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 – Interview: A faculty member of the Institute for Strategic Studies saying that we are witnessing an increase in China’s presence in the Middle East and North Africa, noted: West Asia plays an important role in China’s foreign policy perspective, and given its geopolitical location, it has been considered as a focal point in the Belt and Road Initiative.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An analyst of West Asia affairs, saying that Saudi Arabia, while trying to reduce tensions with countries in the region, is reconsidering its foreign policy, noted: Under the current situation, internal issues and proclamation of the monarchy have gained more importance for Mohammad bin Salman, and we are witnessing more defensive policy on the part of Saudi Arabia..
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A university professor, saying that the Taliban has not yet complied with any of the demands made by the international community, termed Pakistan’s support for the Taliban to attend the special session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation foreign ministers as symbolic. He added: Under the current situation, Afghanistan needs to form an inclusive government with the participation of all groups, ethnicities and religions that are based on popular opinion.
Strategic Council Online- Opinion: Regional tour of Mohammad Bin Salman to five countries of Oman, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait and Qatar (Persian Gulf Cooperation Council members) is considered to be the most important political, economic and security momentum of the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia in the last days of 2021. It is also interpreted as a remedial measure for fragile situation of Saudis at the regional and world levels. It should be noted that one of the objectives of Mohammad Bin Salman was to consult with the authorities of littoral Arab states of Persian Gulf and to make a consensus to confront some of the regional as well as the global issues such as Yemen, Iran, JCPOA revival, etc.
Hamid Khoshayand, Expert of Regional Issues
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The recent visit of the national security adviser of the UAE, Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to Iran after years of tension and cold relations between the two countries, caused the public opinion and the international media to evaluate the purpose of this trip in line with de-escalation and also the beginning of a new era between Tehran and Abu Dhabi and even the region.
Hossein Sayyahi – Researcher on international affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Former Iranian ambassador to Paris, saying that with Macron’s regional tour of the region, the French presence in the region will be more prominent in the political and military dimensions, added: The positions and movements of the French president in the region aims to influence the French presidential elections next spring.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Turkey’s relations with the UAE and Saudi Arabia are moving towards normalization, and the main reason is primarily political; because the series of developments that caused tension in their relations have become completely ineffective today.
Fatemeh Nekoolal Azad – Expert on international affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Senior researcher on Central Asia and Caucasus affairs, saying that approvals of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Boundary Commission should not be a prelude to changing the geographical borders in the region, noted: Iran can assist the peace talks in Karabakh so that by stabilizing borders and establishing calm measures can be taken for the future development of the region.
Strategic Council Online- Interview: Having stated that at present circumstance we witness a cold war between China and the U.S. and to a lesser degree between Russia and the U.S., an analyst of international affairs said:” the competition that exists between the U.S. on one side and Russia and China on the other side, will form the aspects of the future order which the world and the country will face.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on US affairs, commenting on the US President Joe Biden’s recent claims that one of the reasons for the US military presence outside the borders, including deployment of US troops in the Persian Gulf region such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Syria, is Iran’s regional activities, said: Although there are talks over a change in Washington’s approach in the Middle East region in line with implementation of Biden’s stated policies in that region, in general, it seems that the main foundations of the US foreign policy in the region have not changed much, rather the process of implementation of its policies has been subject to changes.
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 – Interview: A faculty member of the Institute for Strategic Studies saying that we are witnessing an increase in China’s presence in the Middle East and North Africa, noted: West Asia plays an important role in China’s foreign policy perspective, and given its geopolitical location, it has been considered as a focal point in the Belt and Road Initiative.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An analyst of West Asia affairs, saying that Saudi Arabia, while trying to reduce tensions with countries in the region, is reconsidering its foreign policy, noted: Under the current situation, internal issues and proclamation of the monarchy have gained more importance for Mohammad bin Salman, and we are witnessing more defensive policy on the part of Saudi Arabia..
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A university professor, saying that the Taliban has not yet complied with any of the demands made by the international community, termed Pakistan’s support for the Taliban to attend the special session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation foreign ministers as symbolic. He added: Under the current situation, Afghanistan needs to form an inclusive government with the participation of all groups, ethnicities and religions that are based on popular opinion.
Strategic Council Online- Opinion: Regional tour of Mohammad Bin Salman to five countries of Oman, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait and Qatar (Persian Gulf Cooperation Council members) is considered to be the most important political, economic and security momentum of the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia in the last days of 2021. It is also interpreted as a remedial measure for fragile situation of Saudis at the regional and world levels. It should be noted that one of the objectives of Mohammad Bin Salman was to consult with the authorities of littoral Arab states of Persian Gulf and to make a consensus to confront some of the regional as well as the global issues such as Yemen, Iran, JCPOA revival, etc.
Hamid Khoshayand, Expert of Regional Issues
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The recent visit of the national security adviser of the UAE, Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to Iran after years of tension and cold relations between the two countries, caused the public opinion and the international media to evaluate the purpose of this trip in line with de-escalation and also the beginning of a new era between Tehran and Abu Dhabi and even the region.
Hossein Sayyahi – Researcher on international affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Former Iranian ambassador to Paris, saying that with Macron’s regional tour of the region, the French presence in the region will be more prominent in the political and military dimensions, added: The positions and movements of the French president in the region aims to influence the French presidential elections next spring.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Turkey’s relations with the UAE and Saudi Arabia are moving towards normalization, and the main reason is primarily political; because the series of developments that caused tension in their relations have become completely ineffective today.
Fatemeh Nekoolal Azad – Expert on international affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Senior researcher on Central Asia and Caucasus affairs, saying that approvals of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Boundary Commission should not be a prelude to changing the geographical borders in the region, noted: Iran can assist the peace talks in Karabakh so that by stabilizing borders and establishing calm measures can be taken for the future development of the region.
Strategic Council Online- Interview: Having stated that at present circumstance we witness a cold war between China and the U.S. and to a lesser degree between Russia and the U.S., an analyst of international affairs said:” the competition that exists between the U.S. on one side and Russia and China on the other side, will form the aspects of the future order which the world and the country will face.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on US affairs, commenting on the US President Joe Biden’s recent claims that one of the reasons for the US military presence outside the borders, including deployment of US troops in the Persian Gulf region such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Syria, is Iran’s regional activities, said: Although there are talks over a change in Washington’s approach in the Middle East region in line with implementation of Biden’s stated policies in that region, in general, it seems that the main foundations of the US foreign policy in the region have not changed much, rather the process of implementation of its policies has been subject to changes.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A faculty member of the Institute for Strategic Studies saying that we are witnessing an increase in China’s presence in the Middle East and North Africa, noted: West Asia plays an important role in China’s foreign policy perspective, and given its geopolitical location, it has been considered as a focal point in the Belt and Road Initiative.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An analyst of West Asia affairs, saying that Saudi Arabia, while trying to reduce tensions with countries in the region, is reconsidering its foreign policy, noted: Under the current situation, internal issues and proclamation of the monarchy have gained more importance for Mohammad bin Salman, and we are witnessing more defensive policy on the part of Saudi Arabia..
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A university professor, saying that the Taliban has not yet complied with any of the demands made by the international community, termed Pakistan’s support for the Taliban to attend the special session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation foreign ministers as symbolic. He added: Under the current situation, Afghanistan needs to form an inclusive government with the participation of all groups, ethnicities and religions that are based on popular opinion.
Strategic Council Online- Opinion: Regional tour of Mohammad Bin Salman to five countries of Oman, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait and Qatar (Persian Gulf Cooperation Council members) is considered to be the most important political, economic and security momentum of the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia in the last days of 2021. It is also interpreted as a remedial measure for fragile situation of Saudis at the regional and world levels. It should be noted that one of the objectives of Mohammad Bin Salman was to consult with the authorities of littoral Arab states of Persian Gulf and to make a consensus to confront some of the regional as well as the global issues such as Yemen, Iran, JCPOA revival, etc.
Hamid Khoshayand, Expert of Regional Issues
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The recent visit of the national security adviser of the UAE, Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to Iran after years of tension and cold relations between the two countries, caused the public opinion and the international media to evaluate the purpose of this trip in line with de-escalation and also the beginning of a new era between Tehran and Abu Dhabi and even the region.
Hossein Sayyahi – Researcher on international affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Former Iranian ambassador to Paris, saying that with Macron’s regional tour of the region, the French presence in the region will be more prominent in the political and military dimensions, added: The positions and movements of the French president in the region aims to influence the French presidential elections next spring.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Turkey’s relations with the UAE and Saudi Arabia are moving towards normalization, and the main reason is primarily political; because the series of developments that caused tension in their relations have become completely ineffective today.
Fatemeh Nekoolal Azad – Expert on international affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Senior researcher on Central Asia and Caucasus affairs, saying that approvals of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Boundary Commission should not be a prelude to changing the geographical borders in the region, noted: Iran can assist the peace talks in Karabakh so that by stabilizing borders and establishing calm measures can be taken for the future development of the region.
Strategic Council Online- Interview: Having stated that at present circumstance we witness a cold war between China and the U.S. and to a lesser degree between Russia and the U.S., an analyst of international affairs said:” the competition that exists between the U.S. on one side and Russia and China on the other side, will form the aspects of the future order which the world and the country will face.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on US affairs, commenting on the US President Joe Biden’s recent claims that one of the reasons for the US military presence outside the borders, including deployment of US troops in the Persian Gulf region such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Syria, is Iran’s regional activities, said: Although there are talks over a change in Washington’s approach in the Middle East region in line with implementation of Biden’s stated policies in that region, in general, it seems that the main foundations of the US foreign policy in the region have not changed much, rather the process of implementation of its policies has been subject to changes.
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 – Interview: A faculty member of the Institute for Strategic Studies saying that we are witnessing an increase in China’s presence in the Middle East and North Africa, noted: West Asia plays an important role in China’s foreign policy perspective, and given its geopolitical location, it has been considered as a focal point in the Belt and Road Initiative.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An analyst of West Asia affairs, saying that Saudi Arabia, while trying to reduce tensions with countries in the region, is reconsidering its foreign policy, noted: Under the current situation, internal issues and proclamation of the monarchy have gained more importance for Mohammad bin Salman, and we are witnessing more defensive policy on the part of Saudi Arabia..
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A university professor, saying that the Taliban has not yet complied with any of the demands made by the international community, termed Pakistan’s support for the Taliban to attend the special session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation foreign ministers as symbolic. He added: Under the current situation, Afghanistan needs to form an inclusive government with the participation of all groups, ethnicities and religions that are based on popular opinion.
Strategic Council Online- Opinion: Regional tour of Mohammad Bin Salman to five countries of Oman, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait and Qatar (Persian Gulf Cooperation Council members) is considered to be the most important political, economic and security momentum of the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia in the last days of 2021. It is also interpreted as a remedial measure for fragile situation of Saudis at the regional and world levels. It should be noted that one of the objectives of Mohammad Bin Salman was to consult with the authorities of littoral Arab states of Persian Gulf and to make a consensus to confront some of the regional as well as the global issues such as Yemen, Iran, JCPOA revival, etc.
Hamid Khoshayand, Expert of Regional Issues
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The recent visit of the national security adviser of the UAE, Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to Iran after years of tension and cold relations between the two countries, caused the public opinion and the international media to evaluate the purpose of this trip in line with de-escalation and also the beginning of a new era between Tehran and Abu Dhabi and even the region.
Hossein Sayyahi – Researcher on international affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Former Iranian ambassador to Paris, saying that with Macron’s regional tour of the region, the French presence in the region will be more prominent in the political and military dimensions, added: The positions and movements of the French president in the region aims to influence the French presidential elections next spring.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Turkey’s relations with the UAE and Saudi Arabia are moving towards normalization, and the main reason is primarily political; because the series of developments that caused tension in their relations have become completely ineffective today.
Fatemeh Nekoolal Azad – Expert on international affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Senior researcher on Central Asia and Caucasus affairs, saying that approvals of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Boundary Commission should not be a prelude to changing the geographical borders in the region, noted: Iran can assist the peace talks in Karabakh so that by stabilizing borders and establishing calm measures can be taken for the future development of the region.
Strategic Council Online- Interview: Having stated that at present circumstance we witness a cold war between China and the U.S. and to a lesser degree between Russia and the U.S., an analyst of international affairs said:” the competition that exists between the U.S. on one side and Russia and China on the other side, will form the aspects of the future order which the world and the country will face.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on US affairs, commenting on the US President Joe Biden’s recent claims that one of the reasons for the US military presence outside the borders, including deployment of US troops in the Persian Gulf region such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Syria, is Iran’s regional activities, said: Although there are talks over a change in Washington’s approach in the Middle East region in line with implementation of Biden’s stated policies in that region, in general, it seems that the main foundations of the US foreign policy in the region have not changed much, rather the process of implementation of its policies has been subject to changes.
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 – Interview: A faculty member of the Institute for Strategic Studies saying that we are witnessing an increase in China’s presence in the Middle East and North Africa, noted: West Asia plays an important role in China’s foreign policy perspective, and given its geopolitical location, it has been considered as a focal point in the Belt and Road Initiative.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An analyst of West Asia affairs, saying that Saudi Arabia, while trying to reduce tensions with countries in the region, is reconsidering its foreign policy, noted: Under the current situation, internal issues and proclamation of the monarchy have gained more importance for Mohammad bin Salman, and we are witnessing more defensive policy on the part of Saudi Arabia..
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A university professor, saying that the Taliban has not yet complied with any of the demands made by the international community, termed Pakistan’s support for the Taliban to attend the special session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation foreign ministers as symbolic. He added: Under the current situation, Afghanistan needs to form an inclusive government with the participation of all groups, ethnicities and religions that are based on popular opinion.
Strategic Council Online- Opinion: Regional tour of Mohammad Bin Salman to five countries of Oman, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait and Qatar (Persian Gulf Cooperation Council members) is considered to be the most important political, economic and security momentum of the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia in the last days of 2021. It is also interpreted as a remedial measure for fragile situation of Saudis at the regional and world levels. It should be noted that one of the objectives of Mohammad Bin Salman was to consult with the authorities of littoral Arab states of Persian Gulf and to make a consensus to confront some of the regional as well as the global issues such as Yemen, Iran, JCPOA revival, etc.
Hamid Khoshayand, Expert of Regional Issues
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The recent visit of the national security adviser of the UAE, Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to Iran after years of tension and cold relations between the two countries, caused the public opinion and the international media to evaluate the purpose of this trip in line with de-escalation and also the beginning of a new era between Tehran and Abu Dhabi and even the region.
Hossein Sayyahi – Researcher on international affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Former Iranian ambassador to Paris, saying that with Macron’s regional tour of the region, the French presence in the region will be more prominent in the political and military dimensions, added: The positions and movements of the French president in the region aims to influence the French presidential elections next spring.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Turkey’s relations with the UAE and Saudi Arabia are moving towards normalization, and the main reason is primarily political; because the series of developments that caused tension in their relations have become completely ineffective today.
Fatemeh Nekoolal Azad – Expert on international affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Senior researcher on Central Asia and Caucasus affairs, saying that approvals of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Boundary Commission should not be a prelude to changing the geographical borders in the region, noted: Iran can assist the peace talks in Karabakh so that by stabilizing borders and establishing calm measures can be taken for the future development of the region.
Strategic Council Online- Interview: Having stated that at present circumstance we witness a cold war between China and the U.S. and to a lesser degree between Russia and the U.S., an analyst of international affairs said:” the competition that exists between the U.S. on one side and Russia and China on the other side, will form the aspects of the future order which the world and the country will face.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on US affairs, commenting on the US President Joe Biden’s recent claims that one of the reasons for the US military presence outside the borders, including deployment of US troops in the Persian Gulf region such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Syria, is Iran’s regional activities, said: Although there are talks over a change in Washington’s approach in the Middle East region in line with implementation of Biden’s stated policies in that region, in general, it seems that the main foundations of the US foreign policy in the region have not changed much, rather the process of implementation of its policies has been subject to changes.
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 – Interview: A faculty member of the Institute for Strategic Studies saying that we are witnessing an increase in China’s presence in the Middle East and North Africa, noted: West Asia plays an important role in China’s foreign policy perspective, and given its geopolitical location, it has been considered as a focal point in the Belt and Road Initiative.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An analyst of West Asia affairs, saying that Saudi Arabia, while trying to reduce tensions with countries in the region, is reconsidering its foreign policy, noted: Under the current situation, internal issues and proclamation of the monarchy have gained more importance for Mohammad bin Salman, and we are witnessing more defensive policy on the part of Saudi Arabia..
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A university professor, saying that the Taliban has not yet complied with any of the demands made by the international community, termed Pakistan’s support for the Taliban to attend the special session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation foreign ministers as symbolic. He added: Under the current situation, Afghanistan needs to form an inclusive government with the participation of all groups, ethnicities and religions that are based on popular opinion.
Strategic Council Online- Opinion: Regional tour of Mohammad Bin Salman to five countries of Oman, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait and Qatar (Persian Gulf Cooperation Council members) is considered to be the most important political, economic and security momentum of the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia in the last days of 2021. It is also interpreted as a remedial measure for fragile situation of Saudis at the regional and world levels. It should be noted that one of the objectives of Mohammad Bin Salman was to consult with the authorities of littoral Arab states of Persian Gulf and to make a consensus to confront some of the regional as well as the global issues such as Yemen, Iran, JCPOA revival, etc.
Hamid Khoshayand, Expert of Regional Issues
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The recent visit of the national security adviser of the UAE, Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to Iran after years of tension and cold relations between the two countries, caused the public opinion and the international media to evaluate the purpose of this trip in line with de-escalation and also the beginning of a new era between Tehran and Abu Dhabi and even the region.
Hossein Sayyahi – Researcher on international affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Former Iranian ambassador to Paris, saying that with Macron’s regional tour of the region, the French presence in the region will be more prominent in the political and military dimensions, added: The positions and movements of the French president in the region aims to influence the French presidential elections next spring.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Turkey’s relations with the UAE and Saudi Arabia are moving towards normalization, and the main reason is primarily political; because the series of developments that caused tension in their relations have become completely ineffective today.
Fatemeh Nekoolal Azad – Expert on international affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Senior researcher on Central Asia and Caucasus affairs, saying that approvals of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Boundary Commission should not be a prelude to changing the geographical borders in the region, noted: Iran can assist the peace talks in Karabakh so that by stabilizing borders and establishing calm measures can be taken for the future development of the region.
Strategic Council Online- Interview: Having stated that at present circumstance we witness a cold war between China and the U.S. and to a lesser degree between Russia and the U.S., an analyst of international affairs said:” the competition that exists between the U.S. on one side and Russia and China on the other side, will form the aspects of the future order which the world and the country will face.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on US affairs, commenting on the US President Joe Biden’s recent claims that one of the reasons for the US military presence outside the borders, including deployment of US troops in the Persian Gulf region such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Syria, is Iran’s regional activities, said: Although there are talks over a change in Washington’s approach in the Middle East region in line with implementation of Biden’s stated policies in that region, in general, it seems that the main foundations of the US foreign policy in the region have not changed much, rather the process of implementation of its policies has been subject to changes.
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 – Interview: A faculty member of the Institute for Strategic Studies saying that we are witnessing an increase in China’s presence in the Middle East and North Africa, noted: West Asia plays an important role in China’s foreign policy perspective, and given its geopolitical location, it has been considered as a focal point in the Belt and Road Initiative.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An analyst of West Asia affairs, saying that Saudi Arabia, while trying to reduce tensions with countries in the region, is reconsidering its foreign policy, noted: Under the current situation, internal issues and proclamation of the monarchy have gained more importance for Mohammad bin Salman, and we are witnessing more defensive policy on the part of Saudi Arabia..
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A university professor, saying that the Taliban has not yet complied with any of the demands made by the international community, termed Pakistan’s support for the Taliban to attend the special session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation foreign ministers as symbolic. He added: Under the current situation, Afghanistan needs to form an inclusive government with the participation of all groups, ethnicities and religions that are based on popular opinion.
Strategic Council Online- Opinion: Regional tour of Mohammad Bin Salman to five countries of Oman, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait and Qatar (Persian Gulf Cooperation Council members) is considered to be the most important political, economic and security momentum of the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia in the last days of 2021. It is also interpreted as a remedial measure for fragile situation of Saudis at the regional and world levels. It should be noted that one of the objectives of Mohammad Bin Salman was to consult with the authorities of littoral Arab states of Persian Gulf and to make a consensus to confront some of the regional as well as the global issues such as Yemen, Iran, JCPOA revival, etc.
Hamid Khoshayand, Expert of Regional Issues
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The recent visit of the national security adviser of the UAE, Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to Iran after years of tension and cold relations between the two countries, caused the public opinion and the international media to evaluate the purpose of this trip in line with de-escalation and also the beginning of a new era between Tehran and Abu Dhabi and even the region.
Hossein Sayyahi – Researcher on international affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Former Iranian ambassador to Paris, saying that with Macron’s regional tour of the region, the French presence in the region will be more prominent in the political and military dimensions, added: The positions and movements of the French president in the region aims to influence the French presidential elections next spring.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Turkey’s relations with the UAE and Saudi Arabia are moving towards normalization, and the main reason is primarily political; because the series of developments that caused tension in their relations have become completely ineffective today.
Fatemeh Nekoolal Azad – Expert on international affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Senior researcher on Central Asia and Caucasus affairs, saying that approvals of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Boundary Commission should not be a prelude to changing the geographical borders in the region, noted: Iran can assist the peace talks in Karabakh so that by stabilizing borders and establishing calm measures can be taken for the future development of the region.
Strategic Council Online- Interview: Having stated that at present circumstance we witness a cold war between China and the U.S. and to a lesser degree between Russia and the U.S., an analyst of international affairs said:” the competition that exists between the U.S. on one side and Russia and China on the other side, will form the aspects of the future order which the world and the country will face.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on US affairs, commenting on the US President Joe Biden’s recent claims that one of the reasons for the US military presence outside the borders, including deployment of US troops in the Persian Gulf region such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Syria, is Iran’s regional activities, said: Although there are talks over a change in Washington’s approach in the Middle East region in line with implementation of Biden’s stated policies in that region, in general, it seems that the main foundations of the US foreign policy in the region have not changed much, rather the process of implementation of its policies has been subject to changes.
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.