SCFR Online – Opinion: Developments in the South Caucasus and Central Asia indicate that transit competition has become an arena for a new staging of influence among Iran, Turkey, Russia, and China.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The upcoming Palestinian elections, after nearly two decades of hiatus, could affect the arrangement of political forces, the legitimacy of institutions, and the future path of Palestinian governance.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The direct war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, disruption of nuclear inspections, and intensification of great power competition have taken the non-proliferation crisis beyond the issue of Iran’s nuclear program.
SCFR Online – Opinion: In the Iran–U.S. equation, China pursues a cautious balance between its energy and transit interests with Tehran and considerations related to sanctions and competition with Washington.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The simultaneity of pressure on the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb has turned the geography of energy and shipping into a new arena for the emergence of new risks, costs, and leverage.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Makkah Pact, signed on August 7, 2026, between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, is more than an answer to geopolitical vacuums; in practice, it faces a “deterrence dilemma” and “differing threat perception.” While this pact symbolizes a transition toward regional self-reliance, its first field tests and the complexities of relations with regional actors will determine its real meaning.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The reason for Washington’s reluctance to enter directly into war with Ansarullah is military and economic limitations, electoral considerations, and concern about the expansion of the crisis at two energy chokepoints.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Ansarullah’s recent lightning-fast operation and surprise advances on Yemen’s western coast have rapidly transformed the equations of the war in that country and developments in West Asia, and have challenged the calculations of Saudi Arabia, the United States, the West, and the Israeli regime.
Strategic Council Online: Russia seeks to thwart US efforts to build coalitions in the region. Moscow sees the US plan as very dangerous that could both increase military presence in the region and enhance the likelihood of conflicts. So the Kremlin is trying to prevent the US-led coalition from escalating tensions in the region.
Mahmoud Shouri – Russia Affairs Expert
Strategic Council Online: The United States has announced its withdrawal from Syrian soil at a time that it gives the green light to Turkey to violate the national sovereignty of Syria and occupy 450 square kilometers at a depth of 30 kilometers.
Azam Gol Mohammadi – International Law Researcher
Strategic Council Online: A regional affairs analyst pointing to the dimensions and implications of Operation “Victory from God” in Najran and Yemen’s increasing resistance power said the spontaneous improvement could cause a balance of terror and concern among the Saudis. These developments have made Saudi Arabia more inclined to seek a mutually agreed to solution.
Strategic Council Online: Recent attacks on Aramco refineries not only inflicted huge economic losses on Saudi Arabia, but also the heavy humiliation over the failure of “buying security by oil” strategy and uncertainty over future security has prompted Saudi leaders to make news military purchases to fill the defensive gap.
Hamideh Safamanesh – International Relations Researcher
Strategic Council Online: A university faculty member said leveling accusations and pressures the United States is exerting on Iran in relation with the military strikes on Aramco oil refinery lack practical strategic value. “Their accusations are projections and originate from a weak defense and security structure which has cost Saudi Arabia billions of dollars,” he said.
Strategic Council Online: Undoubtedly, with this kind of response to Ansarullah’s ceasefire proposal by Riyadh authorities they intend to thwart accusations of warmongering and non-acceptance of peace terms. In contrast, they aim to undermine Ansarullah’s very positive and peaceful position over the past several weeks in the mass media.
Jafar Ghanadbashi – Middle East Affairs Expert
Strategic Council Online: A university professor said the recent developments in the region made it less likely for a Persian Gulf maritime alliance to get shaped, adding that when tension rises countries may declare in the political arena that they favor coalition or not but in the true dimensions of the coalition, countries are much less likely to welcome the idea because there is concern that the alliance would actually engage in military conflict.
Strategic Council Online: A Middle East affairs expert says the Saudi policy is one of destructive proxy policy, adding that the Saudi behavior is a function of the policies of the United States, the West and the Zionist regime. He further pointed out that despite Saudi policy of “buying security from the US”, the recent strike on Saudi oil facilities showed the weakness of the military-security structure of the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Strategic Council Online: Former Iranian ambassador to Iraq pointing to Lebanese Hezbollah’s military response to the recent Zionist regime aggressions, noted: “Expectations were that the Resistance would certainly respond to Israel’s audacity and as put by the Supreme Leader the time for their “hit and run” game is over. It is no longer the case for them to take some action and the nations of the region sit idle and just watch them.”
Strategic Council Online: The United States needs to conduct atomic tests to assess its capabilities and weaknesses to develop its nuclear capabilities. The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) makes the job difficult.
Dr. Tahmoures Gholami – American Affairs Expert
SCFR Online – Opinion: Developments in the South Caucasus and Central Asia indicate that transit competition has become an arena for a new staging of influence among Iran, Turkey, Russia, and China.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The upcoming Palestinian elections, after nearly two decades of hiatus, could affect the arrangement of political forces, the legitimacy of institutions, and the future path of Palestinian governance.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The direct war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, disruption of nuclear inspections, and intensification of great power competition have taken the non-proliferation crisis beyond the issue of Iran’s nuclear program.
SCFR Online – Opinion: In the Iran–U.S. equation, China pursues a cautious balance between its energy and transit interests with Tehran and considerations related to sanctions and competition with Washington.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The simultaneity of pressure on the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb has turned the geography of energy and shipping into a new arena for the emergence of new risks, costs, and leverage.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Makkah Pact, signed on August 7, 2026, between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, is more than an answer to geopolitical vacuums; in practice, it faces a “deterrence dilemma” and “differing threat perception.” While this pact symbolizes a transition toward regional self-reliance, its first field tests and the complexities of relations with regional actors will determine its real meaning.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The reason for Washington’s reluctance to enter directly into war with Ansarullah is military and economic limitations, electoral considerations, and concern about the expansion of the crisis at two energy chokepoints.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Ansarullah’s recent lightning-fast operation and surprise advances on Yemen’s western coast have rapidly transformed the equations of the war in that country and developments in West Asia, and have challenged the calculations of Saudi Arabia, the United States, the West, and the Israeli regime.
Strategic Council Online: Russia seeks to thwart US efforts to build coalitions in the region. Moscow sees the US plan as very dangerous that could both increase military presence in the region and enhance the likelihood of conflicts. So the Kremlin is trying to prevent the US-led coalition from escalating tensions in the region.
Mahmoud Shouri – Russia Affairs Expert
Strategic Council Online: The United States has announced its withdrawal from Syrian soil at a time that it gives the green light to Turkey to violate the national sovereignty of Syria and occupy 450 square kilometers at a depth of 30 kilometers.
Azam Gol Mohammadi – International Law Researcher
Strategic Council Online: A regional affairs analyst pointing to the dimensions and implications of Operation “Victory from God” in Najran and Yemen’s increasing resistance power said the spontaneous improvement could cause a balance of terror and concern among the Saudis. These developments have made Saudi Arabia more inclined to seek a mutually agreed to solution.
Strategic Council Online: Recent attacks on Aramco refineries not only inflicted huge economic losses on Saudi Arabia, but also the heavy humiliation over the failure of “buying security by oil” strategy and uncertainty over future security has prompted Saudi leaders to make news military purchases to fill the defensive gap.
Hamideh Safamanesh – International Relations Researcher
Strategic Council Online: A university faculty member said leveling accusations and pressures the United States is exerting on Iran in relation with the military strikes on Aramco oil refinery lack practical strategic value. “Their accusations are projections and originate from a weak defense and security structure which has cost Saudi Arabia billions of dollars,” he said.
Strategic Council Online: Undoubtedly, with this kind of response to Ansarullah’s ceasefire proposal by Riyadh authorities they intend to thwart accusations of warmongering and non-acceptance of peace terms. In contrast, they aim to undermine Ansarullah’s very positive and peaceful position over the past several weeks in the mass media.
Jafar Ghanadbashi – Middle East Affairs Expert
Strategic Council Online: A university professor said the recent developments in the region made it less likely for a Persian Gulf maritime alliance to get shaped, adding that when tension rises countries may declare in the political arena that they favor coalition or not but in the true dimensions of the coalition, countries are much less likely to welcome the idea because there is concern that the alliance would actually engage in military conflict.
Strategic Council Online: A Middle East affairs expert says the Saudi policy is one of destructive proxy policy, adding that the Saudi behavior is a function of the policies of the United States, the West and the Zionist regime. He further pointed out that despite Saudi policy of “buying security from the US”, the recent strike on Saudi oil facilities showed the weakness of the military-security structure of the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Strategic Council Online: Former Iranian ambassador to Iraq pointing to Lebanese Hezbollah’s military response to the recent Zionist regime aggressions, noted: “Expectations were that the Resistance would certainly respond to Israel’s audacity and as put by the Supreme Leader the time for their “hit and run” game is over. It is no longer the case for them to take some action and the nations of the region sit idle and just watch them.”
Strategic Council Online: The United States needs to conduct atomic tests to assess its capabilities and weaknesses to develop its nuclear capabilities. The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) makes the job difficult.
Dr. Tahmoures Gholami – American Affairs Expert
Strategic Council Online: Russia seeks to thwart US efforts to build coalitions in the region. Moscow sees the US plan as very dangerous that could both increase military presence in the region and enhance the likelihood of conflicts. So the Kremlin is trying to prevent the US-led coalition from escalating tensions in the region.
Mahmoud Shouri – Russia Affairs Expert
Strategic Council Online: The United States has announced its withdrawal from Syrian soil at a time that it gives the green light to Turkey to violate the national sovereignty of Syria and occupy 450 square kilometers at a depth of 30 kilometers.
Azam Gol Mohammadi – International Law Researcher
Strategic Council Online: A regional affairs analyst pointing to the dimensions and implications of Operation “Victory from God” in Najran and Yemen’s increasing resistance power said the spontaneous improvement could cause a balance of terror and concern among the Saudis. These developments have made Saudi Arabia more inclined to seek a mutually agreed to solution.
Strategic Council Online: Recent attacks on Aramco refineries not only inflicted huge economic losses on Saudi Arabia, but also the heavy humiliation over the failure of “buying security by oil” strategy and uncertainty over future security has prompted Saudi leaders to make news military purchases to fill the defensive gap.
Hamideh Safamanesh – International Relations Researcher
Strategic Council Online: A university faculty member said leveling accusations and pressures the United States is exerting on Iran in relation with the military strikes on Aramco oil refinery lack practical strategic value. “Their accusations are projections and originate from a weak defense and security structure which has cost Saudi Arabia billions of dollars,” he said.
Strategic Council Online: Undoubtedly, with this kind of response to Ansarullah’s ceasefire proposal by Riyadh authorities they intend to thwart accusations of warmongering and non-acceptance of peace terms. In contrast, they aim to undermine Ansarullah’s very positive and peaceful position over the past several weeks in the mass media.
Jafar Ghanadbashi – Middle East Affairs Expert
Strategic Council Online: A university professor said the recent developments in the region made it less likely for a Persian Gulf maritime alliance to get shaped, adding that when tension rises countries may declare in the political arena that they favor coalition or not but in the true dimensions of the coalition, countries are much less likely to welcome the idea because there is concern that the alliance would actually engage in military conflict.
Strategic Council Online: A Middle East affairs expert says the Saudi policy is one of destructive proxy policy, adding that the Saudi behavior is a function of the policies of the United States, the West and the Zionist regime. He further pointed out that despite Saudi policy of “buying security from the US”, the recent strike on Saudi oil facilities showed the weakness of the military-security structure of the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Strategic Council Online: Former Iranian ambassador to Iraq pointing to Lebanese Hezbollah’s military response to the recent Zionist regime aggressions, noted: “Expectations were that the Resistance would certainly respond to Israel’s audacity and as put by the Supreme Leader the time for their “hit and run” game is over. It is no longer the case for them to take some action and the nations of the region sit idle and just watch them.”
Strategic Council Online: The United States needs to conduct atomic tests to assess its capabilities and weaknesses to develop its nuclear capabilities. The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) makes the job difficult.
Dr. Tahmoures Gholami – American Affairs Expert
SCFR Online – Opinion: Developments in the South Caucasus and Central Asia indicate that transit competition has become an arena for a new staging of influence among Iran, Turkey, Russia, and China.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The upcoming Palestinian elections, after nearly two decades of hiatus, could affect the arrangement of political forces, the legitimacy of institutions, and the future path of Palestinian governance.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The direct war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, disruption of nuclear inspections, and intensification of great power competition have taken the non-proliferation crisis beyond the issue of Iran’s nuclear program.
SCFR Online – Opinion: In the Iran–U.S. equation, China pursues a cautious balance between its energy and transit interests with Tehran and considerations related to sanctions and competition with Washington.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The simultaneity of pressure on the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb has turned the geography of energy and shipping into a new arena for the emergence of new risks, costs, and leverage.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Makkah Pact, signed on August 7, 2026, between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, is more than an answer to geopolitical vacuums; in practice, it faces a “deterrence dilemma” and “differing threat perception.” While this pact symbolizes a transition toward regional self-reliance, its first field tests and the complexities of relations with regional actors will determine its real meaning.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The reason for Washington’s reluctance to enter directly into war with Ansarullah is military and economic limitations, electoral considerations, and concern about the expansion of the crisis at two energy chokepoints.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Ansarullah’s recent lightning-fast operation and surprise advances on Yemen’s western coast have rapidly transformed the equations of the war in that country and developments in West Asia, and have challenged the calculations of Saudi Arabia, the United States, the West, and the Israeli regime.
Strategic Council Online: Russia seeks to thwart US efforts to build coalitions in the region. Moscow sees the US plan as very dangerous that could both increase military presence in the region and enhance the likelihood of conflicts. So the Kremlin is trying to prevent the US-led coalition from escalating tensions in the region.
Mahmoud Shouri – Russia Affairs Expert
Strategic Council Online: The United States has announced its withdrawal from Syrian soil at a time that it gives the green light to Turkey to violate the national sovereignty of Syria and occupy 450 square kilometers at a depth of 30 kilometers.
Azam Gol Mohammadi – International Law Researcher
Strategic Council Online: A regional affairs analyst pointing to the dimensions and implications of Operation “Victory from God” in Najran and Yemen’s increasing resistance power said the spontaneous improvement could cause a balance of terror and concern among the Saudis. These developments have made Saudi Arabia more inclined to seek a mutually agreed to solution.
Strategic Council Online: Recent attacks on Aramco refineries not only inflicted huge economic losses on Saudi Arabia, but also the heavy humiliation over the failure of “buying security by oil” strategy and uncertainty over future security has prompted Saudi leaders to make news military purchases to fill the defensive gap.
Hamideh Safamanesh – International Relations Researcher
Strategic Council Online: A university faculty member said leveling accusations and pressures the United States is exerting on Iran in relation with the military strikes on Aramco oil refinery lack practical strategic value. “Their accusations are projections and originate from a weak defense and security structure which has cost Saudi Arabia billions of dollars,” he said.
Strategic Council Online: Undoubtedly, with this kind of response to Ansarullah’s ceasefire proposal by Riyadh authorities they intend to thwart accusations of warmongering and non-acceptance of peace terms. In contrast, they aim to undermine Ansarullah’s very positive and peaceful position over the past several weeks in the mass media.
Jafar Ghanadbashi – Middle East Affairs Expert
Strategic Council Online: A university professor said the recent developments in the region made it less likely for a Persian Gulf maritime alliance to get shaped, adding that when tension rises countries may declare in the political arena that they favor coalition or not but in the true dimensions of the coalition, countries are much less likely to welcome the idea because there is concern that the alliance would actually engage in military conflict.
Strategic Council Online: A Middle East affairs expert says the Saudi policy is one of destructive proxy policy, adding that the Saudi behavior is a function of the policies of the United States, the West and the Zionist regime. He further pointed out that despite Saudi policy of “buying security from the US”, the recent strike on Saudi oil facilities showed the weakness of the military-security structure of the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Strategic Council Online: Former Iranian ambassador to Iraq pointing to Lebanese Hezbollah’s military response to the recent Zionist regime aggressions, noted: “Expectations were that the Resistance would certainly respond to Israel’s audacity and as put by the Supreme Leader the time for their “hit and run” game is over. It is no longer the case for them to take some action and the nations of the region sit idle and just watch them.”
Strategic Council Online: The United States needs to conduct atomic tests to assess its capabilities and weaknesses to develop its nuclear capabilities. The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) makes the job difficult.
Dr. Tahmoures Gholami – American Affairs Expert
SCFR Online – Opinion: Developments in the South Caucasus and Central Asia indicate that transit competition has become an arena for a new staging of influence among Iran, Turkey, Russia, and China.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The upcoming Palestinian elections, after nearly two decades of hiatus, could affect the arrangement of political forces, the legitimacy of institutions, and the future path of Palestinian governance.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The direct war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, disruption of nuclear inspections, and intensification of great power competition have taken the non-proliferation crisis beyond the issue of Iran’s nuclear program.
SCFR Online – Opinion: In the Iran–U.S. equation, China pursues a cautious balance between its energy and transit interests with Tehran and considerations related to sanctions and competition with Washington.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The simultaneity of pressure on the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb has turned the geography of energy and shipping into a new arena for the emergence of new risks, costs, and leverage.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Makkah Pact, signed on August 7, 2026, between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, is more than an answer to geopolitical vacuums; in practice, it faces a “deterrence dilemma” and “differing threat perception.” While this pact symbolizes a transition toward regional self-reliance, its first field tests and the complexities of relations with regional actors will determine its real meaning.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The reason for Washington’s reluctance to enter directly into war with Ansarullah is military and economic limitations, electoral considerations, and concern about the expansion of the crisis at two energy chokepoints.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Ansarullah’s recent lightning-fast operation and surprise advances on Yemen’s western coast have rapidly transformed the equations of the war in that country and developments in West Asia, and have challenged the calculations of Saudi Arabia, the United States, the West, and the Israeli regime.
Strategic Council Online: Russia seeks to thwart US efforts to build coalitions in the region. Moscow sees the US plan as very dangerous that could both increase military presence in the region and enhance the likelihood of conflicts. So the Kremlin is trying to prevent the US-led coalition from escalating tensions in the region.
Mahmoud Shouri – Russia Affairs Expert
Strategic Council Online: The United States has announced its withdrawal from Syrian soil at a time that it gives the green light to Turkey to violate the national sovereignty of Syria and occupy 450 square kilometers at a depth of 30 kilometers.
Azam Gol Mohammadi – International Law Researcher
Strategic Council Online: A regional affairs analyst pointing to the dimensions and implications of Operation “Victory from God” in Najran and Yemen’s increasing resistance power said the spontaneous improvement could cause a balance of terror and concern among the Saudis. These developments have made Saudi Arabia more inclined to seek a mutually agreed to solution.
Strategic Council Online: Recent attacks on Aramco refineries not only inflicted huge economic losses on Saudi Arabia, but also the heavy humiliation over the failure of “buying security by oil” strategy and uncertainty over future security has prompted Saudi leaders to make news military purchases to fill the defensive gap.
Hamideh Safamanesh – International Relations Researcher
Strategic Council Online: A university faculty member said leveling accusations and pressures the United States is exerting on Iran in relation with the military strikes on Aramco oil refinery lack practical strategic value. “Their accusations are projections and originate from a weak defense and security structure which has cost Saudi Arabia billions of dollars,” he said.
Strategic Council Online: Undoubtedly, with this kind of response to Ansarullah’s ceasefire proposal by Riyadh authorities they intend to thwart accusations of warmongering and non-acceptance of peace terms. In contrast, they aim to undermine Ansarullah’s very positive and peaceful position over the past several weeks in the mass media.
Jafar Ghanadbashi – Middle East Affairs Expert
Strategic Council Online: A university professor said the recent developments in the region made it less likely for a Persian Gulf maritime alliance to get shaped, adding that when tension rises countries may declare in the political arena that they favor coalition or not but in the true dimensions of the coalition, countries are much less likely to welcome the idea because there is concern that the alliance would actually engage in military conflict.
Strategic Council Online: A Middle East affairs expert says the Saudi policy is one of destructive proxy policy, adding that the Saudi behavior is a function of the policies of the United States, the West and the Zionist regime. He further pointed out that despite Saudi policy of “buying security from the US”, the recent strike on Saudi oil facilities showed the weakness of the military-security structure of the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Strategic Council Online: Former Iranian ambassador to Iraq pointing to Lebanese Hezbollah’s military response to the recent Zionist regime aggressions, noted: “Expectations were that the Resistance would certainly respond to Israel’s audacity and as put by the Supreme Leader the time for their “hit and run” game is over. It is no longer the case for them to take some action and the nations of the region sit idle and just watch them.”
Strategic Council Online: The United States needs to conduct atomic tests to assess its capabilities and weaknesses to develop its nuclear capabilities. The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) makes the job difficult.
Dr. Tahmoures Gholami – American Affairs Expert
SCFR Online – Opinion: Developments in the South Caucasus and Central Asia indicate that transit competition has become an arena for a new staging of influence among Iran, Turkey, Russia, and China.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The upcoming Palestinian elections, after nearly two decades of hiatus, could affect the arrangement of political forces, the legitimacy of institutions, and the future path of Palestinian governance.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The direct war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, disruption of nuclear inspections, and intensification of great power competition have taken the non-proliferation crisis beyond the issue of Iran’s nuclear program.
SCFR Online – Opinion: In the Iran–U.S. equation, China pursues a cautious balance between its energy and transit interests with Tehran and considerations related to sanctions and competition with Washington.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The simultaneity of pressure on the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb has turned the geography of energy and shipping into a new arena for the emergence of new risks, costs, and leverage.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Makkah Pact, signed on August 7, 2026, between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, is more than an answer to geopolitical vacuums; in practice, it faces a “deterrence dilemma” and “differing threat perception.” While this pact symbolizes a transition toward regional self-reliance, its first field tests and the complexities of relations with regional actors will determine its real meaning.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The reason for Washington’s reluctance to enter directly into war with Ansarullah is military and economic limitations, electoral considerations, and concern about the expansion of the crisis at two energy chokepoints.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Ansarullah’s recent lightning-fast operation and surprise advances on Yemen’s western coast have rapidly transformed the equations of the war in that country and developments in West Asia, and have challenged the calculations of Saudi Arabia, the United States, the West, and the Israeli regime.
Strategic Council Online: Russia seeks to thwart US efforts to build coalitions in the region. Moscow sees the US plan as very dangerous that could both increase military presence in the region and enhance the likelihood of conflicts. So the Kremlin is trying to prevent the US-led coalition from escalating tensions in the region.
Mahmoud Shouri – Russia Affairs Expert
Strategic Council Online: The United States has announced its withdrawal from Syrian soil at a time that it gives the green light to Turkey to violate the national sovereignty of Syria and occupy 450 square kilometers at a depth of 30 kilometers.
Azam Gol Mohammadi – International Law Researcher
Strategic Council Online: A regional affairs analyst pointing to the dimensions and implications of Operation “Victory from God” in Najran and Yemen’s increasing resistance power said the spontaneous improvement could cause a balance of terror and concern among the Saudis. These developments have made Saudi Arabia more inclined to seek a mutually agreed to solution.
Strategic Council Online: Recent attacks on Aramco refineries not only inflicted huge economic losses on Saudi Arabia, but also the heavy humiliation over the failure of “buying security by oil” strategy and uncertainty over future security has prompted Saudi leaders to make news military purchases to fill the defensive gap.
Hamideh Safamanesh – International Relations Researcher
Strategic Council Online: A university faculty member said leveling accusations and pressures the United States is exerting on Iran in relation with the military strikes on Aramco oil refinery lack practical strategic value. “Their accusations are projections and originate from a weak defense and security structure which has cost Saudi Arabia billions of dollars,” he said.
Strategic Council Online: Undoubtedly, with this kind of response to Ansarullah’s ceasefire proposal by Riyadh authorities they intend to thwart accusations of warmongering and non-acceptance of peace terms. In contrast, they aim to undermine Ansarullah’s very positive and peaceful position over the past several weeks in the mass media.
Jafar Ghanadbashi – Middle East Affairs Expert
Strategic Council Online: A university professor said the recent developments in the region made it less likely for a Persian Gulf maritime alliance to get shaped, adding that when tension rises countries may declare in the political arena that they favor coalition or not but in the true dimensions of the coalition, countries are much less likely to welcome the idea because there is concern that the alliance would actually engage in military conflict.
Strategic Council Online: A Middle East affairs expert says the Saudi policy is one of destructive proxy policy, adding that the Saudi behavior is a function of the policies of the United States, the West and the Zionist regime. He further pointed out that despite Saudi policy of “buying security from the US”, the recent strike on Saudi oil facilities showed the weakness of the military-security structure of the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Strategic Council Online: Former Iranian ambassador to Iraq pointing to Lebanese Hezbollah’s military response to the recent Zionist regime aggressions, noted: “Expectations were that the Resistance would certainly respond to Israel’s audacity and as put by the Supreme Leader the time for their “hit and run” game is over. It is no longer the case for them to take some action and the nations of the region sit idle and just watch them.”
Strategic Council Online: The United States needs to conduct atomic tests to assess its capabilities and weaknesses to develop its nuclear capabilities. The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) makes the job difficult.
Dr. Tahmoures Gholami – American Affairs Expert
SCFR Online – Opinion: Developments in the South Caucasus and Central Asia indicate that transit competition has become an arena for a new staging of influence among Iran, Turkey, Russia, and China.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The upcoming Palestinian elections, after nearly two decades of hiatus, could affect the arrangement of political forces, the legitimacy of institutions, and the future path of Palestinian governance.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The direct war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, disruption of nuclear inspections, and intensification of great power competition have taken the non-proliferation crisis beyond the issue of Iran’s nuclear program.
SCFR Online – Opinion: In the Iran–U.S. equation, China pursues a cautious balance between its energy and transit interests with Tehran and considerations related to sanctions and competition with Washington.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The simultaneity of pressure on the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb has turned the geography of energy and shipping into a new arena for the emergence of new risks, costs, and leverage.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Makkah Pact, signed on August 7, 2026, between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, is more than an answer to geopolitical vacuums; in practice, it faces a “deterrence dilemma” and “differing threat perception.” While this pact symbolizes a transition toward regional self-reliance, its first field tests and the complexities of relations with regional actors will determine its real meaning.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The reason for Washington’s reluctance to enter directly into war with Ansarullah is military and economic limitations, electoral considerations, and concern about the expansion of the crisis at two energy chokepoints.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Ansarullah’s recent lightning-fast operation and surprise advances on Yemen’s western coast have rapidly transformed the equations of the war in that country and developments in West Asia, and have challenged the calculations of Saudi Arabia, the United States, the West, and the Israeli regime.
Strategic Council Online: Russia seeks to thwart US efforts to build coalitions in the region. Moscow sees the US plan as very dangerous that could both increase military presence in the region and enhance the likelihood of conflicts. So the Kremlin is trying to prevent the US-led coalition from escalating tensions in the region.
Mahmoud Shouri – Russia Affairs Expert
Strategic Council Online: The United States has announced its withdrawal from Syrian soil at a time that it gives the green light to Turkey to violate the national sovereignty of Syria and occupy 450 square kilometers at a depth of 30 kilometers.
Azam Gol Mohammadi – International Law Researcher
Strategic Council Online: A regional affairs analyst pointing to the dimensions and implications of Operation “Victory from God” in Najran and Yemen’s increasing resistance power said the spontaneous improvement could cause a balance of terror and concern among the Saudis. These developments have made Saudi Arabia more inclined to seek a mutually agreed to solution.
Strategic Council Online: Recent attacks on Aramco refineries not only inflicted huge economic losses on Saudi Arabia, but also the heavy humiliation over the failure of “buying security by oil” strategy and uncertainty over future security has prompted Saudi leaders to make news military purchases to fill the defensive gap.
Hamideh Safamanesh – International Relations Researcher
Strategic Council Online: A university faculty member said leveling accusations and pressures the United States is exerting on Iran in relation with the military strikes on Aramco oil refinery lack practical strategic value. “Their accusations are projections and originate from a weak defense and security structure which has cost Saudi Arabia billions of dollars,” he said.
Strategic Council Online: Undoubtedly, with this kind of response to Ansarullah’s ceasefire proposal by Riyadh authorities they intend to thwart accusations of warmongering and non-acceptance of peace terms. In contrast, they aim to undermine Ansarullah’s very positive and peaceful position over the past several weeks in the mass media.
Jafar Ghanadbashi – Middle East Affairs Expert
Strategic Council Online: A university professor said the recent developments in the region made it less likely for a Persian Gulf maritime alliance to get shaped, adding that when tension rises countries may declare in the political arena that they favor coalition or not but in the true dimensions of the coalition, countries are much less likely to welcome the idea because there is concern that the alliance would actually engage in military conflict.
Strategic Council Online: A Middle East affairs expert says the Saudi policy is one of destructive proxy policy, adding that the Saudi behavior is a function of the policies of the United States, the West and the Zionist regime. He further pointed out that despite Saudi policy of “buying security from the US”, the recent strike on Saudi oil facilities showed the weakness of the military-security structure of the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Strategic Council Online: Former Iranian ambassador to Iraq pointing to Lebanese Hezbollah’s military response to the recent Zionist regime aggressions, noted: “Expectations were that the Resistance would certainly respond to Israel’s audacity and as put by the Supreme Leader the time for their “hit and run” game is over. It is no longer the case for them to take some action and the nations of the region sit idle and just watch them.”
Strategic Council Online: The United States needs to conduct atomic tests to assess its capabilities and weaknesses to develop its nuclear capabilities. The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) makes the job difficult.
Dr. Tahmoures Gholami – American Affairs Expert
SCFR Online – Opinion: Developments in the South Caucasus and Central Asia indicate that transit competition has become an arena for a new staging of influence among Iran, Turkey, Russia, and China.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The upcoming Palestinian elections, after nearly two decades of hiatus, could affect the arrangement of political forces, the legitimacy of institutions, and the future path of Palestinian governance.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The direct war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, disruption of nuclear inspections, and intensification of great power competition have taken the non-proliferation crisis beyond the issue of Iran’s nuclear program.
SCFR Online – Opinion: In the Iran–U.S. equation, China pursues a cautious balance between its energy and transit interests with Tehran and considerations related to sanctions and competition with Washington.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The simultaneity of pressure on the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb has turned the geography of energy and shipping into a new arena for the emergence of new risks, costs, and leverage.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Makkah Pact, signed on August 7, 2026, between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, is more than an answer to geopolitical vacuums; in practice, it faces a “deterrence dilemma” and “differing threat perception.” While this pact symbolizes a transition toward regional self-reliance, its first field tests and the complexities of relations with regional actors will determine its real meaning.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The reason for Washington’s reluctance to enter directly into war with Ansarullah is military and economic limitations, electoral considerations, and concern about the expansion of the crisis at two energy chokepoints.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Ansarullah’s recent lightning-fast operation and surprise advances on Yemen’s western coast have rapidly transformed the equations of the war in that country and developments in West Asia, and have challenged the calculations of Saudi Arabia, the United States, the West, and the Israeli regime.