An Analysis of the Makkah Defense Pact
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.”
جدیدترین مطالب
Dimensions and challenges of the initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway
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.
Hormuz after the War; Transition from the Liberal Maritime Order to Multipolar Energy Geopolitics
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.
The Emergence of Divergence in US and Israeli Regime Interests Following the War Against Iran
SCFR Online – Opinion: Iran’s active deterrence strategy, while increasing the costs of US intervention, has increasingly exposed the hidden rifts between Washington’s interests and those of the Israeli regime.
A Look at the Dimensions and Outlook of Tensions in Turkey-Israeli Regime Relations
SCFR Online – Opinion: The escalation of verbal and strategic tensions between Turkey and the Israeli regime, although not increasing the likelihood of direct war, indicates the formation of a new order in West Asian geopolitical rivalries.
Balancing in the chain of chokepoints; from sea-based deterrence to pluralistic diplomacy
Strategic Council Online – Note: Recent developments in the political geography of West Asia, from rising tensions in the Persian Gulf to missile and drone activities in the Red Sea and the recent warning by Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, regarding the threat to freedom of navigation, indicate a key pattern shift; the US-Iran war has moved beyond the scope of a regional and local confrontation and has linked two vital passageways for the global economy: the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The Impact of the Ukraine War on the Rearrangement of the Global Balance of Power
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Ukraine war was not merely a European crisis, but rather the starting point for the rearrangement of the global balance of power and a shift in the strategic behavior of great powers.
Geoeconomics as the Most Important Arena of Great Power Competition
SCFR Online – Opinion: Great power competition is now pursued more in trade, currency, technology, and global supply chains than on the battlefields of military confrontation.
Ali Bigdeli
Consequences of Global Sanctions Against the Israeli Regime
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that in recent months, a multitude of political, economic, cultural, and scientific sanctions have been imposed against the Israeli regime, which, in the interpretation of many analysts, constitutes an “unprecedented set” of multi-layered global pressures. This wave, from the European Union to academic circles, from music festivals to world cinema, has targeted Tel Aviv’s international legitimacy and placed it in an increasingly tight spot. The message of these sanctions is also clear; the Israeli regime can no longer rely on its traditional immunity in the West to escape the moral and political consequences of its crimes in Gaza. Diplomatic isolation, economic restrictions, civil pressures, and damage to cultural prestige are all shaping an environment that can not only limit the Israeli regime’s freedom of action on the international stage but also challenges the credibility and legitimacy of this regime in global public opinion; a challenge that, in principle, should lead to a change in behavior or even internal political equations of the Israeli regime.
New China-India Engagement: Formation of a New Strategy in Asia
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international relations analyst stated that the recent visit of Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, to New Delhi is not merely a routine diplomatic meeting; rather, it represents a decisive point in the geopolitical equations of South Asia and even the new global order. After four years of tension and distrust stemming from deadly border clashes in Ladakh and Beijing’s full-throated support for Islamabad during the four-day India-Pakistan war, Beijing and New Delhi are now moving towards economic and political reconciliation under circumstances where external variables, including Trump’s tariff pressures and India’s closeness to Russia, have complicated the equation.
An Analysis of Germany’s Wrong Approach to the 12-Day War
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior European affairs analyst stated that Germany’s support for the Israeli regime in the 12-day war against Iran stems from its historical commitment to this regime. Friedrich Merz, Germany’s Chancellor from the Christian Democratic Party, firmly backed the Israeli regime’s attacks on Iran in June 2025, calling them a “dirty job for everyone’s benefit” and part of the Israeli regime’s “self-defense.” This stance is rooted in Germany’s historical commitment to the security of the Israeli regime (Staatsräson), which has been reinforced since the Holocaust and Angela Merkel’s 2008 speech at the Knesset. At the G7 summit and a conference in Berlin, Merz cited Iran’s underground facilities, arguing that the attacks were necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Germany’s Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, also reiterated support for the Israeli regime’s “right to self-defense.” This position has faced domestic and international criticism. Germany’s unconditional support, aligned with Western geopolitical interests against Iran, signals a shift toward a more aggressive foreign policy. This stance has sparked criticism both at home and abroad.
Reasons for the EU’s Cautious Approach Toward U.S. Tariff Hikes
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A European and American affairs expert stated that the European Union, due to its unstable economic situation and the Ukraine issue, is compelled to accommodate the U.S., and thus, it does not challenge America over the tariff hikes.
Reasons for EU’s Opposition to Josep Burrell’s Request to Sanction the Officials of the Israeli Regime
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on international issues said: The European Union’s delay and lack of support for sanctioning the officials of the Israeli regime is a sign of the weakness of the EU in the face of the pressures of this regime and the United States.
France’s Role-Making in West Asia
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on European issues spoke about France’s efforts to negotiate with regional countries on the Gaza war; West Asia is having hard times and in the process of transformation; Netanyahu is finished, and everyone is preparing for a significant change.
America’s Strategy in East Asia: Management of Tension; Containment of China
Strategic Council Online: Interview: An international affairs expert says that America’s economic and military policies and plans in East Asia are such that they will move towards coping with tension in this region.
Reasons for lifting the 10-billion-euro budget freeze of Hungary in the European Union
Strategic Council Online—Interview: A European affairs expert said that the European Union is trying to get Hungary’s consent in every possible way to provide financial aid to Ukraine from the European Union, so the release of 10 billion euros of the blocked budget of Hungary last year is justified.
Escalation of tension between China and the United States and the future of mutual relations
Strategic Council Online—Interview: A Shahid Beheshti University scholar says the present rivalry between China and the United States is an effort to attract more markets, adding that the economic dependence and mutual needs of the two countries would prevent a military confrontation between them.
Outlook of UK Exit from the European Union
Strategic Council Online: The United Kingdom had three options to pick up from. First to implement the initiative without the agreement of the EU; secondly, to pursue a deal with the European Union, which is a very difficult task; and thirdly, to hold another referendum, while Theresa May’s party is totally opposed to the idea.
Ali Bigdeli – Expert on European Affairs
أحدث الوظائف
An Analysis of the Makkah Defense Pact
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.”
Dimensions and challenges of the initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway
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.
Hormuz after the War; Transition from the Liberal Maritime Order to Multipolar Energy Geopolitics
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.
The Emergence of Divergence in US and Israeli Regime Interests Following the War Against Iran
SCFR Online – Opinion: Iran’s active deterrence strategy, while increasing the costs of US intervention, has increasingly exposed the hidden rifts between Washington’s interests and those of the Israeli regime.
A Look at the Dimensions and Outlook of Tensions in Turkey-Israeli Regime Relations
SCFR Online – Opinion: The escalation of verbal and strategic tensions between Turkey and the Israeli regime, although not increasing the likelihood of direct war, indicates the formation of a new order in West Asian geopolitical rivalries.
Balancing in the chain of chokepoints; from sea-based deterrence to pluralistic diplomacy
Strategic Council Online – Note: Recent developments in the political geography of West Asia, from rising tensions in the Persian Gulf to missile and drone activities in the Red Sea and the recent warning by Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, regarding the threat to freedom of navigation, indicate a key pattern shift; the US-Iran war has moved beyond the scope of a regional and local confrontation and has linked two vital passageways for the global economy: the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The Impact of the Ukraine War on the Rearrangement of the Global Balance of Power
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Ukraine war was not merely a European crisis, but rather the starting point for the rearrangement of the global balance of power and a shift in the strategic behavior of great powers.
Geoeconomics as the Most Important Arena of Great Power Competition
SCFR Online – Opinion: Great power competition is now pursued more in trade, currency, technology, and global supply chains than on the battlefields of military confrontation.
Ali Bigdeli
Consequences of Global Sanctions Against the Israeli Regime
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that in recent months, a multitude of political, economic, cultural, and scientific sanctions have been imposed against the Israeli regime, which, in the interpretation of many analysts, constitutes an “unprecedented set” of multi-layered global pressures. This wave, from the European Union to academic circles, from music festivals to world cinema, has targeted Tel Aviv’s international legitimacy and placed it in an increasingly tight spot. The message of these sanctions is also clear; the Israeli regime can no longer rely on its traditional immunity in the West to escape the moral and political consequences of its crimes in Gaza. Diplomatic isolation, economic restrictions, civil pressures, and damage to cultural prestige are all shaping an environment that can not only limit the Israeli regime’s freedom of action on the international stage but also challenges the credibility and legitimacy of this regime in global public opinion; a challenge that, in principle, should lead to a change in behavior or even internal political equations of the Israeli regime.
New China-India Engagement: Formation of a New Strategy in Asia
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international relations analyst stated that the recent visit of Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, to New Delhi is not merely a routine diplomatic meeting; rather, it represents a decisive point in the geopolitical equations of South Asia and even the new global order. After four years of tension and distrust stemming from deadly border clashes in Ladakh and Beijing’s full-throated support for Islamabad during the four-day India-Pakistan war, Beijing and New Delhi are now moving towards economic and political reconciliation under circumstances where external variables, including Trump’s tariff pressures and India’s closeness to Russia, have complicated the equation.
An Analysis of Germany’s Wrong Approach to the 12-Day War
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior European affairs analyst stated that Germany’s support for the Israeli regime in the 12-day war against Iran stems from its historical commitment to this regime. Friedrich Merz, Germany’s Chancellor from the Christian Democratic Party, firmly backed the Israeli regime’s attacks on Iran in June 2025, calling them a “dirty job for everyone’s benefit” and part of the Israeli regime’s “self-defense.” This stance is rooted in Germany’s historical commitment to the security of the Israeli regime (Staatsräson), which has been reinforced since the Holocaust and Angela Merkel’s 2008 speech at the Knesset. At the G7 summit and a conference in Berlin, Merz cited Iran’s underground facilities, arguing that the attacks were necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Germany’s Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, also reiterated support for the Israeli regime’s “right to self-defense.” This position has faced domestic and international criticism. Germany’s unconditional support, aligned with Western geopolitical interests against Iran, signals a shift toward a more aggressive foreign policy. This stance has sparked criticism both at home and abroad.
Reasons for the EU’s Cautious Approach Toward U.S. Tariff Hikes
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A European and American affairs expert stated that the European Union, due to its unstable economic situation and the Ukraine issue, is compelled to accommodate the U.S., and thus, it does not challenge America over the tariff hikes.
Reasons for EU’s Opposition to Josep Burrell’s Request to Sanction the Officials of the Israeli Regime
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on international issues said: The European Union’s delay and lack of support for sanctioning the officials of the Israeli regime is a sign of the weakness of the EU in the face of the pressures of this regime and the United States.
France’s Role-Making in West Asia
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on European issues spoke about France’s efforts to negotiate with regional countries on the Gaza war; West Asia is having hard times and in the process of transformation; Netanyahu is finished, and everyone is preparing for a significant change.
America’s Strategy in East Asia: Management of Tension; Containment of China
Strategic Council Online: Interview: An international affairs expert says that America’s economic and military policies and plans in East Asia are such that they will move towards coping with tension in this region.
Reasons for lifting the 10-billion-euro budget freeze of Hungary in the European Union
Strategic Council Online—Interview: A European affairs expert said that the European Union is trying to get Hungary’s consent in every possible way to provide financial aid to Ukraine from the European Union, so the release of 10 billion euros of the blocked budget of Hungary last year is justified.
Escalation of tension between China and the United States and the future of mutual relations
Strategic Council Online—Interview: A Shahid Beheshti University scholar says the present rivalry between China and the United States is an effort to attract more markets, adding that the economic dependence and mutual needs of the two countries would prevent a military confrontation between them.
Outlook of UK Exit from the European Union
Strategic Council Online: The United Kingdom had three options to pick up from. First to implement the initiative without the agreement of the EU; secondly, to pursue a deal with the European Union, which is a very difficult task; and thirdly, to hold another referendum, while Theresa May’s party is totally opposed to the idea.
Ali Bigdeli – Expert on European Affairs
Ali Bigdeli
Consequences of Global Sanctions Against the Israeli Regime
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that in recent months, a multitude of political, economic, cultural, and scientific sanctions have been imposed against the Israeli regime, which, in the interpretation of many analysts, constitutes an “unprecedented set” of multi-layered global pressures. This wave, from the European Union to academic circles, from music festivals to world cinema, has targeted Tel Aviv’s international legitimacy and placed it in an increasingly tight spot. The message of these sanctions is also clear; the Israeli regime can no longer rely on its traditional immunity in the West to escape the moral and political consequences of its crimes in Gaza. Diplomatic isolation, economic restrictions, civil pressures, and damage to cultural prestige are all shaping an environment that can not only limit the Israeli regime’s freedom of action on the international stage but also challenges the credibility and legitimacy of this regime in global public opinion; a challenge that, in principle, should lead to a change in behavior or even internal political equations of the Israeli regime.
New China-India Engagement: Formation of a New Strategy in Asia
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international relations analyst stated that the recent visit of Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, to New Delhi is not merely a routine diplomatic meeting; rather, it represents a decisive point in the geopolitical equations of South Asia and even the new global order. After four years of tension and distrust stemming from deadly border clashes in Ladakh and Beijing’s full-throated support for Islamabad during the four-day India-Pakistan war, Beijing and New Delhi are now moving towards economic and political reconciliation under circumstances where external variables, including Trump’s tariff pressures and India’s closeness to Russia, have complicated the equation.
An Analysis of Germany’s Wrong Approach to the 12-Day War
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior European affairs analyst stated that Germany’s support for the Israeli regime in the 12-day war against Iran stems from its historical commitment to this regime. Friedrich Merz, Germany’s Chancellor from the Christian Democratic Party, firmly backed the Israeli regime’s attacks on Iran in June 2025, calling them a “dirty job for everyone’s benefit” and part of the Israeli regime’s “self-defense.” This stance is rooted in Germany’s historical commitment to the security of the Israeli regime (Staatsräson), which has been reinforced since the Holocaust and Angela Merkel’s 2008 speech at the Knesset. At the G7 summit and a conference in Berlin, Merz cited Iran’s underground facilities, arguing that the attacks were necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Germany’s Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, also reiterated support for the Israeli regime’s “right to self-defense.” This position has faced domestic and international criticism. Germany’s unconditional support, aligned with Western geopolitical interests against Iran, signals a shift toward a more aggressive foreign policy. This stance has sparked criticism both at home and abroad.
Reasons for the EU’s Cautious Approach Toward U.S. Tariff Hikes
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A European and American affairs expert stated that the European Union, due to its unstable economic situation and the Ukraine issue, is compelled to accommodate the U.S., and thus, it does not challenge America over the tariff hikes.
Reasons for EU’s Opposition to Josep Burrell’s Request to Sanction the Officials of the Israeli Regime
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on international issues said: The European Union’s delay and lack of support for sanctioning the officials of the Israeli regime is a sign of the weakness of the EU in the face of the pressures of this regime and the United States.
France’s Role-Making in West Asia
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on European issues spoke about France’s efforts to negotiate with regional countries on the Gaza war; West Asia is having hard times and in the process of transformation; Netanyahu is finished, and everyone is preparing for a significant change.
America’s Strategy in East Asia: Management of Tension; Containment of China
Strategic Council Online: Interview: An international affairs expert says that America’s economic and military policies and plans in East Asia are such that they will move towards coping with tension in this region.
Reasons for lifting the 10-billion-euro budget freeze of Hungary in the European Union
Strategic Council Online—Interview: A European affairs expert said that the European Union is trying to get Hungary’s consent in every possible way to provide financial aid to Ukraine from the European Union, so the release of 10 billion euros of the blocked budget of Hungary last year is justified.
Escalation of tension between China and the United States and the future of mutual relations
Strategic Council Online—Interview: A Shahid Beheshti University scholar says the present rivalry between China and the United States is an effort to attract more markets, adding that the economic dependence and mutual needs of the two countries would prevent a military confrontation between them.
Outlook of UK Exit from the European Union
Strategic Council Online: The United Kingdom had three options to pick up from. First to implement the initiative without the agreement of the EU; secondly, to pursue a deal with the European Union, which is a very difficult task; and thirdly, to hold another referendum, while Theresa May’s party is totally opposed to the idea.
Ali Bigdeli – Expert on European Affairs
LATEST CONTENT
An Analysis of the Makkah Defense Pact
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.”
Dimensions and challenges of the initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway
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.
Hormuz after the War; Transition from the Liberal Maritime Order to Multipolar Energy Geopolitics
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.
The Emergence of Divergence in US and Israeli Regime Interests Following the War Against Iran
SCFR Online – Opinion: Iran’s active deterrence strategy, while increasing the costs of US intervention, has increasingly exposed the hidden rifts between Washington’s interests and those of the Israeli regime.
A Look at the Dimensions and Outlook of Tensions in Turkey-Israeli Regime Relations
SCFR Online – Opinion: The escalation of verbal and strategic tensions between Turkey and the Israeli regime, although not increasing the likelihood of direct war, indicates the formation of a new order in West Asian geopolitical rivalries.
Balancing in the chain of chokepoints; from sea-based deterrence to pluralistic diplomacy
Strategic Council Online – Note: Recent developments in the political geography of West Asia, from rising tensions in the Persian Gulf to missile and drone activities in the Red Sea and the recent warning by Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, regarding the threat to freedom of navigation, indicate a key pattern shift; the US-Iran war has moved beyond the scope of a regional and local confrontation and has linked two vital passageways for the global economy: the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The Impact of the Ukraine War on the Rearrangement of the Global Balance of Power
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Ukraine war was not merely a European crisis, but rather the starting point for the rearrangement of the global balance of power and a shift in the strategic behavior of great powers.
Geoeconomics as the Most Important Arena of Great Power Competition
SCFR Online – Opinion: Great power competition is now pursued more in trade, currency, technology, and global supply chains than on the battlefields of military confrontation.
Ali Bigdeli
Consequences of Global Sanctions Against the Israeli Regime
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that in recent months, a multitude of political, economic, cultural, and scientific sanctions have been imposed against the Israeli regime, which, in the interpretation of many analysts, constitutes an “unprecedented set” of multi-layered global pressures. This wave, from the European Union to academic circles, from music festivals to world cinema, has targeted Tel Aviv’s international legitimacy and placed it in an increasingly tight spot. The message of these sanctions is also clear; the Israeli regime can no longer rely on its traditional immunity in the West to escape the moral and political consequences of its crimes in Gaza. Diplomatic isolation, economic restrictions, civil pressures, and damage to cultural prestige are all shaping an environment that can not only limit the Israeli regime’s freedom of action on the international stage but also challenges the credibility and legitimacy of this regime in global public opinion; a challenge that, in principle, should lead to a change in behavior or even internal political equations of the Israeli regime.
New China-India Engagement: Formation of a New Strategy in Asia
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international relations analyst stated that the recent visit of Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, to New Delhi is not merely a routine diplomatic meeting; rather, it represents a decisive point in the geopolitical equations of South Asia and even the new global order. After four years of tension and distrust stemming from deadly border clashes in Ladakh and Beijing’s full-throated support for Islamabad during the four-day India-Pakistan war, Beijing and New Delhi are now moving towards economic and political reconciliation under circumstances where external variables, including Trump’s tariff pressures and India’s closeness to Russia, have complicated the equation.
An Analysis of Germany’s Wrong Approach to the 12-Day War
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior European affairs analyst stated that Germany’s support for the Israeli regime in the 12-day war against Iran stems from its historical commitment to this regime. Friedrich Merz, Germany’s Chancellor from the Christian Democratic Party, firmly backed the Israeli regime’s attacks on Iran in June 2025, calling them a “dirty job for everyone’s benefit” and part of the Israeli regime’s “self-defense.” This stance is rooted in Germany’s historical commitment to the security of the Israeli regime (Staatsräson), which has been reinforced since the Holocaust and Angela Merkel’s 2008 speech at the Knesset. At the G7 summit and a conference in Berlin, Merz cited Iran’s underground facilities, arguing that the attacks were necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Germany’s Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, also reiterated support for the Israeli regime’s “right to self-defense.” This position has faced domestic and international criticism. Germany’s unconditional support, aligned with Western geopolitical interests against Iran, signals a shift toward a more aggressive foreign policy. This stance has sparked criticism both at home and abroad.
Reasons for the EU’s Cautious Approach Toward U.S. Tariff Hikes
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A European and American affairs expert stated that the European Union, due to its unstable economic situation and the Ukraine issue, is compelled to accommodate the U.S., and thus, it does not challenge America over the tariff hikes.
Reasons for EU’s Opposition to Josep Burrell’s Request to Sanction the Officials of the Israeli Regime
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on international issues said: The European Union’s delay and lack of support for sanctioning the officials of the Israeli regime is a sign of the weakness of the EU in the face of the pressures of this regime and the United States.
France’s Role-Making in West Asia
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on European issues spoke about France’s efforts to negotiate with regional countries on the Gaza war; West Asia is having hard times and in the process of transformation; Netanyahu is finished, and everyone is preparing for a significant change.
America’s Strategy in East Asia: Management of Tension; Containment of China
Strategic Council Online: Interview: An international affairs expert says that America’s economic and military policies and plans in East Asia are such that they will move towards coping with tension in this region.
Reasons for lifting the 10-billion-euro budget freeze of Hungary in the European Union
Strategic Council Online—Interview: A European affairs expert said that the European Union is trying to get Hungary’s consent in every possible way to provide financial aid to Ukraine from the European Union, so the release of 10 billion euros of the blocked budget of Hungary last year is justified.
Escalation of tension between China and the United States and the future of mutual relations
Strategic Council Online—Interview: A Shahid Beheshti University scholar says the present rivalry between China and the United States is an effort to attract more markets, adding that the economic dependence and mutual needs of the two countries would prevent a military confrontation between them.
Outlook of UK Exit from the European Union
Strategic Council Online: The United Kingdom had three options to pick up from. First to implement the initiative without the agreement of the EU; secondly, to pursue a deal with the European Union, which is a very difficult task; and thirdly, to hold another referendum, while Theresa May’s party is totally opposed to the idea.
Ali Bigdeli – Expert on European Affairs
ÚLTIMAS PUBLICACIONES
An Analysis of the Makkah Defense Pact
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.”
Dimensions and challenges of the initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway
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.
Hormuz after the War; Transition from the Liberal Maritime Order to Multipolar Energy Geopolitics
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.
The Emergence of Divergence in US and Israeli Regime Interests Following the War Against Iran
SCFR Online – Opinion: Iran’s active deterrence strategy, while increasing the costs of US intervention, has increasingly exposed the hidden rifts between Washington’s interests and those of the Israeli regime.
A Look at the Dimensions and Outlook of Tensions in Turkey-Israeli Regime Relations
SCFR Online – Opinion: The escalation of verbal and strategic tensions between Turkey and the Israeli regime, although not increasing the likelihood of direct war, indicates the formation of a new order in West Asian geopolitical rivalries.
Balancing in the chain of chokepoints; from sea-based deterrence to pluralistic diplomacy
Strategic Council Online – Note: Recent developments in the political geography of West Asia, from rising tensions in the Persian Gulf to missile and drone activities in the Red Sea and the recent warning by Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, regarding the threat to freedom of navigation, indicate a key pattern shift; the US-Iran war has moved beyond the scope of a regional and local confrontation and has linked two vital passageways for the global economy: the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The Impact of the Ukraine War on the Rearrangement of the Global Balance of Power
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Ukraine war was not merely a European crisis, but rather the starting point for the rearrangement of the global balance of power and a shift in the strategic behavior of great powers.
Geoeconomics as the Most Important Arena of Great Power Competition
SCFR Online – Opinion: Great power competition is now pursued more in trade, currency, technology, and global supply chains than on the battlefields of military confrontation.
Ali Bigdeli
Consequences of Global Sanctions Against the Israeli Regime
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that in recent months, a multitude of political, economic, cultural, and scientific sanctions have been imposed against the Israeli regime, which, in the interpretation of many analysts, constitutes an “unprecedented set” of multi-layered global pressures. This wave, from the European Union to academic circles, from music festivals to world cinema, has targeted Tel Aviv’s international legitimacy and placed it in an increasingly tight spot. The message of these sanctions is also clear; the Israeli regime can no longer rely on its traditional immunity in the West to escape the moral and political consequences of its crimes in Gaza. Diplomatic isolation, economic restrictions, civil pressures, and damage to cultural prestige are all shaping an environment that can not only limit the Israeli regime’s freedom of action on the international stage but also challenges the credibility and legitimacy of this regime in global public opinion; a challenge that, in principle, should lead to a change in behavior or even internal political equations of the Israeli regime.
New China-India Engagement: Formation of a New Strategy in Asia
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international relations analyst stated that the recent visit of Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, to New Delhi is not merely a routine diplomatic meeting; rather, it represents a decisive point in the geopolitical equations of South Asia and even the new global order. After four years of tension and distrust stemming from deadly border clashes in Ladakh and Beijing’s full-throated support for Islamabad during the four-day India-Pakistan war, Beijing and New Delhi are now moving towards economic and political reconciliation under circumstances where external variables, including Trump’s tariff pressures and India’s closeness to Russia, have complicated the equation.
An Analysis of Germany’s Wrong Approach to the 12-Day War
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior European affairs analyst stated that Germany’s support for the Israeli regime in the 12-day war against Iran stems from its historical commitment to this regime. Friedrich Merz, Germany’s Chancellor from the Christian Democratic Party, firmly backed the Israeli regime’s attacks on Iran in June 2025, calling them a “dirty job for everyone’s benefit” and part of the Israeli regime’s “self-defense.” This stance is rooted in Germany’s historical commitment to the security of the Israeli regime (Staatsräson), which has been reinforced since the Holocaust and Angela Merkel’s 2008 speech at the Knesset. At the G7 summit and a conference in Berlin, Merz cited Iran’s underground facilities, arguing that the attacks were necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Germany’s Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, also reiterated support for the Israeli regime’s “right to self-defense.” This position has faced domestic and international criticism. Germany’s unconditional support, aligned with Western geopolitical interests against Iran, signals a shift toward a more aggressive foreign policy. This stance has sparked criticism both at home and abroad.
Reasons for the EU’s Cautious Approach Toward U.S. Tariff Hikes
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A European and American affairs expert stated that the European Union, due to its unstable economic situation and the Ukraine issue, is compelled to accommodate the U.S., and thus, it does not challenge America over the tariff hikes.
Reasons for EU’s Opposition to Josep Burrell’s Request to Sanction the Officials of the Israeli Regime
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on international issues said: The European Union’s delay and lack of support for sanctioning the officials of the Israeli regime is a sign of the weakness of the EU in the face of the pressures of this regime and the United States.
France’s Role-Making in West Asia
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on European issues spoke about France’s efforts to negotiate with regional countries on the Gaza war; West Asia is having hard times and in the process of transformation; Netanyahu is finished, and everyone is preparing for a significant change.
America’s Strategy in East Asia: Management of Tension; Containment of China
Strategic Council Online: Interview: An international affairs expert says that America’s economic and military policies and plans in East Asia are such that they will move towards coping with tension in this region.
Reasons for lifting the 10-billion-euro budget freeze of Hungary in the European Union
Strategic Council Online—Interview: A European affairs expert said that the European Union is trying to get Hungary’s consent in every possible way to provide financial aid to Ukraine from the European Union, so the release of 10 billion euros of the blocked budget of Hungary last year is justified.
Escalation of tension between China and the United States and the future of mutual relations
Strategic Council Online—Interview: A Shahid Beheshti University scholar says the present rivalry between China and the United States is an effort to attract more markets, adding that the economic dependence and mutual needs of the two countries would prevent a military confrontation between them.
Outlook of UK Exit from the European Union
Strategic Council Online: The United Kingdom had three options to pick up from. First to implement the initiative without the agreement of the EU; secondly, to pursue a deal with the European Union, which is a very difficult task; and thirdly, to hold another referendum, while Theresa May’s party is totally opposed to the idea.
Ali Bigdeli – Expert on European Affairs
ÚLTIMAS PUBLICACIONES
An Analysis of the Makkah Defense Pact
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.”
Dimensions and challenges of the initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway
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.
Hormuz after the War; Transition from the Liberal Maritime Order to Multipolar Energy Geopolitics
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.
The Emergence of Divergence in US and Israeli Regime Interests Following the War Against Iran
SCFR Online – Opinion: Iran’s active deterrence strategy, while increasing the costs of US intervention, has increasingly exposed the hidden rifts between Washington’s interests and those of the Israeli regime.
A Look at the Dimensions and Outlook of Tensions in Turkey-Israeli Regime Relations
SCFR Online – Opinion: The escalation of verbal and strategic tensions between Turkey and the Israeli regime, although not increasing the likelihood of direct war, indicates the formation of a new order in West Asian geopolitical rivalries.
Balancing in the chain of chokepoints; from sea-based deterrence to pluralistic diplomacy
Strategic Council Online – Note: Recent developments in the political geography of West Asia, from rising tensions in the Persian Gulf to missile and drone activities in the Red Sea and the recent warning by Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, regarding the threat to freedom of navigation, indicate a key pattern shift; the US-Iran war has moved beyond the scope of a regional and local confrontation and has linked two vital passageways for the global economy: the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The Impact of the Ukraine War on the Rearrangement of the Global Balance of Power
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Ukraine war was not merely a European crisis, but rather the starting point for the rearrangement of the global balance of power and a shift in the strategic behavior of great powers.
Geoeconomics as the Most Important Arena of Great Power Competition
SCFR Online – Opinion: Great power competition is now pursued more in trade, currency, technology, and global supply chains than on the battlefields of military confrontation.
Ali Bigdeli
Consequences of Global Sanctions Against the Israeli Regime
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that in recent months, a multitude of political, economic, cultural, and scientific sanctions have been imposed against the Israeli regime, which, in the interpretation of many analysts, constitutes an “unprecedented set” of multi-layered global pressures. This wave, from the European Union to academic circles, from music festivals to world cinema, has targeted Tel Aviv’s international legitimacy and placed it in an increasingly tight spot. The message of these sanctions is also clear; the Israeli regime can no longer rely on its traditional immunity in the West to escape the moral and political consequences of its crimes in Gaza. Diplomatic isolation, economic restrictions, civil pressures, and damage to cultural prestige are all shaping an environment that can not only limit the Israeli regime’s freedom of action on the international stage but also challenges the credibility and legitimacy of this regime in global public opinion; a challenge that, in principle, should lead to a change in behavior or even internal political equations of the Israeli regime.
New China-India Engagement: Formation of a New Strategy in Asia
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international relations analyst stated that the recent visit of Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, to New Delhi is not merely a routine diplomatic meeting; rather, it represents a decisive point in the geopolitical equations of South Asia and even the new global order. After four years of tension and distrust stemming from deadly border clashes in Ladakh and Beijing’s full-throated support for Islamabad during the four-day India-Pakistan war, Beijing and New Delhi are now moving towards economic and political reconciliation under circumstances where external variables, including Trump’s tariff pressures and India’s closeness to Russia, have complicated the equation.
An Analysis of Germany’s Wrong Approach to the 12-Day War
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior European affairs analyst stated that Germany’s support for the Israeli regime in the 12-day war against Iran stems from its historical commitment to this regime. Friedrich Merz, Germany’s Chancellor from the Christian Democratic Party, firmly backed the Israeli regime’s attacks on Iran in June 2025, calling them a “dirty job for everyone’s benefit” and part of the Israeli regime’s “self-defense.” This stance is rooted in Germany’s historical commitment to the security of the Israeli regime (Staatsräson), which has been reinforced since the Holocaust and Angela Merkel’s 2008 speech at the Knesset. At the G7 summit and a conference in Berlin, Merz cited Iran’s underground facilities, arguing that the attacks were necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Germany’s Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, also reiterated support for the Israeli regime’s “right to self-defense.” This position has faced domestic and international criticism. Germany’s unconditional support, aligned with Western geopolitical interests against Iran, signals a shift toward a more aggressive foreign policy. This stance has sparked criticism both at home and abroad.
Reasons for the EU’s Cautious Approach Toward U.S. Tariff Hikes
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A European and American affairs expert stated that the European Union, due to its unstable economic situation and the Ukraine issue, is compelled to accommodate the U.S., and thus, it does not challenge America over the tariff hikes.
Reasons for EU’s Opposition to Josep Burrell’s Request to Sanction the Officials of the Israeli Regime
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on international issues said: The European Union’s delay and lack of support for sanctioning the officials of the Israeli regime is a sign of the weakness of the EU in the face of the pressures of this regime and the United States.
France’s Role-Making in West Asia
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on European issues spoke about France’s efforts to negotiate with regional countries on the Gaza war; West Asia is having hard times and in the process of transformation; Netanyahu is finished, and everyone is preparing for a significant change.
America’s Strategy in East Asia: Management of Tension; Containment of China
Strategic Council Online: Interview: An international affairs expert says that America’s economic and military policies and plans in East Asia are such that they will move towards coping with tension in this region.
Reasons for lifting the 10-billion-euro budget freeze of Hungary in the European Union
Strategic Council Online—Interview: A European affairs expert said that the European Union is trying to get Hungary’s consent in every possible way to provide financial aid to Ukraine from the European Union, so the release of 10 billion euros of the blocked budget of Hungary last year is justified.
Escalation of tension between China and the United States and the future of mutual relations
Strategic Council Online—Interview: A Shahid Beheshti University scholar says the present rivalry between China and the United States is an effort to attract more markets, adding that the economic dependence and mutual needs of the two countries would prevent a military confrontation between them.
Outlook of UK Exit from the European Union
Strategic Council Online: The United Kingdom had three options to pick up from. First to implement the initiative without the agreement of the EU; secondly, to pursue a deal with the European Union, which is a very difficult task; and thirdly, to hold another referendum, while Theresa May’s party is totally opposed to the idea.
Ali Bigdeli – Expert on European Affairs
ÚLTIMAS PUBLICACIONES
An Analysis of the Makkah Defense Pact
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.”
Dimensions and challenges of the initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway
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.
Hormuz after the War; Transition from the Liberal Maritime Order to Multipolar Energy Geopolitics
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.
The Emergence of Divergence in US and Israeli Regime Interests Following the War Against Iran
SCFR Online – Opinion: Iran’s active deterrence strategy, while increasing the costs of US intervention, has increasingly exposed the hidden rifts between Washington’s interests and those of the Israeli regime.
A Look at the Dimensions and Outlook of Tensions in Turkey-Israeli Regime Relations
SCFR Online – Opinion: The escalation of verbal and strategic tensions between Turkey and the Israeli regime, although not increasing the likelihood of direct war, indicates the formation of a new order in West Asian geopolitical rivalries.
Balancing in the chain of chokepoints; from sea-based deterrence to pluralistic diplomacy
Strategic Council Online – Note: Recent developments in the political geography of West Asia, from rising tensions in the Persian Gulf to missile and drone activities in the Red Sea and the recent warning by Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, regarding the threat to freedom of navigation, indicate a key pattern shift; the US-Iran war has moved beyond the scope of a regional and local confrontation and has linked two vital passageways for the global economy: the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The Impact of the Ukraine War on the Rearrangement of the Global Balance of Power
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Ukraine war was not merely a European crisis, but rather the starting point for the rearrangement of the global balance of power and a shift in the strategic behavior of great powers.
Geoeconomics as the Most Important Arena of Great Power Competition
SCFR Online – Opinion: Great power competition is now pursued more in trade, currency, technology, and global supply chains than on the battlefields of military confrontation.
Ali Bigdeli
Consequences of Global Sanctions Against the Israeli Regime
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that in recent months, a multitude of political, economic, cultural, and scientific sanctions have been imposed against the Israeli regime, which, in the interpretation of many analysts, constitutes an “unprecedented set” of multi-layered global pressures. This wave, from the European Union to academic circles, from music festivals to world cinema, has targeted Tel Aviv’s international legitimacy and placed it in an increasingly tight spot. The message of these sanctions is also clear; the Israeli regime can no longer rely on its traditional immunity in the West to escape the moral and political consequences of its crimes in Gaza. Diplomatic isolation, economic restrictions, civil pressures, and damage to cultural prestige are all shaping an environment that can not only limit the Israeli regime’s freedom of action on the international stage but also challenges the credibility and legitimacy of this regime in global public opinion; a challenge that, in principle, should lead to a change in behavior or even internal political equations of the Israeli regime.
New China-India Engagement: Formation of a New Strategy in Asia
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior international relations analyst stated that the recent visit of Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, to New Delhi is not merely a routine diplomatic meeting; rather, it represents a decisive point in the geopolitical equations of South Asia and even the new global order. After four years of tension and distrust stemming from deadly border clashes in Ladakh and Beijing’s full-throated support for Islamabad during the four-day India-Pakistan war, Beijing and New Delhi are now moving towards economic and political reconciliation under circumstances where external variables, including Trump’s tariff pressures and India’s closeness to Russia, have complicated the equation.
An Analysis of Germany’s Wrong Approach to the 12-Day War
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior European affairs analyst stated that Germany’s support for the Israeli regime in the 12-day war against Iran stems from its historical commitment to this regime. Friedrich Merz, Germany’s Chancellor from the Christian Democratic Party, firmly backed the Israeli regime’s attacks on Iran in June 2025, calling them a “dirty job for everyone’s benefit” and part of the Israeli regime’s “self-defense.” This stance is rooted in Germany’s historical commitment to the security of the Israeli regime (Staatsräson), which has been reinforced since the Holocaust and Angela Merkel’s 2008 speech at the Knesset. At the G7 summit and a conference in Berlin, Merz cited Iran’s underground facilities, arguing that the attacks were necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Germany’s Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, also reiterated support for the Israeli regime’s “right to self-defense.” This position has faced domestic and international criticism. Germany’s unconditional support, aligned with Western geopolitical interests against Iran, signals a shift toward a more aggressive foreign policy. This stance has sparked criticism both at home and abroad.
Reasons for the EU’s Cautious Approach Toward U.S. Tariff Hikes
Online Strategic Council – Interview: A European and American affairs expert stated that the European Union, due to its unstable economic situation and the Ukraine issue, is compelled to accommodate the U.S., and thus, it does not challenge America over the tariff hikes.
Reasons for EU’s Opposition to Josep Burrell’s Request to Sanction the Officials of the Israeli Regime
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on international issues said: The European Union’s delay and lack of support for sanctioning the officials of the Israeli regime is a sign of the weakness of the EU in the face of the pressures of this regime and the United States.
France’s Role-Making in West Asia
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on European issues spoke about France’s efforts to negotiate with regional countries on the Gaza war; West Asia is having hard times and in the process of transformation; Netanyahu is finished, and everyone is preparing for a significant change.
America’s Strategy in East Asia: Management of Tension; Containment of China
Strategic Council Online: Interview: An international affairs expert says that America’s economic and military policies and plans in East Asia are such that they will move towards coping with tension in this region.
Reasons for lifting the 10-billion-euro budget freeze of Hungary in the European Union
Strategic Council Online—Interview: A European affairs expert said that the European Union is trying to get Hungary’s consent in every possible way to provide financial aid to Ukraine from the European Union, so the release of 10 billion euros of the blocked budget of Hungary last year is justified.
Escalation of tension between China and the United States and the future of mutual relations
Strategic Council Online—Interview: A Shahid Beheshti University scholar says the present rivalry between China and the United States is an effort to attract more markets, adding that the economic dependence and mutual needs of the two countries would prevent a military confrontation between them.
Outlook of UK Exit from the European Union
Strategic Council Online: The United Kingdom had three options to pick up from. First to implement the initiative without the agreement of the EU; secondly, to pursue a deal with the European Union, which is a very difficult task; and thirdly, to hold another referendum, while Theresa May’s party is totally opposed to the idea.
Ali Bigdeli – Expert on European Affairs
ÚLTIMAS PUBLICACIONES
An Analysis of the Makkah Defense Pact
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.”
Dimensions and challenges of the initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway
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.
Hormuz after the War; Transition from the Liberal Maritime Order to Multipolar Energy Geopolitics
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.
The Emergence of Divergence in US and Israeli Regime Interests Following the War Against Iran
SCFR Online – Opinion: Iran’s active deterrence strategy, while increasing the costs of US intervention, has increasingly exposed the hidden rifts between Washington’s interests and those of the Israeli regime.
A Look at the Dimensions and Outlook of Tensions in Turkey-Israeli Regime Relations
SCFR Online – Opinion: The escalation of verbal and strategic tensions between Turkey and the Israeli regime, although not increasing the likelihood of direct war, indicates the formation of a new order in West Asian geopolitical rivalries.
Balancing in the chain of chokepoints; from sea-based deterrence to pluralistic diplomacy
Strategic Council Online – Note: Recent developments in the political geography of West Asia, from rising tensions in the Persian Gulf to missile and drone activities in the Red Sea and the recent warning by Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, regarding the threat to freedom of navigation, indicate a key pattern shift; the US-Iran war has moved beyond the scope of a regional and local confrontation and has linked two vital passageways for the global economy: the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The Impact of the Ukraine War on the Rearrangement of the Global Balance of Power
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Ukraine war was not merely a European crisis, but rather the starting point for the rearrangement of the global balance of power and a shift in the strategic behavior of great powers.
Geoeconomics as the Most Important Arena of Great Power Competition
SCFR Online – Opinion: Great power competition is now pursued more in trade, currency, technology, and global supply chains than on the battlefields of military confrontation.