Reasons for the Ineffectiveness of Trump’s “Economic War” against Iran
SCFR Online – Opinion: The intensification of U.S. sanctions against Iran on the eve of the U.S. midterm elections indicates Washington’s inability to achieve its war objectives.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The intensification of U.S. sanctions against Iran on the eve of the U.S. midterm elections indicates Washington’s inability to achieve its war objectives.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The competition between Washington and Beijing over chips and artificial intelligence, simultaneously with the shifting of technological balances, has taken on new economic and security dimensions.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit has created a new opportunity for Iran to transform its membership from a political achievement into economic and transit cooperation.
Strategic Council Online – Note: The Makkah Defense Pact can be seen as a sign of regional countries’ efforts to reduce security dependence on extra-regional powers and redefine the balance in West Asia.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Ukraine war, by exhausting US military capability on one hand and strengthening European defense capacity on the other, has altered the balance of power in the European continent, cast uncertainty over NATO’s future, and is driving it toward a European NATO.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The dissolution of the SDF, although considered an achievement for Turkey’s security, does not put an end to the challenges arising from the Israeli regime’s aggression and expansionism, refugees, and Syria’s fragility.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Concurrent with the official commencement of the United States’ economic war against our country, focusing on sanctions instruments, isolation, and economic pressure, what has now become increasingly important is the lack of alignment of other major global powers, especially China, with this policy.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The new US sanctions against Iran, despite extensive propaganda, face serious obstacles to success due to the ineffectiveness of sanctions tools and opposition from some of Tehran’s trading partners.
Strategic Council Online – A senior US affairs analyst stated that the overt intervention of billionaire and media mogul Elon Musk in the UK’s internal developments has once again brought the discussion about the role of non-state actors in international politics to the forefront of attention. With his provocative speech at the extreme right-wing rally in London, Musk not only called for the dissolution of parliament and early elections but also effectively sowed the seeds of political violence in the country’s fragile social fabric by promoting a rhetoric of “resistance or destruction.” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned these remarks, but the matter goes beyond a war of words. The emergence of figures like Musk, who simultaneously possess capital, media influence, and social popularity, has blurred the line between official politics and protest movements. This trend could become a serious challenge to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of countries, one of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter. International institutions have been designed primarily to control the actions of states, rather than billionaires who own global platforms. Today, however, developments show that technology and media giants can influence the political developments of countries as independent actors; a reality that could pose new questions to the international order regarding national sovereignty and political security.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on Afghan and Pakistani affairs stated that China’s explicit reaction to the new US efforts to retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan has once again highlighted the geopolitical competition among major powers in this sensitive region. Beijing has emphasized that any escalation of tensions or creation of confrontation in Afghanistan runs counter to the wishes and interests of the Afghan people and the entire region, and the Afghans themselves must shape the future of Afghanistan. This stance comes as US President Donald Trump has revealed Washington’s plan to return to Bagram, citing the base’s proximity to sensitive Chinese nuclear areas as one of the primary motivations. Analysts believe that a potential US return to Bagram signifies not only the revival of a military presence in Afghanistan but also an effort to curb China’s growing influence and control vital regional trade and security routes; a move that could have broad geopolitical consequences for all of Central and South Asia.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A regional affairs expert stated that Europe has taken no action to increase political, economic, and security pressure on the Israeli regime to counter its genocide in Gaza, and it is unlikely to take any action in this regard in the future, although even at this level, support for Palestine and opposition to the crimes and genocide of the Israeli regime in Gaza are unprecedented in Europe.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A strategic affairs expert stated that recently, the United States has asked its allies in the G7 and its partners in the European Union to impose a new round of “significant tariffs” on China and India for purchasing Russian oil. Trump’s tariff demands reveal a clear gap in strategy between Washington and Brussels. While the Trump administration prefers to weaken the Kremlin’s economy by imposing tariffs on third countries, Europe seeks official sanctions against Moscow’s trade and financial partners.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on West Asia and North Africa affairs stated, “The recognition of the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly, particularly by European countries, initially appears to be a symbolic and positive action in support of Palestinian rights.” However, this move is more of a political and diplomatic response to the pressure from European and global public opinion than a real pressure on the Israeli regime.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert, referring to the ongoing dispute between Europe and America over Greenland, stated that Europe’s policy is based on increasing political, diplomatic, and even economic support for Denmark and Greenland, and it certainly will not move towards escalating tensions with America.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An analyst of U.S. affairs stated that while Donald Trump promised to revive the U.S. economy and restore the country’s industrial glory upon his return to the White House, the latest economic data indicate otherwise. The unemployment rate, which was 3.8% at the beginning of the new administration, has now risen to 4.3%, and factories and construction companies have laid off thousands of workers. Even revised statistics show that in June of this year alone, 13,000 jobs were lost. These developments highlight the gap between Trump’s campaign promises and the economic reality in the U.S.. This divide has overshadowed not only domestic politics but also the country’s economic and geopolitical future.
At the same time, Trump is attempting to shift pressures outward by leveraging geopolitical tools; an example is his threat to the European Union following the fines imposed on Google, an action many observers see as an effort to shift the agenda from domestic recession to external challenges. The question is whether these policies can pull the U.S. economy out of recession or if their consequences will ultimately spill over into the global economy.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that the flight of unidentified drones over Polish airspace has sounded a new alarm for European security; an incident that, despite its limited scale, sent severe tremors through the foundations of NATO and U.S.-Europe relations. The situation became more complicated when Polish officials accused Russia of violating its airspace. At the same time, the Kremlin denied such accusations, and some sources even suggested that Ukraine was the origin of these drones. The importance of the issue lies in the fact that Poland, unlike Ukraine, is a member of NATO, and any attack on its territory could trigger the alliance’s collective defense clause. However, Donald Trump’s cold and ambiguous reaction to the drone incident left Europeans questioning whether Washington would be willing to defend its allies if the crisis escalates. Meanwhile, NATO has launched the “Eastern Guardian” operation to demonstrate its strength on its eastern borders. Still, at the same time, there are signs of hesitation and division among Western countries. These developments have shifted the balance of power in the Ukraine war into a new phase; a war in which Moscow is not retreating from its positions, Europe has no clear strategy to contain the crisis, and the U.S. shows no willingness to confront Russia directly.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated: The United Nations Security Council recently, in an emergency meeting, condemned the Israeli regime’s attack on Doha and, in a joint statement, called for an immediate cessation of tensions and full respect for Qatar’s national sovereignty. This statement, issued by consensus of all 15 Security Council members, while declaring solidarity with Qatar and speaking about the victimization of civilians and the necessity of a ceasefire in Gaza, did not mention the Israeli regime by name; a silence that itself carries contradictory messages. In other words, this statement was more of a political message to Tel Aviv than a legally binding instrument against the Israeli regime, stating that the international community considers attacking peace mediators a red line. However, currently, there is no will to exert practical pressure on this regime.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior European affairs analyst stated that Russia’s sharp reaction to the decision by Britain and the European Union to use Moscow’s frozen assets in favor of Ukraine has once again revealed new dimensions of the West’s economic war against Russia. The Russian embassy in London described the allocation of over one billion pounds of its blocked funds to purchase weapons for Ukraine as a “criminal act”. It warned that such policies would not only weaken London’s financial and political credibility in the world but would also not go unanswered. Simultaneously, the European Commission is also considering transferring 200 billion euros of Russian assets for the reconstruction of Ukraine—a decision that Moscow has described as a clear violation of international law.
Experts believe that by arming Ukraine using Russia’s frozen resources, the West has not only escalated the level of economic confrontation but has also challenged the traditional rules of the international financial and trade system. While Russia is seeking ways to circumvent sanctions through some of its partners, Europe and Britain are also determined to maintain pressure. It appears that this economic war is no longer confined to the conflict over Ukraine, and its effects will continue for years to come, redefining international relations and creating new geopolitical blocs.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The intensification of U.S. sanctions against Iran on the eve of the U.S. midterm elections indicates Washington’s inability to achieve its war objectives.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The competition between Washington and Beijing over chips and artificial intelligence, simultaneously with the shifting of technological balances, has taken on new economic and security dimensions.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit has created a new opportunity for Iran to transform its membership from a political achievement into economic and transit cooperation.
Strategic Council Online – Note: The Makkah Defense Pact can be seen as a sign of regional countries’ efforts to reduce security dependence on extra-regional powers and redefine the balance in West Asia.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Ukraine war, by exhausting US military capability on one hand and strengthening European defense capacity on the other, has altered the balance of power in the European continent, cast uncertainty over NATO’s future, and is driving it toward a European NATO.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The dissolution of the SDF, although considered an achievement for Turkey’s security, does not put an end to the challenges arising from the Israeli regime’s aggression and expansionism, refugees, and Syria’s fragility.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Concurrent with the official commencement of the United States’ economic war against our country, focusing on sanctions instruments, isolation, and economic pressure, what has now become increasingly important is the lack of alignment of other major global powers, especially China, with this policy.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The new US sanctions against Iran, despite extensive propaganda, face serious obstacles to success due to the ineffectiveness of sanctions tools and opposition from some of Tehran’s trading partners.
Strategic Council Online – A senior US affairs analyst stated that the overt intervention of billionaire and media mogul Elon Musk in the UK’s internal developments has once again brought the discussion about the role of non-state actors in international politics to the forefront of attention. With his provocative speech at the extreme right-wing rally in London, Musk not only called for the dissolution of parliament and early elections but also effectively sowed the seeds of political violence in the country’s fragile social fabric by promoting a rhetoric of “resistance or destruction.” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned these remarks, but the matter goes beyond a war of words. The emergence of figures like Musk, who simultaneously possess capital, media influence, and social popularity, has blurred the line between official politics and protest movements. This trend could become a serious challenge to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of countries, one of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter. International institutions have been designed primarily to control the actions of states, rather than billionaires who own global platforms. Today, however, developments show that technology and media giants can influence the political developments of countries as independent actors; a reality that could pose new questions to the international order regarding national sovereignty and political security.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on Afghan and Pakistani affairs stated that China’s explicit reaction to the new US efforts to retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan has once again highlighted the geopolitical competition among major powers in this sensitive region. Beijing has emphasized that any escalation of tensions or creation of confrontation in Afghanistan runs counter to the wishes and interests of the Afghan people and the entire region, and the Afghans themselves must shape the future of Afghanistan. This stance comes as US President Donald Trump has revealed Washington’s plan to return to Bagram, citing the base’s proximity to sensitive Chinese nuclear areas as one of the primary motivations. Analysts believe that a potential US return to Bagram signifies not only the revival of a military presence in Afghanistan but also an effort to curb China’s growing influence and control vital regional trade and security routes; a move that could have broad geopolitical consequences for all of Central and South Asia.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A regional affairs expert stated that Europe has taken no action to increase political, economic, and security pressure on the Israeli regime to counter its genocide in Gaza, and it is unlikely to take any action in this regard in the future, although even at this level, support for Palestine and opposition to the crimes and genocide of the Israeli regime in Gaza are unprecedented in Europe.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A strategic affairs expert stated that recently, the United States has asked its allies in the G7 and its partners in the European Union to impose a new round of “significant tariffs” on China and India for purchasing Russian oil. Trump’s tariff demands reveal a clear gap in strategy between Washington and Brussels. While the Trump administration prefers to weaken the Kremlin’s economy by imposing tariffs on third countries, Europe seeks official sanctions against Moscow’s trade and financial partners.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on West Asia and North Africa affairs stated, “The recognition of the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly, particularly by European countries, initially appears to be a symbolic and positive action in support of Palestinian rights.” However, this move is more of a political and diplomatic response to the pressure from European and global public opinion than a real pressure on the Israeli regime.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert, referring to the ongoing dispute between Europe and America over Greenland, stated that Europe’s policy is based on increasing political, diplomatic, and even economic support for Denmark and Greenland, and it certainly will not move towards escalating tensions with America.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An analyst of U.S. affairs stated that while Donald Trump promised to revive the U.S. economy and restore the country’s industrial glory upon his return to the White House, the latest economic data indicate otherwise. The unemployment rate, which was 3.8% at the beginning of the new administration, has now risen to 4.3%, and factories and construction companies have laid off thousands of workers. Even revised statistics show that in June of this year alone, 13,000 jobs were lost. These developments highlight the gap between Trump’s campaign promises and the economic reality in the U.S.. This divide has overshadowed not only domestic politics but also the country’s economic and geopolitical future.
At the same time, Trump is attempting to shift pressures outward by leveraging geopolitical tools; an example is his threat to the European Union following the fines imposed on Google, an action many observers see as an effort to shift the agenda from domestic recession to external challenges. The question is whether these policies can pull the U.S. economy out of recession or if their consequences will ultimately spill over into the global economy.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that the flight of unidentified drones over Polish airspace has sounded a new alarm for European security; an incident that, despite its limited scale, sent severe tremors through the foundations of NATO and U.S.-Europe relations. The situation became more complicated when Polish officials accused Russia of violating its airspace. At the same time, the Kremlin denied such accusations, and some sources even suggested that Ukraine was the origin of these drones. The importance of the issue lies in the fact that Poland, unlike Ukraine, is a member of NATO, and any attack on its territory could trigger the alliance’s collective defense clause. However, Donald Trump’s cold and ambiguous reaction to the drone incident left Europeans questioning whether Washington would be willing to defend its allies if the crisis escalates. Meanwhile, NATO has launched the “Eastern Guardian” operation to demonstrate its strength on its eastern borders. Still, at the same time, there are signs of hesitation and division among Western countries. These developments have shifted the balance of power in the Ukraine war into a new phase; a war in which Moscow is not retreating from its positions, Europe has no clear strategy to contain the crisis, and the U.S. shows no willingness to confront Russia directly.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated: The United Nations Security Council recently, in an emergency meeting, condemned the Israeli regime’s attack on Doha and, in a joint statement, called for an immediate cessation of tensions and full respect for Qatar’s national sovereignty. This statement, issued by consensus of all 15 Security Council members, while declaring solidarity with Qatar and speaking about the victimization of civilians and the necessity of a ceasefire in Gaza, did not mention the Israeli regime by name; a silence that itself carries contradictory messages. In other words, this statement was more of a political message to Tel Aviv than a legally binding instrument against the Israeli regime, stating that the international community considers attacking peace mediators a red line. However, currently, there is no will to exert practical pressure on this regime.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior European affairs analyst stated that Russia’s sharp reaction to the decision by Britain and the European Union to use Moscow’s frozen assets in favor of Ukraine has once again revealed new dimensions of the West’s economic war against Russia. The Russian embassy in London described the allocation of over one billion pounds of its blocked funds to purchase weapons for Ukraine as a “criminal act”. It warned that such policies would not only weaken London’s financial and political credibility in the world but would also not go unanswered. Simultaneously, the European Commission is also considering transferring 200 billion euros of Russian assets for the reconstruction of Ukraine—a decision that Moscow has described as a clear violation of international law.
Experts believe that by arming Ukraine using Russia’s frozen resources, the West has not only escalated the level of economic confrontation but has also challenged the traditional rules of the international financial and trade system. While Russia is seeking ways to circumvent sanctions through some of its partners, Europe and Britain are also determined to maintain pressure. It appears that this economic war is no longer confined to the conflict over Ukraine, and its effects will continue for years to come, redefining international relations and creating new geopolitical blocs.
Strategic Council Online – A senior US affairs analyst stated that the overt intervention of billionaire and media mogul Elon Musk in the UK’s internal developments has once again brought the discussion about the role of non-state actors in international politics to the forefront of attention. With his provocative speech at the extreme right-wing rally in London, Musk not only called for the dissolution of parliament and early elections but also effectively sowed the seeds of political violence in the country’s fragile social fabric by promoting a rhetoric of “resistance or destruction.” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned these remarks, but the matter goes beyond a war of words. The emergence of figures like Musk, who simultaneously possess capital, media influence, and social popularity, has blurred the line between official politics and protest movements. This trend could become a serious challenge to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of countries, one of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter. International institutions have been designed primarily to control the actions of states, rather than billionaires who own global platforms. Today, however, developments show that technology and media giants can influence the political developments of countries as independent actors; a reality that could pose new questions to the international order regarding national sovereignty and political security.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on Afghan and Pakistani affairs stated that China’s explicit reaction to the new US efforts to retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan has once again highlighted the geopolitical competition among major powers in this sensitive region. Beijing has emphasized that any escalation of tensions or creation of confrontation in Afghanistan runs counter to the wishes and interests of the Afghan people and the entire region, and the Afghans themselves must shape the future of Afghanistan. This stance comes as US President Donald Trump has revealed Washington’s plan to return to Bagram, citing the base’s proximity to sensitive Chinese nuclear areas as one of the primary motivations. Analysts believe that a potential US return to Bagram signifies not only the revival of a military presence in Afghanistan but also an effort to curb China’s growing influence and control vital regional trade and security routes; a move that could have broad geopolitical consequences for all of Central and South Asia.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A regional affairs expert stated that Europe has taken no action to increase political, economic, and security pressure on the Israeli regime to counter its genocide in Gaza, and it is unlikely to take any action in this regard in the future, although even at this level, support for Palestine and opposition to the crimes and genocide of the Israeli regime in Gaza are unprecedented in Europe.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A strategic affairs expert stated that recently, the United States has asked its allies in the G7 and its partners in the European Union to impose a new round of “significant tariffs” on China and India for purchasing Russian oil. Trump’s tariff demands reveal a clear gap in strategy between Washington and Brussels. While the Trump administration prefers to weaken the Kremlin’s economy by imposing tariffs on third countries, Europe seeks official sanctions against Moscow’s trade and financial partners.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on West Asia and North Africa affairs stated, “The recognition of the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly, particularly by European countries, initially appears to be a symbolic and positive action in support of Palestinian rights.” However, this move is more of a political and diplomatic response to the pressure from European and global public opinion than a real pressure on the Israeli regime.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert, referring to the ongoing dispute between Europe and America over Greenland, stated that Europe’s policy is based on increasing political, diplomatic, and even economic support for Denmark and Greenland, and it certainly will not move towards escalating tensions with America.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An analyst of U.S. affairs stated that while Donald Trump promised to revive the U.S. economy and restore the country’s industrial glory upon his return to the White House, the latest economic data indicate otherwise. The unemployment rate, which was 3.8% at the beginning of the new administration, has now risen to 4.3%, and factories and construction companies have laid off thousands of workers. Even revised statistics show that in June of this year alone, 13,000 jobs were lost. These developments highlight the gap between Trump’s campaign promises and the economic reality in the U.S.. This divide has overshadowed not only domestic politics but also the country’s economic and geopolitical future.
At the same time, Trump is attempting to shift pressures outward by leveraging geopolitical tools; an example is his threat to the European Union following the fines imposed on Google, an action many observers see as an effort to shift the agenda from domestic recession to external challenges. The question is whether these policies can pull the U.S. economy out of recession or if their consequences will ultimately spill over into the global economy.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that the flight of unidentified drones over Polish airspace has sounded a new alarm for European security; an incident that, despite its limited scale, sent severe tremors through the foundations of NATO and U.S.-Europe relations. The situation became more complicated when Polish officials accused Russia of violating its airspace. At the same time, the Kremlin denied such accusations, and some sources even suggested that Ukraine was the origin of these drones. The importance of the issue lies in the fact that Poland, unlike Ukraine, is a member of NATO, and any attack on its territory could trigger the alliance’s collective defense clause. However, Donald Trump’s cold and ambiguous reaction to the drone incident left Europeans questioning whether Washington would be willing to defend its allies if the crisis escalates. Meanwhile, NATO has launched the “Eastern Guardian” operation to demonstrate its strength on its eastern borders. Still, at the same time, there are signs of hesitation and division among Western countries. These developments have shifted the balance of power in the Ukraine war into a new phase; a war in which Moscow is not retreating from its positions, Europe has no clear strategy to contain the crisis, and the U.S. shows no willingness to confront Russia directly.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated: The United Nations Security Council recently, in an emergency meeting, condemned the Israeli regime’s attack on Doha and, in a joint statement, called for an immediate cessation of tensions and full respect for Qatar’s national sovereignty. This statement, issued by consensus of all 15 Security Council members, while declaring solidarity with Qatar and speaking about the victimization of civilians and the necessity of a ceasefire in Gaza, did not mention the Israeli regime by name; a silence that itself carries contradictory messages. In other words, this statement was more of a political message to Tel Aviv than a legally binding instrument against the Israeli regime, stating that the international community considers attacking peace mediators a red line. However, currently, there is no will to exert practical pressure on this regime.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior European affairs analyst stated that Russia’s sharp reaction to the decision by Britain and the European Union to use Moscow’s frozen assets in favor of Ukraine has once again revealed new dimensions of the West’s economic war against Russia. The Russian embassy in London described the allocation of over one billion pounds of its blocked funds to purchase weapons for Ukraine as a “criminal act”. It warned that such policies would not only weaken London’s financial and political credibility in the world but would also not go unanswered. Simultaneously, the European Commission is also considering transferring 200 billion euros of Russian assets for the reconstruction of Ukraine—a decision that Moscow has described as a clear violation of international law.
Experts believe that by arming Ukraine using Russia’s frozen resources, the West has not only escalated the level of economic confrontation but has also challenged the traditional rules of the international financial and trade system. While Russia is seeking ways to circumvent sanctions through some of its partners, Europe and Britain are also determined to maintain pressure. It appears that this economic war is no longer confined to the conflict over Ukraine, and its effects will continue for years to come, redefining international relations and creating new geopolitical blocs.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The intensification of U.S. sanctions against Iran on the eve of the U.S. midterm elections indicates Washington’s inability to achieve its war objectives.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The competition between Washington and Beijing over chips and artificial intelligence, simultaneously with the shifting of technological balances, has taken on new economic and security dimensions.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit has created a new opportunity for Iran to transform its membership from a political achievement into economic and transit cooperation.
Strategic Council Online – Note: The Makkah Defense Pact can be seen as a sign of regional countries’ efforts to reduce security dependence on extra-regional powers and redefine the balance in West Asia.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Ukraine war, by exhausting US military capability on one hand and strengthening European defense capacity on the other, has altered the balance of power in the European continent, cast uncertainty over NATO’s future, and is driving it toward a European NATO.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The dissolution of the SDF, although considered an achievement for Turkey’s security, does not put an end to the challenges arising from the Israeli regime’s aggression and expansionism, refugees, and Syria’s fragility.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Concurrent with the official commencement of the United States’ economic war against our country, focusing on sanctions instruments, isolation, and economic pressure, what has now become increasingly important is the lack of alignment of other major global powers, especially China, with this policy.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The new US sanctions against Iran, despite extensive propaganda, face serious obstacles to success due to the ineffectiveness of sanctions tools and opposition from some of Tehran’s trading partners.
Strategic Council Online – A senior US affairs analyst stated that the overt intervention of billionaire and media mogul Elon Musk in the UK’s internal developments has once again brought the discussion about the role of non-state actors in international politics to the forefront of attention. With his provocative speech at the extreme right-wing rally in London, Musk not only called for the dissolution of parliament and early elections but also effectively sowed the seeds of political violence in the country’s fragile social fabric by promoting a rhetoric of “resistance or destruction.” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned these remarks, but the matter goes beyond a war of words. The emergence of figures like Musk, who simultaneously possess capital, media influence, and social popularity, has blurred the line between official politics and protest movements. This trend could become a serious challenge to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of countries, one of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter. International institutions have been designed primarily to control the actions of states, rather than billionaires who own global platforms. Today, however, developments show that technology and media giants can influence the political developments of countries as independent actors; a reality that could pose new questions to the international order regarding national sovereignty and political security.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on Afghan and Pakistani affairs stated that China’s explicit reaction to the new US efforts to retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan has once again highlighted the geopolitical competition among major powers in this sensitive region. Beijing has emphasized that any escalation of tensions or creation of confrontation in Afghanistan runs counter to the wishes and interests of the Afghan people and the entire region, and the Afghans themselves must shape the future of Afghanistan. This stance comes as US President Donald Trump has revealed Washington’s plan to return to Bagram, citing the base’s proximity to sensitive Chinese nuclear areas as one of the primary motivations. Analysts believe that a potential US return to Bagram signifies not only the revival of a military presence in Afghanistan but also an effort to curb China’s growing influence and control vital regional trade and security routes; a move that could have broad geopolitical consequences for all of Central and South Asia.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A regional affairs expert stated that Europe has taken no action to increase political, economic, and security pressure on the Israeli regime to counter its genocide in Gaza, and it is unlikely to take any action in this regard in the future, although even at this level, support for Palestine and opposition to the crimes and genocide of the Israeli regime in Gaza are unprecedented in Europe.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A strategic affairs expert stated that recently, the United States has asked its allies in the G7 and its partners in the European Union to impose a new round of “significant tariffs” on China and India for purchasing Russian oil. Trump’s tariff demands reveal a clear gap in strategy between Washington and Brussels. While the Trump administration prefers to weaken the Kremlin’s economy by imposing tariffs on third countries, Europe seeks official sanctions against Moscow’s trade and financial partners.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on West Asia and North Africa affairs stated, “The recognition of the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly, particularly by European countries, initially appears to be a symbolic and positive action in support of Palestinian rights.” However, this move is more of a political and diplomatic response to the pressure from European and global public opinion than a real pressure on the Israeli regime.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert, referring to the ongoing dispute between Europe and America over Greenland, stated that Europe’s policy is based on increasing political, diplomatic, and even economic support for Denmark and Greenland, and it certainly will not move towards escalating tensions with America.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An analyst of U.S. affairs stated that while Donald Trump promised to revive the U.S. economy and restore the country’s industrial glory upon his return to the White House, the latest economic data indicate otherwise. The unemployment rate, which was 3.8% at the beginning of the new administration, has now risen to 4.3%, and factories and construction companies have laid off thousands of workers. Even revised statistics show that in June of this year alone, 13,000 jobs were lost. These developments highlight the gap between Trump’s campaign promises and the economic reality in the U.S.. This divide has overshadowed not only domestic politics but also the country’s economic and geopolitical future.
At the same time, Trump is attempting to shift pressures outward by leveraging geopolitical tools; an example is his threat to the European Union following the fines imposed on Google, an action many observers see as an effort to shift the agenda from domestic recession to external challenges. The question is whether these policies can pull the U.S. economy out of recession or if their consequences will ultimately spill over into the global economy.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that the flight of unidentified drones over Polish airspace has sounded a new alarm for European security; an incident that, despite its limited scale, sent severe tremors through the foundations of NATO and U.S.-Europe relations. The situation became more complicated when Polish officials accused Russia of violating its airspace. At the same time, the Kremlin denied such accusations, and some sources even suggested that Ukraine was the origin of these drones. The importance of the issue lies in the fact that Poland, unlike Ukraine, is a member of NATO, and any attack on its territory could trigger the alliance’s collective defense clause. However, Donald Trump’s cold and ambiguous reaction to the drone incident left Europeans questioning whether Washington would be willing to defend its allies if the crisis escalates. Meanwhile, NATO has launched the “Eastern Guardian” operation to demonstrate its strength on its eastern borders. Still, at the same time, there are signs of hesitation and division among Western countries. These developments have shifted the balance of power in the Ukraine war into a new phase; a war in which Moscow is not retreating from its positions, Europe has no clear strategy to contain the crisis, and the U.S. shows no willingness to confront Russia directly.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated: The United Nations Security Council recently, in an emergency meeting, condemned the Israeli regime’s attack on Doha and, in a joint statement, called for an immediate cessation of tensions and full respect for Qatar’s national sovereignty. This statement, issued by consensus of all 15 Security Council members, while declaring solidarity with Qatar and speaking about the victimization of civilians and the necessity of a ceasefire in Gaza, did not mention the Israeli regime by name; a silence that itself carries contradictory messages. In other words, this statement was more of a political message to Tel Aviv than a legally binding instrument against the Israeli regime, stating that the international community considers attacking peace mediators a red line. However, currently, there is no will to exert practical pressure on this regime.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior European affairs analyst stated that Russia’s sharp reaction to the decision by Britain and the European Union to use Moscow’s frozen assets in favor of Ukraine has once again revealed new dimensions of the West’s economic war against Russia. The Russian embassy in London described the allocation of over one billion pounds of its blocked funds to purchase weapons for Ukraine as a “criminal act”. It warned that such policies would not only weaken London’s financial and political credibility in the world but would also not go unanswered. Simultaneously, the European Commission is also considering transferring 200 billion euros of Russian assets for the reconstruction of Ukraine—a decision that Moscow has described as a clear violation of international law.
Experts believe that by arming Ukraine using Russia’s frozen resources, the West has not only escalated the level of economic confrontation but has also challenged the traditional rules of the international financial and trade system. While Russia is seeking ways to circumvent sanctions through some of its partners, Europe and Britain are also determined to maintain pressure. It appears that this economic war is no longer confined to the conflict over Ukraine, and its effects will continue for years to come, redefining international relations and creating new geopolitical blocs.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The intensification of U.S. sanctions against Iran on the eve of the U.S. midterm elections indicates Washington’s inability to achieve its war objectives.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The competition between Washington and Beijing over chips and artificial intelligence, simultaneously with the shifting of technological balances, has taken on new economic and security dimensions.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit has created a new opportunity for Iran to transform its membership from a political achievement into economic and transit cooperation.
Strategic Council Online – Note: The Makkah Defense Pact can be seen as a sign of regional countries’ efforts to reduce security dependence on extra-regional powers and redefine the balance in West Asia.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Ukraine war, by exhausting US military capability on one hand and strengthening European defense capacity on the other, has altered the balance of power in the European continent, cast uncertainty over NATO’s future, and is driving it toward a European NATO.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The dissolution of the SDF, although considered an achievement for Turkey’s security, does not put an end to the challenges arising from the Israeli regime’s aggression and expansionism, refugees, and Syria’s fragility.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Concurrent with the official commencement of the United States’ economic war against our country, focusing on sanctions instruments, isolation, and economic pressure, what has now become increasingly important is the lack of alignment of other major global powers, especially China, with this policy.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The new US sanctions against Iran, despite extensive propaganda, face serious obstacles to success due to the ineffectiveness of sanctions tools and opposition from some of Tehran’s trading partners.
Strategic Council Online – A senior US affairs analyst stated that the overt intervention of billionaire and media mogul Elon Musk in the UK’s internal developments has once again brought the discussion about the role of non-state actors in international politics to the forefront of attention. With his provocative speech at the extreme right-wing rally in London, Musk not only called for the dissolution of parliament and early elections but also effectively sowed the seeds of political violence in the country’s fragile social fabric by promoting a rhetoric of “resistance or destruction.” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned these remarks, but the matter goes beyond a war of words. The emergence of figures like Musk, who simultaneously possess capital, media influence, and social popularity, has blurred the line between official politics and protest movements. This trend could become a serious challenge to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of countries, one of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter. International institutions have been designed primarily to control the actions of states, rather than billionaires who own global platforms. Today, however, developments show that technology and media giants can influence the political developments of countries as independent actors; a reality that could pose new questions to the international order regarding national sovereignty and political security.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on Afghan and Pakistani affairs stated that China’s explicit reaction to the new US efforts to retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan has once again highlighted the geopolitical competition among major powers in this sensitive region. Beijing has emphasized that any escalation of tensions or creation of confrontation in Afghanistan runs counter to the wishes and interests of the Afghan people and the entire region, and the Afghans themselves must shape the future of Afghanistan. This stance comes as US President Donald Trump has revealed Washington’s plan to return to Bagram, citing the base’s proximity to sensitive Chinese nuclear areas as one of the primary motivations. Analysts believe that a potential US return to Bagram signifies not only the revival of a military presence in Afghanistan but also an effort to curb China’s growing influence and control vital regional trade and security routes; a move that could have broad geopolitical consequences for all of Central and South Asia.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A regional affairs expert stated that Europe has taken no action to increase political, economic, and security pressure on the Israeli regime to counter its genocide in Gaza, and it is unlikely to take any action in this regard in the future, although even at this level, support for Palestine and opposition to the crimes and genocide of the Israeli regime in Gaza are unprecedented in Europe.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A strategic affairs expert stated that recently, the United States has asked its allies in the G7 and its partners in the European Union to impose a new round of “significant tariffs” on China and India for purchasing Russian oil. Trump’s tariff demands reveal a clear gap in strategy between Washington and Brussels. While the Trump administration prefers to weaken the Kremlin’s economy by imposing tariffs on third countries, Europe seeks official sanctions against Moscow’s trade and financial partners.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on West Asia and North Africa affairs stated, “The recognition of the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly, particularly by European countries, initially appears to be a symbolic and positive action in support of Palestinian rights.” However, this move is more of a political and diplomatic response to the pressure from European and global public opinion than a real pressure on the Israeli regime.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert, referring to the ongoing dispute between Europe and America over Greenland, stated that Europe’s policy is based on increasing political, diplomatic, and even economic support for Denmark and Greenland, and it certainly will not move towards escalating tensions with America.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An analyst of U.S. affairs stated that while Donald Trump promised to revive the U.S. economy and restore the country’s industrial glory upon his return to the White House, the latest economic data indicate otherwise. The unemployment rate, which was 3.8% at the beginning of the new administration, has now risen to 4.3%, and factories and construction companies have laid off thousands of workers. Even revised statistics show that in June of this year alone, 13,000 jobs were lost. These developments highlight the gap between Trump’s campaign promises and the economic reality in the U.S.. This divide has overshadowed not only domestic politics but also the country’s economic and geopolitical future.
At the same time, Trump is attempting to shift pressures outward by leveraging geopolitical tools; an example is his threat to the European Union following the fines imposed on Google, an action many observers see as an effort to shift the agenda from domestic recession to external challenges. The question is whether these policies can pull the U.S. economy out of recession or if their consequences will ultimately spill over into the global economy.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that the flight of unidentified drones over Polish airspace has sounded a new alarm for European security; an incident that, despite its limited scale, sent severe tremors through the foundations of NATO and U.S.-Europe relations. The situation became more complicated when Polish officials accused Russia of violating its airspace. At the same time, the Kremlin denied such accusations, and some sources even suggested that Ukraine was the origin of these drones. The importance of the issue lies in the fact that Poland, unlike Ukraine, is a member of NATO, and any attack on its territory could trigger the alliance’s collective defense clause. However, Donald Trump’s cold and ambiguous reaction to the drone incident left Europeans questioning whether Washington would be willing to defend its allies if the crisis escalates. Meanwhile, NATO has launched the “Eastern Guardian” operation to demonstrate its strength on its eastern borders. Still, at the same time, there are signs of hesitation and division among Western countries. These developments have shifted the balance of power in the Ukraine war into a new phase; a war in which Moscow is not retreating from its positions, Europe has no clear strategy to contain the crisis, and the U.S. shows no willingness to confront Russia directly.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated: The United Nations Security Council recently, in an emergency meeting, condemned the Israeli regime’s attack on Doha and, in a joint statement, called for an immediate cessation of tensions and full respect for Qatar’s national sovereignty. This statement, issued by consensus of all 15 Security Council members, while declaring solidarity with Qatar and speaking about the victimization of civilians and the necessity of a ceasefire in Gaza, did not mention the Israeli regime by name; a silence that itself carries contradictory messages. In other words, this statement was more of a political message to Tel Aviv than a legally binding instrument against the Israeli regime, stating that the international community considers attacking peace mediators a red line. However, currently, there is no will to exert practical pressure on this regime.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior European affairs analyst stated that Russia’s sharp reaction to the decision by Britain and the European Union to use Moscow’s frozen assets in favor of Ukraine has once again revealed new dimensions of the West’s economic war against Russia. The Russian embassy in London described the allocation of over one billion pounds of its blocked funds to purchase weapons for Ukraine as a “criminal act”. It warned that such policies would not only weaken London’s financial and political credibility in the world but would also not go unanswered. Simultaneously, the European Commission is also considering transferring 200 billion euros of Russian assets for the reconstruction of Ukraine—a decision that Moscow has described as a clear violation of international law.
Experts believe that by arming Ukraine using Russia’s frozen resources, the West has not only escalated the level of economic confrontation but has also challenged the traditional rules of the international financial and trade system. While Russia is seeking ways to circumvent sanctions through some of its partners, Europe and Britain are also determined to maintain pressure. It appears that this economic war is no longer confined to the conflict over Ukraine, and its effects will continue for years to come, redefining international relations and creating new geopolitical blocs.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The intensification of U.S. sanctions against Iran on the eve of the U.S. midterm elections indicates Washington’s inability to achieve its war objectives.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The competition between Washington and Beijing over chips and artificial intelligence, simultaneously with the shifting of technological balances, has taken on new economic and security dimensions.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit has created a new opportunity for Iran to transform its membership from a political achievement into economic and transit cooperation.
Strategic Council Online – Note: The Makkah Defense Pact can be seen as a sign of regional countries’ efforts to reduce security dependence on extra-regional powers and redefine the balance in West Asia.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Ukraine war, by exhausting US military capability on one hand and strengthening European defense capacity on the other, has altered the balance of power in the European continent, cast uncertainty over NATO’s future, and is driving it toward a European NATO.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The dissolution of the SDF, although considered an achievement for Turkey’s security, does not put an end to the challenges arising from the Israeli regime’s aggression and expansionism, refugees, and Syria’s fragility.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Concurrent with the official commencement of the United States’ economic war against our country, focusing on sanctions instruments, isolation, and economic pressure, what has now become increasingly important is the lack of alignment of other major global powers, especially China, with this policy.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The new US sanctions against Iran, despite extensive propaganda, face serious obstacles to success due to the ineffectiveness of sanctions tools and opposition from some of Tehran’s trading partners.
Strategic Council Online – A senior US affairs analyst stated that the overt intervention of billionaire and media mogul Elon Musk in the UK’s internal developments has once again brought the discussion about the role of non-state actors in international politics to the forefront of attention. With his provocative speech at the extreme right-wing rally in London, Musk not only called for the dissolution of parliament and early elections but also effectively sowed the seeds of political violence in the country’s fragile social fabric by promoting a rhetoric of “resistance or destruction.” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned these remarks, but the matter goes beyond a war of words. The emergence of figures like Musk, who simultaneously possess capital, media influence, and social popularity, has blurred the line between official politics and protest movements. This trend could become a serious challenge to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of countries, one of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter. International institutions have been designed primarily to control the actions of states, rather than billionaires who own global platforms. Today, however, developments show that technology and media giants can influence the political developments of countries as independent actors; a reality that could pose new questions to the international order regarding national sovereignty and political security.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on Afghan and Pakistani affairs stated that China’s explicit reaction to the new US efforts to retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan has once again highlighted the geopolitical competition among major powers in this sensitive region. Beijing has emphasized that any escalation of tensions or creation of confrontation in Afghanistan runs counter to the wishes and interests of the Afghan people and the entire region, and the Afghans themselves must shape the future of Afghanistan. This stance comes as US President Donald Trump has revealed Washington’s plan to return to Bagram, citing the base’s proximity to sensitive Chinese nuclear areas as one of the primary motivations. Analysts believe that a potential US return to Bagram signifies not only the revival of a military presence in Afghanistan but also an effort to curb China’s growing influence and control vital regional trade and security routes; a move that could have broad geopolitical consequences for all of Central and South Asia.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A regional affairs expert stated that Europe has taken no action to increase political, economic, and security pressure on the Israeli regime to counter its genocide in Gaza, and it is unlikely to take any action in this regard in the future, although even at this level, support for Palestine and opposition to the crimes and genocide of the Israeli regime in Gaza are unprecedented in Europe.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A strategic affairs expert stated that recently, the United States has asked its allies in the G7 and its partners in the European Union to impose a new round of “significant tariffs” on China and India for purchasing Russian oil. Trump’s tariff demands reveal a clear gap in strategy between Washington and Brussels. While the Trump administration prefers to weaken the Kremlin’s economy by imposing tariffs on third countries, Europe seeks official sanctions against Moscow’s trade and financial partners.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on West Asia and North Africa affairs stated, “The recognition of the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly, particularly by European countries, initially appears to be a symbolic and positive action in support of Palestinian rights.” However, this move is more of a political and diplomatic response to the pressure from European and global public opinion than a real pressure on the Israeli regime.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert, referring to the ongoing dispute between Europe and America over Greenland, stated that Europe’s policy is based on increasing political, diplomatic, and even economic support for Denmark and Greenland, and it certainly will not move towards escalating tensions with America.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An analyst of U.S. affairs stated that while Donald Trump promised to revive the U.S. economy and restore the country’s industrial glory upon his return to the White House, the latest economic data indicate otherwise. The unemployment rate, which was 3.8% at the beginning of the new administration, has now risen to 4.3%, and factories and construction companies have laid off thousands of workers. Even revised statistics show that in June of this year alone, 13,000 jobs were lost. These developments highlight the gap between Trump’s campaign promises and the economic reality in the U.S.. This divide has overshadowed not only domestic politics but also the country’s economic and geopolitical future.
At the same time, Trump is attempting to shift pressures outward by leveraging geopolitical tools; an example is his threat to the European Union following the fines imposed on Google, an action many observers see as an effort to shift the agenda from domestic recession to external challenges. The question is whether these policies can pull the U.S. economy out of recession or if their consequences will ultimately spill over into the global economy.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that the flight of unidentified drones over Polish airspace has sounded a new alarm for European security; an incident that, despite its limited scale, sent severe tremors through the foundations of NATO and U.S.-Europe relations. The situation became more complicated when Polish officials accused Russia of violating its airspace. At the same time, the Kremlin denied such accusations, and some sources even suggested that Ukraine was the origin of these drones. The importance of the issue lies in the fact that Poland, unlike Ukraine, is a member of NATO, and any attack on its territory could trigger the alliance’s collective defense clause. However, Donald Trump’s cold and ambiguous reaction to the drone incident left Europeans questioning whether Washington would be willing to defend its allies if the crisis escalates. Meanwhile, NATO has launched the “Eastern Guardian” operation to demonstrate its strength on its eastern borders. Still, at the same time, there are signs of hesitation and division among Western countries. These developments have shifted the balance of power in the Ukraine war into a new phase; a war in which Moscow is not retreating from its positions, Europe has no clear strategy to contain the crisis, and the U.S. shows no willingness to confront Russia directly.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated: The United Nations Security Council recently, in an emergency meeting, condemned the Israeli regime’s attack on Doha and, in a joint statement, called for an immediate cessation of tensions and full respect for Qatar’s national sovereignty. This statement, issued by consensus of all 15 Security Council members, while declaring solidarity with Qatar and speaking about the victimization of civilians and the necessity of a ceasefire in Gaza, did not mention the Israeli regime by name; a silence that itself carries contradictory messages. In other words, this statement was more of a political message to Tel Aviv than a legally binding instrument against the Israeli regime, stating that the international community considers attacking peace mediators a red line. However, currently, there is no will to exert practical pressure on this regime.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior European affairs analyst stated that Russia’s sharp reaction to the decision by Britain and the European Union to use Moscow’s frozen assets in favor of Ukraine has once again revealed new dimensions of the West’s economic war against Russia. The Russian embassy in London described the allocation of over one billion pounds of its blocked funds to purchase weapons for Ukraine as a “criminal act”. It warned that such policies would not only weaken London’s financial and political credibility in the world but would also not go unanswered. Simultaneously, the European Commission is also considering transferring 200 billion euros of Russian assets for the reconstruction of Ukraine—a decision that Moscow has described as a clear violation of international law.
Experts believe that by arming Ukraine using Russia’s frozen resources, the West has not only escalated the level of economic confrontation but has also challenged the traditional rules of the international financial and trade system. While Russia is seeking ways to circumvent sanctions through some of its partners, Europe and Britain are also determined to maintain pressure. It appears that this economic war is no longer confined to the conflict over Ukraine, and its effects will continue for years to come, redefining international relations and creating new geopolitical blocs.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The intensification of U.S. sanctions against Iran on the eve of the U.S. midterm elections indicates Washington’s inability to achieve its war objectives.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The competition between Washington and Beijing over chips and artificial intelligence, simultaneously with the shifting of technological balances, has taken on new economic and security dimensions.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit has created a new opportunity for Iran to transform its membership from a political achievement into economic and transit cooperation.
Strategic Council Online – Note: The Makkah Defense Pact can be seen as a sign of regional countries’ efforts to reduce security dependence on extra-regional powers and redefine the balance in West Asia.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Ukraine war, by exhausting US military capability on one hand and strengthening European defense capacity on the other, has altered the balance of power in the European continent, cast uncertainty over NATO’s future, and is driving it toward a European NATO.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The dissolution of the SDF, although considered an achievement for Turkey’s security, does not put an end to the challenges arising from the Israeli regime’s aggression and expansionism, refugees, and Syria’s fragility.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Concurrent with the official commencement of the United States’ economic war against our country, focusing on sanctions instruments, isolation, and economic pressure, what has now become increasingly important is the lack of alignment of other major global powers, especially China, with this policy.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The new US sanctions against Iran, despite extensive propaganda, face serious obstacles to success due to the ineffectiveness of sanctions tools and opposition from some of Tehran’s trading partners.
Strategic Council Online – A senior US affairs analyst stated that the overt intervention of billionaire and media mogul Elon Musk in the UK’s internal developments has once again brought the discussion about the role of non-state actors in international politics to the forefront of attention. With his provocative speech at the extreme right-wing rally in London, Musk not only called for the dissolution of parliament and early elections but also effectively sowed the seeds of political violence in the country’s fragile social fabric by promoting a rhetoric of “resistance or destruction.” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned these remarks, but the matter goes beyond a war of words. The emergence of figures like Musk, who simultaneously possess capital, media influence, and social popularity, has blurred the line between official politics and protest movements. This trend could become a serious challenge to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of countries, one of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter. International institutions have been designed primarily to control the actions of states, rather than billionaires who own global platforms. Today, however, developments show that technology and media giants can influence the political developments of countries as independent actors; a reality that could pose new questions to the international order regarding national sovereignty and political security.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on Afghan and Pakistani affairs stated that China’s explicit reaction to the new US efforts to retake Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan has once again highlighted the geopolitical competition among major powers in this sensitive region. Beijing has emphasized that any escalation of tensions or creation of confrontation in Afghanistan runs counter to the wishes and interests of the Afghan people and the entire region, and the Afghans themselves must shape the future of Afghanistan. This stance comes as US President Donald Trump has revealed Washington’s plan to return to Bagram, citing the base’s proximity to sensitive Chinese nuclear areas as one of the primary motivations. Analysts believe that a potential US return to Bagram signifies not only the revival of a military presence in Afghanistan but also an effort to curb China’s growing influence and control vital regional trade and security routes; a move that could have broad geopolitical consequences for all of Central and South Asia.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A regional affairs expert stated that Europe has taken no action to increase political, economic, and security pressure on the Israeli regime to counter its genocide in Gaza, and it is unlikely to take any action in this regard in the future, although even at this level, support for Palestine and opposition to the crimes and genocide of the Israeli regime in Gaza are unprecedented in Europe.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A strategic affairs expert stated that recently, the United States has asked its allies in the G7 and its partners in the European Union to impose a new round of “significant tariffs” on China and India for purchasing Russian oil. Trump’s tariff demands reveal a clear gap in strategy between Washington and Brussels. While the Trump administration prefers to weaken the Kremlin’s economy by imposing tariffs on third countries, Europe seeks official sanctions against Moscow’s trade and financial partners.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on West Asia and North Africa affairs stated, “The recognition of the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly, particularly by European countries, initially appears to be a symbolic and positive action in support of Palestinian rights.” However, this move is more of a political and diplomatic response to the pressure from European and global public opinion than a real pressure on the Israeli regime.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert, referring to the ongoing dispute between Europe and America over Greenland, stated that Europe’s policy is based on increasing political, diplomatic, and even economic support for Denmark and Greenland, and it certainly will not move towards escalating tensions with America.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An analyst of U.S. affairs stated that while Donald Trump promised to revive the U.S. economy and restore the country’s industrial glory upon his return to the White House, the latest economic data indicate otherwise. The unemployment rate, which was 3.8% at the beginning of the new administration, has now risen to 4.3%, and factories and construction companies have laid off thousands of workers. Even revised statistics show that in June of this year alone, 13,000 jobs were lost. These developments highlight the gap between Trump’s campaign promises and the economic reality in the U.S.. This divide has overshadowed not only domestic politics but also the country’s economic and geopolitical future.
At the same time, Trump is attempting to shift pressures outward by leveraging geopolitical tools; an example is his threat to the European Union following the fines imposed on Google, an action many observers see as an effort to shift the agenda from domestic recession to external challenges. The question is whether these policies can pull the U.S. economy out of recession or if their consequences will ultimately spill over into the global economy.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that the flight of unidentified drones over Polish airspace has sounded a new alarm for European security; an incident that, despite its limited scale, sent severe tremors through the foundations of NATO and U.S.-Europe relations. The situation became more complicated when Polish officials accused Russia of violating its airspace. At the same time, the Kremlin denied such accusations, and some sources even suggested that Ukraine was the origin of these drones. The importance of the issue lies in the fact that Poland, unlike Ukraine, is a member of NATO, and any attack on its territory could trigger the alliance’s collective defense clause. However, Donald Trump’s cold and ambiguous reaction to the drone incident left Europeans questioning whether Washington would be willing to defend its allies if the crisis escalates. Meanwhile, NATO has launched the “Eastern Guardian” operation to demonstrate its strength on its eastern borders. Still, at the same time, there are signs of hesitation and division among Western countries. These developments have shifted the balance of power in the Ukraine war into a new phase; a war in which Moscow is not retreating from its positions, Europe has no clear strategy to contain the crisis, and the U.S. shows no willingness to confront Russia directly.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated: The United Nations Security Council recently, in an emergency meeting, condemned the Israeli regime’s attack on Doha and, in a joint statement, called for an immediate cessation of tensions and full respect for Qatar’s national sovereignty. This statement, issued by consensus of all 15 Security Council members, while declaring solidarity with Qatar and speaking about the victimization of civilians and the necessity of a ceasefire in Gaza, did not mention the Israeli regime by name; a silence that itself carries contradictory messages. In other words, this statement was more of a political message to Tel Aviv than a legally binding instrument against the Israeli regime, stating that the international community considers attacking peace mediators a red line. However, currently, there is no will to exert practical pressure on this regime.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior European affairs analyst stated that Russia’s sharp reaction to the decision by Britain and the European Union to use Moscow’s frozen assets in favor of Ukraine has once again revealed new dimensions of the West’s economic war against Russia. The Russian embassy in London described the allocation of over one billion pounds of its blocked funds to purchase weapons for Ukraine as a “criminal act”. It warned that such policies would not only weaken London’s financial and political credibility in the world but would also not go unanswered. Simultaneously, the European Commission is also considering transferring 200 billion euros of Russian assets for the reconstruction of Ukraine—a decision that Moscow has described as a clear violation of international law.
Experts believe that by arming Ukraine using Russia’s frozen resources, the West has not only escalated the level of economic confrontation but has also challenged the traditional rules of the international financial and trade system. While Russia is seeking ways to circumvent sanctions through some of its partners, Europe and Britain are also determined to maintain pressure. It appears that this economic war is no longer confined to the conflict over Ukraine, and its effects will continue for years to come, redefining international relations and creating new geopolitical blocs.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The intensification of U.S. sanctions against Iran on the eve of the U.S. midterm elections indicates Washington’s inability to achieve its war objectives.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The competition between Washington and Beijing over chips and artificial intelligence, simultaneously with the shifting of technological balances, has taken on new economic and security dimensions.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit has created a new opportunity for Iran to transform its membership from a political achievement into economic and transit cooperation.
Strategic Council Online – Note: The Makkah Defense Pact can be seen as a sign of regional countries’ efforts to reduce security dependence on extra-regional powers and redefine the balance in West Asia.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Ukraine war, by exhausting US military capability on one hand and strengthening European defense capacity on the other, has altered the balance of power in the European continent, cast uncertainty over NATO’s future, and is driving it toward a European NATO.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The dissolution of the SDF, although considered an achievement for Turkey’s security, does not put an end to the challenges arising from the Israeli regime’s aggression and expansionism, refugees, and Syria’s fragility.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Concurrent with the official commencement of the United States’ economic war against our country, focusing on sanctions instruments, isolation, and economic pressure, what has now become increasingly important is the lack of alignment of other major global powers, especially China, with this policy.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The new US sanctions against Iran, despite extensive propaganda, face serious obstacles to success due to the ineffectiveness of sanctions tools and opposition from some of Tehran’s trading partners.