian journalists. The goal of this unit is not security-related, but rather an effort to legitimize the actions of the Israeli regime in the eyes of public opinion and prevent international pressure. According to this report, the Israeli regime’s intelligence teams distort data and falsely link journalists to Hamas to both justify their killing and silence the Palestinian narrative. In some cases, a journalist was labeled as a “Hamas member” before being assassinated—an act that amounts to an unofficial death sentence in Gaza. The severe restrictions on foreign journalists entering Gaza are also part of this policy of narrative monopoly. According to statistics, over the past 22 months, at least 270 journalists have been killed in Gaza—an unprecedented number that exceeds the total number of journalists killed in World Wars, Vietnam, and Afghanistan. The recent drone attack on journalists’ tents near Al-Shifa Hospital and the martyrdom of Al Jazeera journalists represent the peak of this targeted and inhumane policy. As a result, the Israeli regime’s war against Gaza is not only military but also an organized media battle to distort reality and legitimize war crimes.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international relations analyst stated that the recent visit of Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, to New Delhi is not merely a routine diplomatic meeting; rather, it represents a decisive point in the geopolitical equations of South Asia and even the new global order. After four years of tension and distrust stemming from deadly border clashes in Ladakh and Beijing’s full-throated support for Islamabad during the four-day India-Pakistan war, Beijing and New Delhi are now moving towards economic and political reconciliation under circumstances where external variables, including Trump’s tariff pressures and India’s closeness to Russia, have complicated the equation.
Strategic Council Online– Opinion: Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of the Zionist regime, in an interview with the i24 network, while receiving the “Promised Land” talisman from Sharon Gal, a former representative of the right-wing faction, said he is very attached to the ideal of “Greater Israel.” In this interview, he emphasized that he sees himself on a historical and spiritual mission that includes generations of Jews who dreamed of coming here and generations of Jews who will come after us.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international affairs analyst stated that the recent meeting of the foreign minister of Syria’s interim government with a delegation from the Zionist regime in Paris marks a turning point in the regional equations; an event that, beyond a simple diplomatic meeting, signifies a redefinition of strategies regarding Syria’s future. These talks, which were mediated by the United States and focused on reducing tensions in southern Syria, monitoring the ceasefire, and reactivating the 1974 agreement, clearly indicate that the Syria file can no longer be analyzed solely within the framework of an internal crisis or field conflicts. Instead, Damascus today is caught in a complex duality: on one hand, it faces the occupation of part of its territory by the Israeli regime and increasing pressures on its strategic geography, and on the other hand, it feels the necessity of utilizing diplomacy to break out of political isolation. Meanwhile, the Israeli regime seeks to consolidate its position in the region, an issue that links to the long-standing project of “Greater Israel” and efforts to dismantle the traditional structures of the Middle East.
Strategic Council Online: Mr. Hafiz Naeem Al-Rehman, Secretary-General of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, met today with Dr. Seyed Kamal Kharrazi, President of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations (SCFR).
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior Palestinian affairs analyst stated: To justify its crimes in Gaza, the Zionist regime employs two main strategies: using military censorship regarding the publication of operational details and presenting an official narrative by military spokespersons in Hebrew and Arabic. By relying on selective images and information, it attempts to make its military actions in Gaza seem believable. While Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of the Israeli regime, has announced readiness to expand military operations in Gaza and claimed that Palestinians would be allowed to leave the area, international criticism of this regime’s actions under the accusation of ethnic cleansing has intensified. By controlling Gaza’s borders, the Israeli regime’s military has restricted the exit of Palestinians and simultaneously carried out extensive bombings in the residential areas of Zeitoun and Sabra, which, according to the Hamas Civil Defense Organization, resulted in at least 33 deaths and widespread destruction. The European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Japan, in a joint statement, have warned of an impending famine in Gaza and called for a halt to the use of lethal force near aid distribution sites. The World Health Organization has also emphasized the necessity of medical equipment entering Gaza, but the Israeli regime continues to prevent sufficient humanitarian aid from being sent.
Strategic Council Online Interview: A senior Turkish affairs analyst stated: The signing of a military memorandum of understanding between Turkey and Syria on August 13, 2025, in Ankara marks a turning point in the defense relations of the two neighboring countries, which have grappled with years of political and military tensions. This agreement, signed after intensive negotiations between the two countries’ defense ministers, Yaşar Güler and Merif Abu Qasrah, provides a framework for educational and advisory cooperation and the exchange of military personnel. The primary objective of this memorandum is to enhance the capabilities of the Syrian army, rebuild its defense structures according to international standards, and reduce the threats posed by non-professional armed groups. This move, within the context of recent regional developments, particularly following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024, signifies a shift in Turkey’s approach towards Syria and an effort to establish stability along their shared borders. This agreement not only helps redefine the defense relations between Damascus and Ankara but could also lead to a reduction in border tensions and counter common threats, including the activities of Kurdish groups such as the “People’s Defense Units” [YPG]. Hakan Fidan, Turkey’s Foreign Minister, in a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart, Esad Hasan eş-Şibani, criticized the interventions of the Zionist regime in the Suwayda conflicts and emphasized the necessity of establishing an inclusive government in Syria. These statements reflect Turkey’s concern over the role of external actors in regional instability. However, some analysts believe this memorandum might imply a tacit acceptance of Turkish influence within the military structures of Syria’s new government. At the same time, internal challenges, including ethnic and religious tensions, continue to pose obstacles to sustainable stability in the region.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Despite widespread disagreements between Netanyahu and the Chief of the General Staff of the Zionist regime’s army, Eyal Zamir, the main framework of the plan to occupy Gaza City was finally signed after the war cabinet agreed to seize Gaza City; a decision that could have extensive consequences in the Occupied Territories and the region.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on West Asian affairs stated that under the current circumstances, discussing the disarmament of the Resistance is not only unfeasible but could also lead to an escalation of tensions. Following the 12-day aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, efforts in another layer to disarm Resistance groups, including Hezbollah, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF or Hashd al-Shaabi), and Hamas, have intensified as part of a coordinated project pursued to weaken the Axis of Resistance and impose American regional dominance. The U.S. proposal for Lebanon, which includes disarming Hezbollah by the end of 2025 and the withdrawal of the Israeli regime from border positions, is an attempt to transform an external conflict into an internal one. Hezbollah has firmly rejected this proposal, deeming it a violation of national sovereignty and a service to the interests of the Israeli regime, while emphasizing its defensive role. In Iraq, pressure on the Popular Mobilization Forces has been accompanied by accusations and economic sanctions, yet this group continues to stand as a popular force against external threats. Hamas, despite heavy attacks by the Israeli regime, has continued its resistance and rejected a recent ceasefire proposal in exchange for disarmament. These plans, supported by U.S. and allied diplomatic and economic backing, seek to alter the balance of power in the region. Still, the resistance of the groups and popular support have prevented the realization of these objectives.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The future of the so-called Trump peace plan for Gaza, despite claims of an agreement on Hamas’s disarmament, remains shrouded in ambiguity due to structural deficiencies and opposition from key actors.
SCFR Online – Opinion: An examination of the mechanisms of the Israeli regime’s influence in the United States depicts a complex picture of shared interests, strategic dependencies, and the limitations of this relationship.
SCFR Online – Interview: The signing of the Makkah agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey has raised questions about the future of the region’s security structure and the position of these countries in West Asian equations. Can this agreement become a genuine collective defense mechanism, or does it have more of a political and deterrent function than creating new military capacity?
SCFR Online – Opinion: The continuation of the US war against Iran, in addition to increasing operational costs, has called into question the actual capacity of the American arsenal to simultaneously fulfill security commitments on multiple fronts; an issue that affects deterrence, defense production capacity, and Washington’s resource prioritization.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Russia-Ukraine war and the war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran have been formed with different objectives and actors, but field and political developments indicate that they are not entirely separate from one another.
SCFR Online – Opinion: On Friday, August 7, the heads of state of three countries – Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan – signed a text under the title “Makkah Joint Defense Agreement.”
Strategic Council Online – Note: The initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway, beyond being a transportation project, constitutes an attempt to redefine geopolitics, the economy, and Turkey’s regional position; however, its realization appears to face significant financial, security, and institutional challenges.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Strait of Hormuz crisis is no longer merely the consequence of a military confrontation, but rather a sign of the transition from the US-centered maritime order to a new energy security structure involving the participation of emerging and influential powers.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international affairs analyst stated that Trump’s deal-oriented and authoritarian diplomacy, disregarding the complexities of a multipolar world, is doomed to failure. Lasting peace in Ukraine will only be possible through cooperation with Europe and respect for international law. Donald Trump, the President of the United States, with a deal-oriented approach aimed at quickly ending the war in Ukraine, has increased pressure on Europe to accept primary responsibility for that country’s security guarantees. According to a Politico report, senior Pentagon officials, in meetings with European defense ministers, emphasized that the U.S. would play a minimal role in this regard, with the main burden falling on Europe. This approach, evident at the August 18 meeting in Washington with European leaders and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, highlights a deep rift in transatlantic relations. Europe, concerned about the diminishing U.S. commitments to NATO and the fragility of the peace, is seeking security independence and strengthening its own diplomacy.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior West Asia affairs analyst wrote: A report by the Hebrew magazine “972” reveals that after October 7, 2023, the Zionist regime established a unit called the “Legitimization Unit” for media warfare and defaming Palestinian journalists. The goal of this unit is not security-related, but rather an effort to legitimize the actions of the Israeli regime in the eyes of public opinion and prevent international pressure. According to this report, the Israeli regime’s intelligence teams distort data and falsely link journalists to Hamas to both justify their killing and silence the Palestinian narrative. In some cases, a journalist was labeled as a “Hamas member” before being assassinated—an act that amounts to an unofficial death sentence in Gaza. The severe restrictions on foreign journalists entering Gaza are also part of this policy of narrative monopoly. According to statistics, over the past 22 months, at least 270 journalists have been killed in Gaza—an unprecedented number that exceeds the total number of journalists killed in World Wars, Vietnam, and Afghanistan. The recent drone attack on journalists’ tents near Al-Shifa Hospital and the martyrdom of Al Jazeera journalists represent the peak of this targeted and inhumane policy. As a result, the Israeli regime’s war against Gaza is not only military but also an organized media battle to distort reality and legitimize war crimes.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international relations analyst stated that the recent visit of Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, to New Delhi is not merely a routine diplomatic meeting; rather, it represents a decisive point in the geopolitical equations of South Asia and even the new global order. After four years of tension and distrust stemming from deadly border clashes in Ladakh and Beijing’s full-throated support for Islamabad during the four-day India-Pakistan war, Beijing and New Delhi are now moving towards economic and political reconciliation under circumstances where external variables, including Trump’s tariff pressures and India’s closeness to Russia, have complicated the equation.
Strategic Council Online– Opinion: Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of the Zionist regime, in an interview with the i24 network, while receiving the “Promised Land” talisman from Sharon Gal, a former representative of the right-wing faction, said he is very attached to the ideal of “Greater Israel.” In this interview, he emphasized that he sees himself on a historical and spiritual mission that includes generations of Jews who dreamed of coming here and generations of Jews who will come after us.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international affairs analyst stated that the recent meeting of the foreign minister of Syria’s interim government with a delegation from the Zionist regime in Paris marks a turning point in the regional equations; an event that, beyond a simple diplomatic meeting, signifies a redefinition of strategies regarding Syria’s future. These talks, which were mediated by the United States and focused on reducing tensions in southern Syria, monitoring the ceasefire, and reactivating the 1974 agreement, clearly indicate that the Syria file can no longer be analyzed solely within the framework of an internal crisis or field conflicts. Instead, Damascus today is caught in a complex duality: on one hand, it faces the occupation of part of its territory by the Israeli regime and increasing pressures on its strategic geography, and on the other hand, it feels the necessity of utilizing diplomacy to break out of political isolation. Meanwhile, the Israeli regime seeks to consolidate its position in the region, an issue that links to the long-standing project of “Greater Israel” and efforts to dismantle the traditional structures of the Middle East.
Strategic Council Online: Mr. Hafiz Naeem Al-Rehman, Secretary-General of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, met today with Dr. Seyed Kamal Kharrazi, President of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations (SCFR).
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior Palestinian affairs analyst stated: To justify its crimes in Gaza, the Zionist regime employs two main strategies: using military censorship regarding the publication of operational details and presenting an official narrative by military spokespersons in Hebrew and Arabic. By relying on selective images and information, it attempts to make its military actions in Gaza seem believable. While Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of the Israeli regime, has announced readiness to expand military operations in Gaza and claimed that Palestinians would be allowed to leave the area, international criticism of this regime’s actions under the accusation of ethnic cleansing has intensified. By controlling Gaza’s borders, the Israeli regime’s military has restricted the exit of Palestinians and simultaneously carried out extensive bombings in the residential areas of Zeitoun and Sabra, which, according to the Hamas Civil Defense Organization, resulted in at least 33 deaths and widespread destruction. The European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Japan, in a joint statement, have warned of an impending famine in Gaza and called for a halt to the use of lethal force near aid distribution sites. The World Health Organization has also emphasized the necessity of medical equipment entering Gaza, but the Israeli regime continues to prevent sufficient humanitarian aid from being sent.
Strategic Council Online Interview: A senior Turkish affairs analyst stated: The signing of a military memorandum of understanding between Turkey and Syria on August 13, 2025, in Ankara marks a turning point in the defense relations of the two neighboring countries, which have grappled with years of political and military tensions. This agreement, signed after intensive negotiations between the two countries’ defense ministers, Yaşar Güler and Merif Abu Qasrah, provides a framework for educational and advisory cooperation and the exchange of military personnel. The primary objective of this memorandum is to enhance the capabilities of the Syrian army, rebuild its defense structures according to international standards, and reduce the threats posed by non-professional armed groups. This move, within the context of recent regional developments, particularly following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024, signifies a shift in Turkey’s approach towards Syria and an effort to establish stability along their shared borders. This agreement not only helps redefine the defense relations between Damascus and Ankara but could also lead to a reduction in border tensions and counter common threats, including the activities of Kurdish groups such as the “People’s Defense Units” [YPG]. Hakan Fidan, Turkey’s Foreign Minister, in a joint press conference with his Syrian counterpart, Esad Hasan eş-Şibani, criticized the interventions of the Zionist regime in the Suwayda conflicts and emphasized the necessity of establishing an inclusive government in Syria. These statements reflect Turkey’s concern over the role of external actors in regional instability. However, some analysts believe this memorandum might imply a tacit acceptance of Turkish influence within the military structures of Syria’s new government. At the same time, internal challenges, including ethnic and religious tensions, continue to pose obstacles to sustainable stability in the region.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Despite widespread disagreements between Netanyahu and the Chief of the General Staff of the Zionist regime’s army, Eyal Zamir, the main framework of the plan to occupy Gaza City was finally signed after the war cabinet agreed to seize Gaza City; a decision that could have extensive consequences in the Occupied Territories and the region.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on West Asian affairs stated that under the current circumstances, discussing the disarmament of the Resistance is not only unfeasible but could also lead to an escalation of tensions. Following the 12-day aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, efforts in another layer to disarm Resistance groups, including Hezbollah, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF or Hashd al-Shaabi), and Hamas, have intensified as part of a coordinated project pursued to weaken the Axis of Resistance and impose American regional dominance. The U.S. proposal for Lebanon, which includes disarming Hezbollah by the end of 2025 and the withdrawal of the Israeli regime from border positions, is an attempt to transform an external conflict into an internal one. Hezbollah has firmly rejected this proposal, deeming it a violation of national sovereignty and a service to the interests of the Israeli regime, while emphasizing its defensive role. In Iraq, pressure on the Popular Mobilization Forces has been accompanied by accusations and economic sanctions, yet this group continues to stand as a popular force against external threats. Hamas, despite heavy attacks by the Israeli regime, has continued its resistance and rejected a recent ceasefire proposal in exchange for disarmament. These plans, supported by U.S. and allied diplomatic and economic backing, seek to alter the balance of power in the region. Still, the resistance of the groups and popular support have prevented the realization of these objectives.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The future of the so-called Trump peace plan for Gaza, despite claims of an agreement on Hamas’s disarmament, remains shrouded in ambiguity due to structural deficiencies and opposition from key actors.
SCFR Online – Opinion: An examination of the mechanisms of the Israeli regime’s influence in the United States depicts a complex picture of shared interests, strategic dependencies, and the limitations of this relationship.
SCFR Online – Interview: The signing of the Makkah agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey has raised questions about the future of the region’s security structure and the position of these countries in West Asian equations. Can this agreement become a genuine collective defense mechanism, or does it have more of a political and deterrent function than creating new military capacity?
SCFR Online – Opinion: The continuation of the US war against Iran, in addition to increasing operational costs, has called into question the actual capacity of the American arsenal to simultaneously fulfill security commitments on multiple fronts; an issue that affects deterrence, defense production capacity, and Washington’s resource prioritization.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Russia-Ukraine war and the war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran have been formed with different objectives and actors, but field and political developments indicate that they are not entirely separate from one another.
SCFR Online – Opinion: On Friday, August 7, the heads of state of three countries – Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan – signed a text under the title “Makkah Joint Defense Agreement.”
Strategic Council Online – Note: The initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway, beyond being a transportation project, constitutes an attempt to redefine geopolitics, the economy, and Turkey’s regional position; however, its realization appears to face significant financial, security, and institutional challenges.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Strait of Hormuz crisis is no longer merely the consequence of a military confrontation, but rather a sign of the transition from the US-centered maritime order to a new energy security structure involving the participation of emerging and influential powers.