SCFR Online – Opinion: The future of the so-called Trump peace plan for Gaza, despite claims of an agreement on Hamas’s disarmament, remains shrouded in ambiguity due to structural deficiencies and opposition from key actors.
SCFR Online – Opinion: An examination of the mechanisms of the Israeli regime’s influence in the United States depicts a complex picture of shared interests, strategic dependencies, and the limitations of this relationship.
SCFR Online – Interview: The signing of the Makkah agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey has raised questions about the future of the region’s security structure and the position of these countries in West Asian equations. Can this agreement become a genuine collective defense mechanism, or does it have more of a political and deterrent function than creating new military capacity?
SCFR Online – Opinion: The continuation of the US war against Iran, in addition to increasing operational costs, has called into question the actual capacity of the American arsenal to simultaneously fulfill security commitments on multiple fronts; an issue that affects deterrence, defense production capacity, and Washington’s resource prioritization.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Russia-Ukraine war and the war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran have been formed with different objectives and actors, but field and political developments indicate that they are not entirely separate from one another.
SCFR Online – Opinion: On Friday, August 7, the heads of state of three countries – Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan – signed a text under the title “Makkah Joint Defense Agreement.”
Strategic Council Online – Note: The initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway, beyond being a transportation project, constitutes an attempt to redefine geopolitics, the economy, and Turkey’s regional position; however, its realization appears to face significant financial, security, and institutional challenges.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Strait of Hormuz crisis is no longer merely the consequence of a military confrontation, but rather a sign of the transition from the US-centered maritime order to a new energy security structure involving the participation of emerging and influential powers.
Strategy Council Online – Opinion: At the recent summit of European Union leaders and China, held in Beijing to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the parties once again sought to redefine their relationship in an atmosphere filled with mutual opportunities and threats. While the European Union emphasized the need to deepen cooperation with China, particularly in combating climate change and removing trade barriers, the heavy shadow of the Ukraine crisis and the escalating geopolitical tensions between Washington and Beijing pushed the talks to an unprecedented level of prudence and caution.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on Arab world affairs said: One of the Zionist regime’s primary motives for insisting on disarming Hezbollah is to create a security vacuum in Lebanon so that, if needed, the possibility of attacking it again is provided. Today, Lebanon is witnessing one of its most sensitive political junctures in recent years; the Lebanese cabinet, in its recent session chaired by Najib Mikati, the country’s Prime Minister, approved the content of the US proposal for disarming Hezbollah and monopolizing weapons in the hands of the army, despite opposition from some ministers. The US proposal, which has faced firm opposition from the Hezbollah, was brought to Beirut by Thomas Barrack, the US Special Envoy, and with a paternalistic approach, considers disarming the Hezbollah a precondition for starting any dialogue and border demarcation, explicitly stating that this plan must either be entirely accepted or Lebanon must accept the consequences of its rejection.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior West Asia affairs analyst stated: The explicit support of Spain, Ireland, Portugal, and some political factions in the Netherlands and Britain for France’s decision to recognize the Palestinian state indicates that the public atmosphere in Europe is changing. Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, has announced that in September, coinciding with the United Nations General Assembly, his government will recognize the State of Palestine. This decision, amid the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and the continuation of the Israeli regime’s military attacks, is considered a significant step in the diplomatic arena. Of course, it should not go unmentioned that France, as one of the founders of the Israeli regime’s nuclear program and a member of the Rome Statute, has a past full of legal and moral responsibilities towards this regime. In this vein, many analysts believe that if France wants to go beyond this symbolic decision and truly play a role in changing international relations regarding the Palestinian crisis, now is the time to reexamine its historical past.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The recent visit of the President of Iran to Islamabad, which went beyond a conventional diplomatic meeting, is regarded as a fundamental step towards deepening and expanding bilateral strategic relations as well as influencing the regional balance of power. This visit took place at a time when the region and the world are witnessing rapid and complex developments, and Iran seeks to redefine and strengthen its axes of cooperation with its traditional and regional partners.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An American affairs analyst stated: Although only seven months have passed since the beginning of Donald Trump’s second term in the White House, the administration’s official narrative of economic performance has again become a contentious subject in American academic, media, and expert circles. Statistics recently released by the Trump administration on economic indicators appear to suggest economic revival, reduced inflation, and a strengthened labor market. However, when these statistics are juxtaposed with independent data and credible surveys, a different and concerning picture of the U.S. economy’s real condition emerges. Rising unemployment rates, declining employment growth, falling labor force participation, consumer inflation exceeding optimal levels, and widespread public dissatisfaction with living costs are the most significant indicators challenging the Trump administration’s narrative. This comes as Trump, repeating his “Make America Great Again” slogan, had promised that protective trade policies and heavy tariffs would increase domestic employment and enhance the competitiveness of U.S. industries. Yet according to many economists and market observers, these policies have not only failed to revive the economy but have instead increased production costs, burdened domestic consumers, and disrupted global supply chains.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A researcher on West Asian affairs stated: The 12-day war of the Israeli regime against Iran, despite its aggressive and destructive nature, can turn into a strategic opportunity for our country; a chance to legitimize defense policies and strengthen the Resistance Discourse in the international system. In a world where public opinion plays an increasing role in shaping policies, effective narrative-building about this war is the key to turning threat into opportunity. Iran, relying on public diplomacy and transnational media, can present the Israeli regime’s attacks as a blatant violation of international law and emphasize its legitimate right to defense and deterrence. Furthermore, by portraying itself as logical, resistant, and oppressed, it can pave the way for increased regional and global empathy. Ultimately, this war can provide a platform for domestic consensus, cohesion of the Resistance Axis, and redefining Iran’s position as a responsible actor in regional security equations.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international security analyst stated: The Trump administration’s environmental deregulation policies will inflict serious and long-term damage on international security. The Donald Trump administration has adopted a controversial approach through extensive environmental deregulation policies, including revoking the 2009 scientific finding that identified greenhouse gases as a threat to public health. This decision, described by Lee Zeldin, head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as “the largest deregulation in American history,” not only weakens global efforts to combat global warming but will also have more destructive repercussions in the realm of international security.
Strategic Council Online Opinion: The 12-day imposed war, which began on June 12 of this year with the Zionist regime’s invasion of Iranian soil, marked one of the darkest chapters in Iran’s contemporary history. This conflict started with Israel’s surprise attacks on Iran’s military and nuclear facilities, as well as civilian targets, including several hospitals. It was accompanied by the targeted assassinations of military commanders and prominent nuclear scientists, the destruction of Evin Prison (resulting in 71 deaths), and the bombing of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB. The direct involvement of the U.S., through the bombing of Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities in Fordow and Isfahan, completed this tragedy. These actions not only constituted a blatant violation of international obligations, including the UN Charter, the Geneva Conventions, and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), but also imposed heavy legal and criminal responsibility on the U.S. and the Israeli regime.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that Iran’s hybrid and multidimensional diplomacy, if combined with a measured, flexible, and more effective approach, could lead to tangible domestic and international achievements. The world is transitioning toward a multipolar order in which power is more dispersed and distributed among multiple actors. In this context, Iran, by adopting an inclusive policy and emphasizing cooperation with alliances such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), seeks to reposition itself in the international system strategically. This policy goes beyond a reaction to the so-called Western-imposed isolation; it signifies a normative decision and choice to establish a fairer and more balanced order based on principles of justice, equality, and respect for national sovereignty. However, excessive reliance on specific alliances and blocs could limit Iran’s strategic options.
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that despite the internationally brokered ceasefire agreement reached a few days ago in Al-Suwayda, the Israeli regime’s movements in southern Syria continue. In this context, an important issue that has drawn public attention is Turkey’s reaction to these developments. By supporting Ahmed al-Shara (also known as Abu Muhammad al-Julene), Turkey managed to lay the groundwork for the fall of Bashar al-Assad and, in its view, solidify its foothold in the country. However, over the past few weeks, with the Zionist regime’s attacks on positions held by Julani’s forces in Syria and other areas, Ankara’s calculations in Syria have been significantly disrupted.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The future of the so-called Trump peace plan for Gaza, despite claims of an agreement on Hamas’s disarmament, remains shrouded in ambiguity due to structural deficiencies and opposition from key actors.
SCFR Online – Opinion: An examination of the mechanisms of the Israeli regime’s influence in the United States depicts a complex picture of shared interests, strategic dependencies, and the limitations of this relationship.
SCFR Online – Interview: The signing of the Makkah agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey has raised questions about the future of the region’s security structure and the position of these countries in West Asian equations. Can this agreement become a genuine collective defense mechanism, or does it have more of a political and deterrent function than creating new military capacity?
SCFR Online – Opinion: The continuation of the US war against Iran, in addition to increasing operational costs, has called into question the actual capacity of the American arsenal to simultaneously fulfill security commitments on multiple fronts; an issue that affects deterrence, defense production capacity, and Washington’s resource prioritization.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Russia-Ukraine war and the war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran have been formed with different objectives and actors, but field and political developments indicate that they are not entirely separate from one another.
SCFR Online – Opinion: On Friday, August 7, the heads of state of three countries – Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan – signed a text under the title “Makkah Joint Defense Agreement.”
Strategic Council Online – Note: The initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway, beyond being a transportation project, constitutes an attempt to redefine geopolitics, the economy, and Turkey’s regional position; however, its realization appears to face significant financial, security, and institutional challenges.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Strait of Hormuz crisis is no longer merely the consequence of a military confrontation, but rather a sign of the transition from the US-centered maritime order to a new energy security structure involving the participation of emerging and influential powers.
Strategy Council Online – Opinion: At the recent summit of European Union leaders and China, held in Beijing to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the parties once again sought to redefine their relationship in an atmosphere filled with mutual opportunities and threats. While the European Union emphasized the need to deepen cooperation with China, particularly in combating climate change and removing trade barriers, the heavy shadow of the Ukraine crisis and the escalating geopolitical tensions between Washington and Beijing pushed the talks to an unprecedented level of prudence and caution.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on Arab world affairs said: One of the Zionist regime’s primary motives for insisting on disarming Hezbollah is to create a security vacuum in Lebanon so that, if needed, the possibility of attacking it again is provided. Today, Lebanon is witnessing one of its most sensitive political junctures in recent years; the Lebanese cabinet, in its recent session chaired by Najib Mikati, the country’s Prime Minister, approved the content of the US proposal for disarming Hezbollah and monopolizing weapons in the hands of the army, despite opposition from some ministers. The US proposal, which has faced firm opposition from the Hezbollah, was brought to Beirut by Thomas Barrack, the US Special Envoy, and with a paternalistic approach, considers disarming the Hezbollah a precondition for starting any dialogue and border demarcation, explicitly stating that this plan must either be entirely accepted or Lebanon must accept the consequences of its rejection.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior West Asia affairs analyst stated: The explicit support of Spain, Ireland, Portugal, and some political factions in the Netherlands and Britain for France’s decision to recognize the Palestinian state indicates that the public atmosphere in Europe is changing. Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, has announced that in September, coinciding with the United Nations General Assembly, his government will recognize the State of Palestine. This decision, amid the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and the continuation of the Israeli regime’s military attacks, is considered a significant step in the diplomatic arena. Of course, it should not go unmentioned that France, as one of the founders of the Israeli regime’s nuclear program and a member of the Rome Statute, has a past full of legal and moral responsibilities towards this regime. In this vein, many analysts believe that if France wants to go beyond this symbolic decision and truly play a role in changing international relations regarding the Palestinian crisis, now is the time to reexamine its historical past.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The recent visit of the President of Iran to Islamabad, which went beyond a conventional diplomatic meeting, is regarded as a fundamental step towards deepening and expanding bilateral strategic relations as well as influencing the regional balance of power. This visit took place at a time when the region and the world are witnessing rapid and complex developments, and Iran seeks to redefine and strengthen its axes of cooperation with its traditional and regional partners.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An American affairs analyst stated: Although only seven months have passed since the beginning of Donald Trump’s second term in the White House, the administration’s official narrative of economic performance has again become a contentious subject in American academic, media, and expert circles. Statistics recently released by the Trump administration on economic indicators appear to suggest economic revival, reduced inflation, and a strengthened labor market. However, when these statistics are juxtaposed with independent data and credible surveys, a different and concerning picture of the U.S. economy’s real condition emerges. Rising unemployment rates, declining employment growth, falling labor force participation, consumer inflation exceeding optimal levels, and widespread public dissatisfaction with living costs are the most significant indicators challenging the Trump administration’s narrative. This comes as Trump, repeating his “Make America Great Again” slogan, had promised that protective trade policies and heavy tariffs would increase domestic employment and enhance the competitiveness of U.S. industries. Yet according to many economists and market observers, these policies have not only failed to revive the economy but have instead increased production costs, burdened domestic consumers, and disrupted global supply chains.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A researcher on West Asian affairs stated: The 12-day war of the Israeli regime against Iran, despite its aggressive and destructive nature, can turn into a strategic opportunity for our country; a chance to legitimize defense policies and strengthen the Resistance Discourse in the international system. In a world where public opinion plays an increasing role in shaping policies, effective narrative-building about this war is the key to turning threat into opportunity. Iran, relying on public diplomacy and transnational media, can present the Israeli regime’s attacks as a blatant violation of international law and emphasize its legitimate right to defense and deterrence. Furthermore, by portraying itself as logical, resistant, and oppressed, it can pave the way for increased regional and global empathy. Ultimately, this war can provide a platform for domestic consensus, cohesion of the Resistance Axis, and redefining Iran’s position as a responsible actor in regional security equations.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international security analyst stated: The Trump administration’s environmental deregulation policies will inflict serious and long-term damage on international security. The Donald Trump administration has adopted a controversial approach through extensive environmental deregulation policies, including revoking the 2009 scientific finding that identified greenhouse gases as a threat to public health. This decision, described by Lee Zeldin, head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as “the largest deregulation in American history,” not only weakens global efforts to combat global warming but will also have more destructive repercussions in the realm of international security.
Strategic Council Online Opinion: The 12-day imposed war, which began on June 12 of this year with the Zionist regime’s invasion of Iranian soil, marked one of the darkest chapters in Iran’s contemporary history. This conflict started with Israel’s surprise attacks on Iran’s military and nuclear facilities, as well as civilian targets, including several hospitals. It was accompanied by the targeted assassinations of military commanders and prominent nuclear scientists, the destruction of Evin Prison (resulting in 71 deaths), and the bombing of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB. The direct involvement of the U.S., through the bombing of Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities in Fordow and Isfahan, completed this tragedy. These actions not only constituted a blatant violation of international obligations, including the UN Charter, the Geneva Conventions, and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), but also imposed heavy legal and criminal responsibility on the U.S. and the Israeli regime.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that Iran’s hybrid and multidimensional diplomacy, if combined with a measured, flexible, and more effective approach, could lead to tangible domestic and international achievements. The world is transitioning toward a multipolar order in which power is more dispersed and distributed among multiple actors. In this context, Iran, by adopting an inclusive policy and emphasizing cooperation with alliances such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), seeks to reposition itself in the international system strategically. This policy goes beyond a reaction to the so-called Western-imposed isolation; it signifies a normative decision and choice to establish a fairer and more balanced order based on principles of justice, equality, and respect for national sovereignty. However, excessive reliance on specific alliances and blocs could limit Iran’s strategic options.
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that despite the internationally brokered ceasefire agreement reached a few days ago in Al-Suwayda, the Israeli regime’s movements in southern Syria continue. In this context, an important issue that has drawn public attention is Turkey’s reaction to these developments. By supporting Ahmed al-Shara (also known as Abu Muhammad al-Julene), Turkey managed to lay the groundwork for the fall of Bashar al-Assad and, in its view, solidify its foothold in the country. However, over the past few weeks, with the Zionist regime’s attacks on positions held by Julani’s forces in Syria and other areas, Ankara’s calculations in Syria have been significantly disrupted.
Strategy Council Online – Opinion: At the recent summit of European Union leaders and China, held in Beijing to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the parties once again sought to redefine their relationship in an atmosphere filled with mutual opportunities and threats. While the European Union emphasized the need to deepen cooperation with China, particularly in combating climate change and removing trade barriers, the heavy shadow of the Ukraine crisis and the escalating geopolitical tensions between Washington and Beijing pushed the talks to an unprecedented level of prudence and caution.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on Arab world affairs said: One of the Zionist regime’s primary motives for insisting on disarming Hezbollah is to create a security vacuum in Lebanon so that, if needed, the possibility of attacking it again is provided. Today, Lebanon is witnessing one of its most sensitive political junctures in recent years; the Lebanese cabinet, in its recent session chaired by Najib Mikati, the country’s Prime Minister, approved the content of the US proposal for disarming Hezbollah and monopolizing weapons in the hands of the army, despite opposition from some ministers. The US proposal, which has faced firm opposition from the Hezbollah, was brought to Beirut by Thomas Barrack, the US Special Envoy, and with a paternalistic approach, considers disarming the Hezbollah a precondition for starting any dialogue and border demarcation, explicitly stating that this plan must either be entirely accepted or Lebanon must accept the consequences of its rejection.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior West Asia affairs analyst stated: The explicit support of Spain, Ireland, Portugal, and some political factions in the Netherlands and Britain for France’s decision to recognize the Palestinian state indicates that the public atmosphere in Europe is changing. Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, has announced that in September, coinciding with the United Nations General Assembly, his government will recognize the State of Palestine. This decision, amid the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and the continuation of the Israeli regime’s military attacks, is considered a significant step in the diplomatic arena. Of course, it should not go unmentioned that France, as one of the founders of the Israeli regime’s nuclear program and a member of the Rome Statute, has a past full of legal and moral responsibilities towards this regime. In this vein, many analysts believe that if France wants to go beyond this symbolic decision and truly play a role in changing international relations regarding the Palestinian crisis, now is the time to reexamine its historical past.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The recent visit of the President of Iran to Islamabad, which went beyond a conventional diplomatic meeting, is regarded as a fundamental step towards deepening and expanding bilateral strategic relations as well as influencing the regional balance of power. This visit took place at a time when the region and the world are witnessing rapid and complex developments, and Iran seeks to redefine and strengthen its axes of cooperation with its traditional and regional partners.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An American affairs analyst stated: Although only seven months have passed since the beginning of Donald Trump’s second term in the White House, the administration’s official narrative of economic performance has again become a contentious subject in American academic, media, and expert circles. Statistics recently released by the Trump administration on economic indicators appear to suggest economic revival, reduced inflation, and a strengthened labor market. However, when these statistics are juxtaposed with independent data and credible surveys, a different and concerning picture of the U.S. economy’s real condition emerges. Rising unemployment rates, declining employment growth, falling labor force participation, consumer inflation exceeding optimal levels, and widespread public dissatisfaction with living costs are the most significant indicators challenging the Trump administration’s narrative. This comes as Trump, repeating his “Make America Great Again” slogan, had promised that protective trade policies and heavy tariffs would increase domestic employment and enhance the competitiveness of U.S. industries. Yet according to many economists and market observers, these policies have not only failed to revive the economy but have instead increased production costs, burdened domestic consumers, and disrupted global supply chains.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A researcher on West Asian affairs stated: The 12-day war of the Israeli regime against Iran, despite its aggressive and destructive nature, can turn into a strategic opportunity for our country; a chance to legitimize defense policies and strengthen the Resistance Discourse in the international system. In a world where public opinion plays an increasing role in shaping policies, effective narrative-building about this war is the key to turning threat into opportunity. Iran, relying on public diplomacy and transnational media, can present the Israeli regime’s attacks as a blatant violation of international law and emphasize its legitimate right to defense and deterrence. Furthermore, by portraying itself as logical, resistant, and oppressed, it can pave the way for increased regional and global empathy. Ultimately, this war can provide a platform for domestic consensus, cohesion of the Resistance Axis, and redefining Iran’s position as a responsible actor in regional security equations.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international security analyst stated: The Trump administration’s environmental deregulation policies will inflict serious and long-term damage on international security. The Donald Trump administration has adopted a controversial approach through extensive environmental deregulation policies, including revoking the 2009 scientific finding that identified greenhouse gases as a threat to public health. This decision, described by Lee Zeldin, head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as “the largest deregulation in American history,” not only weakens global efforts to combat global warming but will also have more destructive repercussions in the realm of international security.
Strategic Council Online Opinion: The 12-day imposed war, which began on June 12 of this year with the Zionist regime’s invasion of Iranian soil, marked one of the darkest chapters in Iran’s contemporary history. This conflict started with Israel’s surprise attacks on Iran’s military and nuclear facilities, as well as civilian targets, including several hospitals. It was accompanied by the targeted assassinations of military commanders and prominent nuclear scientists, the destruction of Evin Prison (resulting in 71 deaths), and the bombing of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB. The direct involvement of the U.S., through the bombing of Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities in Fordow and Isfahan, completed this tragedy. These actions not only constituted a blatant violation of international obligations, including the UN Charter, the Geneva Conventions, and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), but also imposed heavy legal and criminal responsibility on the U.S. and the Israeli regime.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that Iran’s hybrid and multidimensional diplomacy, if combined with a measured, flexible, and more effective approach, could lead to tangible domestic and international achievements. The world is transitioning toward a multipolar order in which power is more dispersed and distributed among multiple actors. In this context, Iran, by adopting an inclusive policy and emphasizing cooperation with alliances such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), seeks to reposition itself in the international system strategically. This policy goes beyond a reaction to the so-called Western-imposed isolation; it signifies a normative decision and choice to establish a fairer and more balanced order based on principles of justice, equality, and respect for national sovereignty. However, excessive reliance on specific alliances and blocs could limit Iran’s strategic options.
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that despite the internationally brokered ceasefire agreement reached a few days ago in Al-Suwayda, the Israeli regime’s movements in southern Syria continue. In this context, an important issue that has drawn public attention is Turkey’s reaction to these developments. By supporting Ahmed al-Shara (also known as Abu Muhammad al-Julene), Turkey managed to lay the groundwork for the fall of Bashar al-Assad and, in its view, solidify its foothold in the country. However, over the past few weeks, with the Zionist regime’s attacks on positions held by Julani’s forces in Syria and other areas, Ankara’s calculations in Syria have been significantly disrupted.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The future of the so-called Trump peace plan for Gaza, despite claims of an agreement on Hamas’s disarmament, remains shrouded in ambiguity due to structural deficiencies and opposition from key actors.
SCFR Online – Opinion: An examination of the mechanisms of the Israeli regime’s influence in the United States depicts a complex picture of shared interests, strategic dependencies, and the limitations of this relationship.
SCFR Online – Interview: The signing of the Makkah agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey has raised questions about the future of the region’s security structure and the position of these countries in West Asian equations. Can this agreement become a genuine collective defense mechanism, or does it have more of a political and deterrent function than creating new military capacity?
SCFR Online – Opinion: The continuation of the US war against Iran, in addition to increasing operational costs, has called into question the actual capacity of the American arsenal to simultaneously fulfill security commitments on multiple fronts; an issue that affects deterrence, defense production capacity, and Washington’s resource prioritization.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Russia-Ukraine war and the war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran have been formed with different objectives and actors, but field and political developments indicate that they are not entirely separate from one another.
SCFR Online – Opinion: On Friday, August 7, the heads of state of three countries – Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan – signed a text under the title “Makkah Joint Defense Agreement.”
Strategic Council Online – Note: The initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway, beyond being a transportation project, constitutes an attempt to redefine geopolitics, the economy, and Turkey’s regional position; however, its realization appears to face significant financial, security, and institutional challenges.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Strait of Hormuz crisis is no longer merely the consequence of a military confrontation, but rather a sign of the transition from the US-centered maritime order to a new energy security structure involving the participation of emerging and influential powers.
Strategy Council Online – Opinion: At the recent summit of European Union leaders and China, held in Beijing to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the parties once again sought to redefine their relationship in an atmosphere filled with mutual opportunities and threats. While the European Union emphasized the need to deepen cooperation with China, particularly in combating climate change and removing trade barriers, the heavy shadow of the Ukraine crisis and the escalating geopolitical tensions between Washington and Beijing pushed the talks to an unprecedented level of prudence and caution.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on Arab world affairs said: One of the Zionist regime’s primary motives for insisting on disarming Hezbollah is to create a security vacuum in Lebanon so that, if needed, the possibility of attacking it again is provided. Today, Lebanon is witnessing one of its most sensitive political junctures in recent years; the Lebanese cabinet, in its recent session chaired by Najib Mikati, the country’s Prime Minister, approved the content of the US proposal for disarming Hezbollah and monopolizing weapons in the hands of the army, despite opposition from some ministers. The US proposal, which has faced firm opposition from the Hezbollah, was brought to Beirut by Thomas Barrack, the US Special Envoy, and with a paternalistic approach, considers disarming the Hezbollah a precondition for starting any dialogue and border demarcation, explicitly stating that this plan must either be entirely accepted or Lebanon must accept the consequences of its rejection.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior West Asia affairs analyst stated: The explicit support of Spain, Ireland, Portugal, and some political factions in the Netherlands and Britain for France’s decision to recognize the Palestinian state indicates that the public atmosphere in Europe is changing. Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, has announced that in September, coinciding with the United Nations General Assembly, his government will recognize the State of Palestine. This decision, amid the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and the continuation of the Israeli regime’s military attacks, is considered a significant step in the diplomatic arena. Of course, it should not go unmentioned that France, as one of the founders of the Israeli regime’s nuclear program and a member of the Rome Statute, has a past full of legal and moral responsibilities towards this regime. In this vein, many analysts believe that if France wants to go beyond this symbolic decision and truly play a role in changing international relations regarding the Palestinian crisis, now is the time to reexamine its historical past.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The recent visit of the President of Iran to Islamabad, which went beyond a conventional diplomatic meeting, is regarded as a fundamental step towards deepening and expanding bilateral strategic relations as well as influencing the regional balance of power. This visit took place at a time when the region and the world are witnessing rapid and complex developments, and Iran seeks to redefine and strengthen its axes of cooperation with its traditional and regional partners.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An American affairs analyst stated: Although only seven months have passed since the beginning of Donald Trump’s second term in the White House, the administration’s official narrative of economic performance has again become a contentious subject in American academic, media, and expert circles. Statistics recently released by the Trump administration on economic indicators appear to suggest economic revival, reduced inflation, and a strengthened labor market. However, when these statistics are juxtaposed with independent data and credible surveys, a different and concerning picture of the U.S. economy’s real condition emerges. Rising unemployment rates, declining employment growth, falling labor force participation, consumer inflation exceeding optimal levels, and widespread public dissatisfaction with living costs are the most significant indicators challenging the Trump administration’s narrative. This comes as Trump, repeating his “Make America Great Again” slogan, had promised that protective trade policies and heavy tariffs would increase domestic employment and enhance the competitiveness of U.S. industries. Yet according to many economists and market observers, these policies have not only failed to revive the economy but have instead increased production costs, burdened domestic consumers, and disrupted global supply chains.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A researcher on West Asian affairs stated: The 12-day war of the Israeli regime against Iran, despite its aggressive and destructive nature, can turn into a strategic opportunity for our country; a chance to legitimize defense policies and strengthen the Resistance Discourse in the international system. In a world where public opinion plays an increasing role in shaping policies, effective narrative-building about this war is the key to turning threat into opportunity. Iran, relying on public diplomacy and transnational media, can present the Israeli regime’s attacks as a blatant violation of international law and emphasize its legitimate right to defense and deterrence. Furthermore, by portraying itself as logical, resistant, and oppressed, it can pave the way for increased regional and global empathy. Ultimately, this war can provide a platform for domestic consensus, cohesion of the Resistance Axis, and redefining Iran’s position as a responsible actor in regional security equations.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international security analyst stated: The Trump administration’s environmental deregulation policies will inflict serious and long-term damage on international security. The Donald Trump administration has adopted a controversial approach through extensive environmental deregulation policies, including revoking the 2009 scientific finding that identified greenhouse gases as a threat to public health. This decision, described by Lee Zeldin, head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as “the largest deregulation in American history,” not only weakens global efforts to combat global warming but will also have more destructive repercussions in the realm of international security.
Strategic Council Online Opinion: The 12-day imposed war, which began on June 12 of this year with the Zionist regime’s invasion of Iranian soil, marked one of the darkest chapters in Iran’s contemporary history. This conflict started with Israel’s surprise attacks on Iran’s military and nuclear facilities, as well as civilian targets, including several hospitals. It was accompanied by the targeted assassinations of military commanders and prominent nuclear scientists, the destruction of Evin Prison (resulting in 71 deaths), and the bombing of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB. The direct involvement of the U.S., through the bombing of Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities in Fordow and Isfahan, completed this tragedy. These actions not only constituted a blatant violation of international obligations, including the UN Charter, the Geneva Conventions, and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), but also imposed heavy legal and criminal responsibility on the U.S. and the Israeli regime.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that Iran’s hybrid and multidimensional diplomacy, if combined with a measured, flexible, and more effective approach, could lead to tangible domestic and international achievements. The world is transitioning toward a multipolar order in which power is more dispersed and distributed among multiple actors. In this context, Iran, by adopting an inclusive policy and emphasizing cooperation with alliances such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), seeks to reposition itself in the international system strategically. This policy goes beyond a reaction to the so-called Western-imposed isolation; it signifies a normative decision and choice to establish a fairer and more balanced order based on principles of justice, equality, and respect for national sovereignty. However, excessive reliance on specific alliances and blocs could limit Iran’s strategic options.
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that despite the internationally brokered ceasefire agreement reached a few days ago in Al-Suwayda, the Israeli regime’s movements in southern Syria continue. In this context, an important issue that has drawn public attention is Turkey’s reaction to these developments. By supporting Ahmed al-Shara (also known as Abu Muhammad al-Julene), Turkey managed to lay the groundwork for the fall of Bashar al-Assad and, in its view, solidify its foothold in the country. However, over the past few weeks, with the Zionist regime’s attacks on positions held by Julani’s forces in Syria and other areas, Ankara’s calculations in Syria have been significantly disrupted.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The future of the so-called Trump peace plan for Gaza, despite claims of an agreement on Hamas’s disarmament, remains shrouded in ambiguity due to structural deficiencies and opposition from key actors.
SCFR Online – Opinion: An examination of the mechanisms of the Israeli regime’s influence in the United States depicts a complex picture of shared interests, strategic dependencies, and the limitations of this relationship.
SCFR Online – Interview: The signing of the Makkah agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey has raised questions about the future of the region’s security structure and the position of these countries in West Asian equations. Can this agreement become a genuine collective defense mechanism, or does it have more of a political and deterrent function than creating new military capacity?
SCFR Online – Opinion: The continuation of the US war against Iran, in addition to increasing operational costs, has called into question the actual capacity of the American arsenal to simultaneously fulfill security commitments on multiple fronts; an issue that affects deterrence, defense production capacity, and Washington’s resource prioritization.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Russia-Ukraine war and the war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran have been formed with different objectives and actors, but field and political developments indicate that they are not entirely separate from one another.
SCFR Online – Opinion: On Friday, August 7, the heads of state of three countries – Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan – signed a text under the title “Makkah Joint Defense Agreement.”
Strategic Council Online – Note: The initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway, beyond being a transportation project, constitutes an attempt to redefine geopolitics, the economy, and Turkey’s regional position; however, its realization appears to face significant financial, security, and institutional challenges.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Strait of Hormuz crisis is no longer merely the consequence of a military confrontation, but rather a sign of the transition from the US-centered maritime order to a new energy security structure involving the participation of emerging and influential powers.
Strategy Council Online – Opinion: At the recent summit of European Union leaders and China, held in Beijing to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the parties once again sought to redefine their relationship in an atmosphere filled with mutual opportunities and threats. While the European Union emphasized the need to deepen cooperation with China, particularly in combating climate change and removing trade barriers, the heavy shadow of the Ukraine crisis and the escalating geopolitical tensions between Washington and Beijing pushed the talks to an unprecedented level of prudence and caution.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on Arab world affairs said: One of the Zionist regime’s primary motives for insisting on disarming Hezbollah is to create a security vacuum in Lebanon so that, if needed, the possibility of attacking it again is provided. Today, Lebanon is witnessing one of its most sensitive political junctures in recent years; the Lebanese cabinet, in its recent session chaired by Najib Mikati, the country’s Prime Minister, approved the content of the US proposal for disarming Hezbollah and monopolizing weapons in the hands of the army, despite opposition from some ministers. The US proposal, which has faced firm opposition from the Hezbollah, was brought to Beirut by Thomas Barrack, the US Special Envoy, and with a paternalistic approach, considers disarming the Hezbollah a precondition for starting any dialogue and border demarcation, explicitly stating that this plan must either be entirely accepted or Lebanon must accept the consequences of its rejection.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior West Asia affairs analyst stated: The explicit support of Spain, Ireland, Portugal, and some political factions in the Netherlands and Britain for France’s decision to recognize the Palestinian state indicates that the public atmosphere in Europe is changing. Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, has announced that in September, coinciding with the United Nations General Assembly, his government will recognize the State of Palestine. This decision, amid the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and the continuation of the Israeli regime’s military attacks, is considered a significant step in the diplomatic arena. Of course, it should not go unmentioned that France, as one of the founders of the Israeli regime’s nuclear program and a member of the Rome Statute, has a past full of legal and moral responsibilities towards this regime. In this vein, many analysts believe that if France wants to go beyond this symbolic decision and truly play a role in changing international relations regarding the Palestinian crisis, now is the time to reexamine its historical past.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The recent visit of the President of Iran to Islamabad, which went beyond a conventional diplomatic meeting, is regarded as a fundamental step towards deepening and expanding bilateral strategic relations as well as influencing the regional balance of power. This visit took place at a time when the region and the world are witnessing rapid and complex developments, and Iran seeks to redefine and strengthen its axes of cooperation with its traditional and regional partners.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An American affairs analyst stated: Although only seven months have passed since the beginning of Donald Trump’s second term in the White House, the administration’s official narrative of economic performance has again become a contentious subject in American academic, media, and expert circles. Statistics recently released by the Trump administration on economic indicators appear to suggest economic revival, reduced inflation, and a strengthened labor market. However, when these statistics are juxtaposed with independent data and credible surveys, a different and concerning picture of the U.S. economy’s real condition emerges. Rising unemployment rates, declining employment growth, falling labor force participation, consumer inflation exceeding optimal levels, and widespread public dissatisfaction with living costs are the most significant indicators challenging the Trump administration’s narrative. This comes as Trump, repeating his “Make America Great Again” slogan, had promised that protective trade policies and heavy tariffs would increase domestic employment and enhance the competitiveness of U.S. industries. Yet according to many economists and market observers, these policies have not only failed to revive the economy but have instead increased production costs, burdened domestic consumers, and disrupted global supply chains.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A researcher on West Asian affairs stated: The 12-day war of the Israeli regime against Iran, despite its aggressive and destructive nature, can turn into a strategic opportunity for our country; a chance to legitimize defense policies and strengthen the Resistance Discourse in the international system. In a world where public opinion plays an increasing role in shaping policies, effective narrative-building about this war is the key to turning threat into opportunity. Iran, relying on public diplomacy and transnational media, can present the Israeli regime’s attacks as a blatant violation of international law and emphasize its legitimate right to defense and deterrence. Furthermore, by portraying itself as logical, resistant, and oppressed, it can pave the way for increased regional and global empathy. Ultimately, this war can provide a platform for domestic consensus, cohesion of the Resistance Axis, and redefining Iran’s position as a responsible actor in regional security equations.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international security analyst stated: The Trump administration’s environmental deregulation policies will inflict serious and long-term damage on international security. The Donald Trump administration has adopted a controversial approach through extensive environmental deregulation policies, including revoking the 2009 scientific finding that identified greenhouse gases as a threat to public health. This decision, described by Lee Zeldin, head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as “the largest deregulation in American history,” not only weakens global efforts to combat global warming but will also have more destructive repercussions in the realm of international security.
Strategic Council Online Opinion: The 12-day imposed war, which began on June 12 of this year with the Zionist regime’s invasion of Iranian soil, marked one of the darkest chapters in Iran’s contemporary history. This conflict started with Israel’s surprise attacks on Iran’s military and nuclear facilities, as well as civilian targets, including several hospitals. It was accompanied by the targeted assassinations of military commanders and prominent nuclear scientists, the destruction of Evin Prison (resulting in 71 deaths), and the bombing of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB. The direct involvement of the U.S., through the bombing of Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities in Fordow and Isfahan, completed this tragedy. These actions not only constituted a blatant violation of international obligations, including the UN Charter, the Geneva Conventions, and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), but also imposed heavy legal and criminal responsibility on the U.S. and the Israeli regime.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that Iran’s hybrid and multidimensional diplomacy, if combined with a measured, flexible, and more effective approach, could lead to tangible domestic and international achievements. The world is transitioning toward a multipolar order in which power is more dispersed and distributed among multiple actors. In this context, Iran, by adopting an inclusive policy and emphasizing cooperation with alliances such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), seeks to reposition itself in the international system strategically. This policy goes beyond a reaction to the so-called Western-imposed isolation; it signifies a normative decision and choice to establish a fairer and more balanced order based on principles of justice, equality, and respect for national sovereignty. However, excessive reliance on specific alliances and blocs could limit Iran’s strategic options.
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that despite the internationally brokered ceasefire agreement reached a few days ago in Al-Suwayda, the Israeli regime’s movements in southern Syria continue. In this context, an important issue that has drawn public attention is Turkey’s reaction to these developments. By supporting Ahmed al-Shara (also known as Abu Muhammad al-Julene), Turkey managed to lay the groundwork for the fall of Bashar al-Assad and, in its view, solidify its foothold in the country. However, over the past few weeks, with the Zionist regime’s attacks on positions held by Julani’s forces in Syria and other areas, Ankara’s calculations in Syria have been significantly disrupted.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The future of the so-called Trump peace plan for Gaza, despite claims of an agreement on Hamas’s disarmament, remains shrouded in ambiguity due to structural deficiencies and opposition from key actors.
SCFR Online – Opinion: An examination of the mechanisms of the Israeli regime’s influence in the United States depicts a complex picture of shared interests, strategic dependencies, and the limitations of this relationship.
SCFR Online – Interview: The signing of the Makkah agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey has raised questions about the future of the region’s security structure and the position of these countries in West Asian equations. Can this agreement become a genuine collective defense mechanism, or does it have more of a political and deterrent function than creating new military capacity?
SCFR Online – Opinion: The continuation of the US war against Iran, in addition to increasing operational costs, has called into question the actual capacity of the American arsenal to simultaneously fulfill security commitments on multiple fronts; an issue that affects deterrence, defense production capacity, and Washington’s resource prioritization.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Russia-Ukraine war and the war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran have been formed with different objectives and actors, but field and political developments indicate that they are not entirely separate from one another.
SCFR Online – Opinion: On Friday, August 7, the heads of state of three countries – Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan – signed a text under the title “Makkah Joint Defense Agreement.”
Strategic Council Online – Note: The initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway, beyond being a transportation project, constitutes an attempt to redefine geopolitics, the economy, and Turkey’s regional position; however, its realization appears to face significant financial, security, and institutional challenges.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Strait of Hormuz crisis is no longer merely the consequence of a military confrontation, but rather a sign of the transition from the US-centered maritime order to a new energy security structure involving the participation of emerging and influential powers.
Strategy Council Online – Opinion: At the recent summit of European Union leaders and China, held in Beijing to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the parties once again sought to redefine their relationship in an atmosphere filled with mutual opportunities and threats. While the European Union emphasized the need to deepen cooperation with China, particularly in combating climate change and removing trade barriers, the heavy shadow of the Ukraine crisis and the escalating geopolitical tensions between Washington and Beijing pushed the talks to an unprecedented level of prudence and caution.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on Arab world affairs said: One of the Zionist regime’s primary motives for insisting on disarming Hezbollah is to create a security vacuum in Lebanon so that, if needed, the possibility of attacking it again is provided. Today, Lebanon is witnessing one of its most sensitive political junctures in recent years; the Lebanese cabinet, in its recent session chaired by Najib Mikati, the country’s Prime Minister, approved the content of the US proposal for disarming Hezbollah and monopolizing weapons in the hands of the army, despite opposition from some ministers. The US proposal, which has faced firm opposition from the Hezbollah, was brought to Beirut by Thomas Barrack, the US Special Envoy, and with a paternalistic approach, considers disarming the Hezbollah a precondition for starting any dialogue and border demarcation, explicitly stating that this plan must either be entirely accepted or Lebanon must accept the consequences of its rejection.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior West Asia affairs analyst stated: The explicit support of Spain, Ireland, Portugal, and some political factions in the Netherlands and Britain for France’s decision to recognize the Palestinian state indicates that the public atmosphere in Europe is changing. Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, has announced that in September, coinciding with the United Nations General Assembly, his government will recognize the State of Palestine. This decision, amid the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and the continuation of the Israeli regime’s military attacks, is considered a significant step in the diplomatic arena. Of course, it should not go unmentioned that France, as one of the founders of the Israeli regime’s nuclear program and a member of the Rome Statute, has a past full of legal and moral responsibilities towards this regime. In this vein, many analysts believe that if France wants to go beyond this symbolic decision and truly play a role in changing international relations regarding the Palestinian crisis, now is the time to reexamine its historical past.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The recent visit of the President of Iran to Islamabad, which went beyond a conventional diplomatic meeting, is regarded as a fundamental step towards deepening and expanding bilateral strategic relations as well as influencing the regional balance of power. This visit took place at a time when the region and the world are witnessing rapid and complex developments, and Iran seeks to redefine and strengthen its axes of cooperation with its traditional and regional partners.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An American affairs analyst stated: Although only seven months have passed since the beginning of Donald Trump’s second term in the White House, the administration’s official narrative of economic performance has again become a contentious subject in American academic, media, and expert circles. Statistics recently released by the Trump administration on economic indicators appear to suggest economic revival, reduced inflation, and a strengthened labor market. However, when these statistics are juxtaposed with independent data and credible surveys, a different and concerning picture of the U.S. economy’s real condition emerges. Rising unemployment rates, declining employment growth, falling labor force participation, consumer inflation exceeding optimal levels, and widespread public dissatisfaction with living costs are the most significant indicators challenging the Trump administration’s narrative. This comes as Trump, repeating his “Make America Great Again” slogan, had promised that protective trade policies and heavy tariffs would increase domestic employment and enhance the competitiveness of U.S. industries. Yet according to many economists and market observers, these policies have not only failed to revive the economy but have instead increased production costs, burdened domestic consumers, and disrupted global supply chains.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A researcher on West Asian affairs stated: The 12-day war of the Israeli regime against Iran, despite its aggressive and destructive nature, can turn into a strategic opportunity for our country; a chance to legitimize defense policies and strengthen the Resistance Discourse in the international system. In a world where public opinion plays an increasing role in shaping policies, effective narrative-building about this war is the key to turning threat into opportunity. Iran, relying on public diplomacy and transnational media, can present the Israeli regime’s attacks as a blatant violation of international law and emphasize its legitimate right to defense and deterrence. Furthermore, by portraying itself as logical, resistant, and oppressed, it can pave the way for increased regional and global empathy. Ultimately, this war can provide a platform for domestic consensus, cohesion of the Resistance Axis, and redefining Iran’s position as a responsible actor in regional security equations.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international security analyst stated: The Trump administration’s environmental deregulation policies will inflict serious and long-term damage on international security. The Donald Trump administration has adopted a controversial approach through extensive environmental deregulation policies, including revoking the 2009 scientific finding that identified greenhouse gases as a threat to public health. This decision, described by Lee Zeldin, head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as “the largest deregulation in American history,” not only weakens global efforts to combat global warming but will also have more destructive repercussions in the realm of international security.
Strategic Council Online Opinion: The 12-day imposed war, which began on June 12 of this year with the Zionist regime’s invasion of Iranian soil, marked one of the darkest chapters in Iran’s contemporary history. This conflict started with Israel’s surprise attacks on Iran’s military and nuclear facilities, as well as civilian targets, including several hospitals. It was accompanied by the targeted assassinations of military commanders and prominent nuclear scientists, the destruction of Evin Prison (resulting in 71 deaths), and the bombing of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB. The direct involvement of the U.S., through the bombing of Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities in Fordow and Isfahan, completed this tragedy. These actions not only constituted a blatant violation of international obligations, including the UN Charter, the Geneva Conventions, and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), but also imposed heavy legal and criminal responsibility on the U.S. and the Israeli regime.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that Iran’s hybrid and multidimensional diplomacy, if combined with a measured, flexible, and more effective approach, could lead to tangible domestic and international achievements. The world is transitioning toward a multipolar order in which power is more dispersed and distributed among multiple actors. In this context, Iran, by adopting an inclusive policy and emphasizing cooperation with alliances such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), seeks to reposition itself in the international system strategically. This policy goes beyond a reaction to the so-called Western-imposed isolation; it signifies a normative decision and choice to establish a fairer and more balanced order based on principles of justice, equality, and respect for national sovereignty. However, excessive reliance on specific alliances and blocs could limit Iran’s strategic options.
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that despite the internationally brokered ceasefire agreement reached a few days ago in Al-Suwayda, the Israeli regime’s movements in southern Syria continue. In this context, an important issue that has drawn public attention is Turkey’s reaction to these developments. By supporting Ahmed al-Shara (also known as Abu Muhammad al-Julene), Turkey managed to lay the groundwork for the fall of Bashar al-Assad and, in its view, solidify its foothold in the country. However, over the past few weeks, with the Zionist regime’s attacks on positions held by Julani’s forces in Syria and other areas, Ankara’s calculations in Syria have been significantly disrupted.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The future of the so-called Trump peace plan for Gaza, despite claims of an agreement on Hamas’s disarmament, remains shrouded in ambiguity due to structural deficiencies and opposition from key actors.
SCFR Online – Opinion: An examination of the mechanisms of the Israeli regime’s influence in the United States depicts a complex picture of shared interests, strategic dependencies, and the limitations of this relationship.
SCFR Online – Interview: The signing of the Makkah agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey has raised questions about the future of the region’s security structure and the position of these countries in West Asian equations. Can this agreement become a genuine collective defense mechanism, or does it have more of a political and deterrent function than creating new military capacity?
SCFR Online – Opinion: The continuation of the US war against Iran, in addition to increasing operational costs, has called into question the actual capacity of the American arsenal to simultaneously fulfill security commitments on multiple fronts; an issue that affects deterrence, defense production capacity, and Washington’s resource prioritization.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Russia-Ukraine war and the war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran have been formed with different objectives and actors, but field and political developments indicate that they are not entirely separate from one another.
SCFR Online – Opinion: On Friday, August 7, the heads of state of three countries – Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan – signed a text under the title “Makkah Joint Defense Agreement.”
Strategic Council Online – Note: The initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway, beyond being a transportation project, constitutes an attempt to redefine geopolitics, the economy, and Turkey’s regional position; however, its realization appears to face significant financial, security, and institutional challenges.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Strait of Hormuz crisis is no longer merely the consequence of a military confrontation, but rather a sign of the transition from the US-centered maritime order to a new energy security structure involving the participation of emerging and influential powers.
Strategy Council Online – Opinion: At the recent summit of European Union leaders and China, held in Beijing to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the parties once again sought to redefine their relationship in an atmosphere filled with mutual opportunities and threats. While the European Union emphasized the need to deepen cooperation with China, particularly in combating climate change and removing trade barriers, the heavy shadow of the Ukraine crisis and the escalating geopolitical tensions between Washington and Beijing pushed the talks to an unprecedented level of prudence and caution.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on Arab world affairs said: One of the Zionist regime’s primary motives for insisting on disarming Hezbollah is to create a security vacuum in Lebanon so that, if needed, the possibility of attacking it again is provided. Today, Lebanon is witnessing one of its most sensitive political junctures in recent years; the Lebanese cabinet, in its recent session chaired by Najib Mikati, the country’s Prime Minister, approved the content of the US proposal for disarming Hezbollah and monopolizing weapons in the hands of the army, despite opposition from some ministers. The US proposal, which has faced firm opposition from the Hezbollah, was brought to Beirut by Thomas Barrack, the US Special Envoy, and with a paternalistic approach, considers disarming the Hezbollah a precondition for starting any dialogue and border demarcation, explicitly stating that this plan must either be entirely accepted or Lebanon must accept the consequences of its rejection.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior West Asia affairs analyst stated: The explicit support of Spain, Ireland, Portugal, and some political factions in the Netherlands and Britain for France’s decision to recognize the Palestinian state indicates that the public atmosphere in Europe is changing. Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, has announced that in September, coinciding with the United Nations General Assembly, his government will recognize the State of Palestine. This decision, amid the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and the continuation of the Israeli regime’s military attacks, is considered a significant step in the diplomatic arena. Of course, it should not go unmentioned that France, as one of the founders of the Israeli regime’s nuclear program and a member of the Rome Statute, has a past full of legal and moral responsibilities towards this regime. In this vein, many analysts believe that if France wants to go beyond this symbolic decision and truly play a role in changing international relations regarding the Palestinian crisis, now is the time to reexamine its historical past.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The recent visit of the President of Iran to Islamabad, which went beyond a conventional diplomatic meeting, is regarded as a fundamental step towards deepening and expanding bilateral strategic relations as well as influencing the regional balance of power. This visit took place at a time when the region and the world are witnessing rapid and complex developments, and Iran seeks to redefine and strengthen its axes of cooperation with its traditional and regional partners.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An American affairs analyst stated: Although only seven months have passed since the beginning of Donald Trump’s second term in the White House, the administration’s official narrative of economic performance has again become a contentious subject in American academic, media, and expert circles. Statistics recently released by the Trump administration on economic indicators appear to suggest economic revival, reduced inflation, and a strengthened labor market. However, when these statistics are juxtaposed with independent data and credible surveys, a different and concerning picture of the U.S. economy’s real condition emerges. Rising unemployment rates, declining employment growth, falling labor force participation, consumer inflation exceeding optimal levels, and widespread public dissatisfaction with living costs are the most significant indicators challenging the Trump administration’s narrative. This comes as Trump, repeating his “Make America Great Again” slogan, had promised that protective trade policies and heavy tariffs would increase domestic employment and enhance the competitiveness of U.S. industries. Yet according to many economists and market observers, these policies have not only failed to revive the economy but have instead increased production costs, burdened domestic consumers, and disrupted global supply chains.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A researcher on West Asian affairs stated: The 12-day war of the Israeli regime against Iran, despite its aggressive and destructive nature, can turn into a strategic opportunity for our country; a chance to legitimize defense policies and strengthen the Resistance Discourse in the international system. In a world where public opinion plays an increasing role in shaping policies, effective narrative-building about this war is the key to turning threat into opportunity. Iran, relying on public diplomacy and transnational media, can present the Israeli regime’s attacks as a blatant violation of international law and emphasize its legitimate right to defense and deterrence. Furthermore, by portraying itself as logical, resistant, and oppressed, it can pave the way for increased regional and global empathy. Ultimately, this war can provide a platform for domestic consensus, cohesion of the Resistance Axis, and redefining Iran’s position as a responsible actor in regional security equations.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international security analyst stated: The Trump administration’s environmental deregulation policies will inflict serious and long-term damage on international security. The Donald Trump administration has adopted a controversial approach through extensive environmental deregulation policies, including revoking the 2009 scientific finding that identified greenhouse gases as a threat to public health. This decision, described by Lee Zeldin, head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as “the largest deregulation in American history,” not only weakens global efforts to combat global warming but will also have more destructive repercussions in the realm of international security.
Strategic Council Online Opinion: The 12-day imposed war, which began on June 12 of this year with the Zionist regime’s invasion of Iranian soil, marked one of the darkest chapters in Iran’s contemporary history. This conflict started with Israel’s surprise attacks on Iran’s military and nuclear facilities, as well as civilian targets, including several hospitals. It was accompanied by the targeted assassinations of military commanders and prominent nuclear scientists, the destruction of Evin Prison (resulting in 71 deaths), and the bombing of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB. The direct involvement of the U.S., through the bombing of Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities in Fordow and Isfahan, completed this tragedy. These actions not only constituted a blatant violation of international obligations, including the UN Charter, the Geneva Conventions, and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), but also imposed heavy legal and criminal responsibility on the U.S. and the Israeli regime.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that Iran’s hybrid and multidimensional diplomacy, if combined with a measured, flexible, and more effective approach, could lead to tangible domestic and international achievements. The world is transitioning toward a multipolar order in which power is more dispersed and distributed among multiple actors. In this context, Iran, by adopting an inclusive policy and emphasizing cooperation with alliances such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), seeks to reposition itself in the international system strategically. This policy goes beyond a reaction to the so-called Western-imposed isolation; it signifies a normative decision and choice to establish a fairer and more balanced order based on principles of justice, equality, and respect for national sovereignty. However, excessive reliance on specific alliances and blocs could limit Iran’s strategic options.
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that despite the internationally brokered ceasefire agreement reached a few days ago in Al-Suwayda, the Israeli regime’s movements in southern Syria continue. In this context, an important issue that has drawn public attention is Turkey’s reaction to these developments. By supporting Ahmed al-Shara (also known as Abu Muhammad al-Julene), Turkey managed to lay the groundwork for the fall of Bashar al-Assad and, in its view, solidify its foothold in the country. However, over the past few weeks, with the Zionist regime’s attacks on positions held by Julani’s forces in Syria and other areas, Ankara’s calculations in Syria have been significantly disrupted.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The future of the so-called Trump peace plan for Gaza, despite claims of an agreement on Hamas’s disarmament, remains shrouded in ambiguity due to structural deficiencies and opposition from key actors.
SCFR Online – Opinion: An examination of the mechanisms of the Israeli regime’s influence in the United States depicts a complex picture of shared interests, strategic dependencies, and the limitations of this relationship.
SCFR Online – Interview: The signing of the Makkah agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey has raised questions about the future of the region’s security structure and the position of these countries in West Asian equations. Can this agreement become a genuine collective defense mechanism, or does it have more of a political and deterrent function than creating new military capacity?
SCFR Online – Opinion: The continuation of the US war against Iran, in addition to increasing operational costs, has called into question the actual capacity of the American arsenal to simultaneously fulfill security commitments on multiple fronts; an issue that affects deterrence, defense production capacity, and Washington’s resource prioritization.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Russia-Ukraine war and the war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran have been formed with different objectives and actors, but field and political developments indicate that they are not entirely separate from one another.
SCFR Online – Opinion: On Friday, August 7, the heads of state of three countries – Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan – signed a text under the title “Makkah Joint Defense Agreement.”
Strategic Council Online – Note: The initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway, beyond being a transportation project, constitutes an attempt to redefine geopolitics, the economy, and Turkey’s regional position; however, its realization appears to face significant financial, security, and institutional challenges.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Strait of Hormuz crisis is no longer merely the consequence of a military confrontation, but rather a sign of the transition from the US-centered maritime order to a new energy security structure involving the participation of emerging and influential powers.