SCFR Online – Opinion: After months of war and economic pressure, the situation between Iran and the United States has been placed between two conflicting logics; Washington insists on intensifying pressure to gain concessions, and Tehran does not accept negotiations under pressure.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The expansion of artificial intelligence and influence operations has drawn the field of conflict from physical space to the perceptual and algorithmic environment and has turned cognitive deterrence into a strategic necessity.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Riyadh, amid the Iran war, Yemeni pressure, and ambiguous Washington guarantees, has turned to flexible balancing in order to both preserve its security and increase its bargaining power.
SCFR Online – Opinion: London’s decision to provide military support to Saudi Arabia in the Yemen file, beyond a limited aerial mission, could confront Britain with broad legal, security, economic, and strategic consequences.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The acceleration of AI competition has shattered the boundaries of economic, military, intelligence, and cognitive power, turning this technology into a strategic component of national power.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The three-day visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington and his meeting with Donald Trump on September 24 and 25, 2026, accompanied by a ceremonial welcome at Andrews Air Force Base, was more a diplomatic display for managing the level of tensions than an indication of a breakthrough achievement in relations between the two powers.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Developments in the South Caucasus and Central Asia indicate that transit competition has become an arena for a new staging of influence among Iran, Turkey, Russia, and China.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The upcoming Palestinian elections, after nearly two decades of hiatus, could affect the arrangement of political forces, the legitimacy of institutions, and the future path of Palestinian governance.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Referring to the consequences of the war in Ukraine, an expert on international affairs said Russia and North Korea are determined to strengthen their cooperation in various fields, and Russia will subsequently face increased pressure from the United States and Europe.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The idea of developing transportation routes to boost trade in the Persian Gulf and eliminate the need for the strategic Strait of Hormuz was formed among the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council member states some years ago. To realize the idea, the rail transport corridor along the Persian Gulf was started in 2016 by launching the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council rail network. According to the agreement signed among the member states of the Council, each of the countries was expected to build and complete their rail network independently. Finally, after completing all national lines, the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council network would be launched by connecting the national rail networks of those countries. In this way, an Arab railway network would be formed, connecting all six Persian Gulf Cooperation Council member countries through a railway line of 2177 kilometers.
Dr. Mohammad Mehdi Mazaheri – University professor
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on East Asia affairs stated that due to the reduction of French influence in Africa and the increase of sanctions caused by the Ukraine war, China is rapidly expanding its influence in West Africa and added: The entry of the largest Chinese arms manufacturer in Senegal will increase China’s influence in West Africa.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on African affairs emphasized: Developments in Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali showed that the colonial power of France has weakened and the policies of the Macron government have failed to find a solution in Africa. Today, the Elysee Palace has concluded that they should reconsider their African policies and, as a result, even the European Union is forced to rethink their behavior and methods by examining the reasons for the failure of the policies of European countries in Africa.
Strategic Council Online—Opinion: In recent weeks, the US government has sent 3,000 military forces along with an aircraft carrier and F-35 and F-16 fighters to the waters of the Persian Gulf.
Hamid Khoshayand-Regional issues expert
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: During the visit of the Indian Prime Minister Modi to Greece, which is considered the first visit of the prime minister of that country after 1983, topics such as the gradual improvement of bilateral relations with Greece and a broad framework of bilateral cooperation focusing on the economic, tourism, agriculture, and defense sectors, establishing direct flights between the two countries and climate changes were discussed. Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis considers India a factor of peace and security and a bridge of cooperation between the three continents, considers this trip a “turning point,” and hopes that the relations will be upgraded to a “strategic partnership.” He has announced that the target of the conservative Greek government is to double the value of trade between the two countries in the next four years.
Mahmoud Fazeli – International affairs analyst
Strategic Council Online – Secretariat report: The BRICS group is an economic-political group consisting of the world’s emerging economies, which has been formed to reform global governance and avoid unilateralism of the United States of America.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A foreign policy expert says that with the increase in BRICS members, this group will continue to be a space where the balance between the members will determine its future. He noted that if it is to be a cold war between China, probably with the company of Russia, and the United States, BRICS will suffer. But if by adjusting the dispute between China and the US, the possibility will be provided for members to cooperate easily, BRICS can have more successful efforts. In any case, the way of interaction and balance between the members will determine its future.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on international affairs considered the Jeddah summit on the Ukraine crisis a step in the direction of efforts of Riyadh to display its independent international approach as much as possible and emphasized: By holding such meetings, Saudi Arabia tries to prepare the ground for the interaction of different groups, regardless of whether the talks lead to a result or not, to succeed in maintaining the interaction and communication channel with the relevant players, and strengthen the possibility of playing a so-called mediating and independent role.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Africa is the continent of “opportunities” with the largest natural resource reserves. Many call the current century the “century of Africa.” Six out of 10 countries with the highest economic growth in the world are African. In this sense, Africa has the second fastest growth of the world economy.
Hamid Khoshayand – Expert on international affairs
SCFR Online – Opinion: After months of war and economic pressure, the situation between Iran and the United States has been placed between two conflicting logics; Washington insists on intensifying pressure to gain concessions, and Tehran does not accept negotiations under pressure.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The expansion of artificial intelligence and influence operations has drawn the field of conflict from physical space to the perceptual and algorithmic environment and has turned cognitive deterrence into a strategic necessity.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Riyadh, amid the Iran war, Yemeni pressure, and ambiguous Washington guarantees, has turned to flexible balancing in order to both preserve its security and increase its bargaining power.
SCFR Online – Opinion: London’s decision to provide military support to Saudi Arabia in the Yemen file, beyond a limited aerial mission, could confront Britain with broad legal, security, economic, and strategic consequences.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The acceleration of AI competition has shattered the boundaries of economic, military, intelligence, and cognitive power, turning this technology into a strategic component of national power.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The three-day visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington and his meeting with Donald Trump on September 24 and 25, 2026, accompanied by a ceremonial welcome at Andrews Air Force Base, was more a diplomatic display for managing the level of tensions than an indication of a breakthrough achievement in relations between the two powers.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Developments in the South Caucasus and Central Asia indicate that transit competition has become an arena for a new staging of influence among Iran, Turkey, Russia, and China.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The upcoming Palestinian elections, after nearly two decades of hiatus, could affect the arrangement of political forces, the legitimacy of institutions, and the future path of Palestinian governance.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Referring to the consequences of the war in Ukraine, an expert on international affairs said Russia and North Korea are determined to strengthen their cooperation in various fields, and Russia will subsequently face increased pressure from the United States and Europe.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The idea of developing transportation routes to boost trade in the Persian Gulf and eliminate the need for the strategic Strait of Hormuz was formed among the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council member states some years ago. To realize the idea, the rail transport corridor along the Persian Gulf was started in 2016 by launching the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council rail network. According to the agreement signed among the member states of the Council, each of the countries was expected to build and complete their rail network independently. Finally, after completing all national lines, the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council network would be launched by connecting the national rail networks of those countries. In this way, an Arab railway network would be formed, connecting all six Persian Gulf Cooperation Council member countries through a railway line of 2177 kilometers.
Dr. Mohammad Mehdi Mazaheri – University professor
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on East Asia affairs stated that due to the reduction of French influence in Africa and the increase of sanctions caused by the Ukraine war, China is rapidly expanding its influence in West Africa and added: The entry of the largest Chinese arms manufacturer in Senegal will increase China’s influence in West Africa.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on African affairs emphasized: Developments in Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali showed that the colonial power of France has weakened and the policies of the Macron government have failed to find a solution in Africa. Today, the Elysee Palace has concluded that they should reconsider their African policies and, as a result, even the European Union is forced to rethink their behavior and methods by examining the reasons for the failure of the policies of European countries in Africa.
Strategic Council Online—Opinion: In recent weeks, the US government has sent 3,000 military forces along with an aircraft carrier and F-35 and F-16 fighters to the waters of the Persian Gulf.
Hamid Khoshayand-Regional issues expert
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: During the visit of the Indian Prime Minister Modi to Greece, which is considered the first visit of the prime minister of that country after 1983, topics such as the gradual improvement of bilateral relations with Greece and a broad framework of bilateral cooperation focusing on the economic, tourism, agriculture, and defense sectors, establishing direct flights between the two countries and climate changes were discussed. Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis considers India a factor of peace and security and a bridge of cooperation between the three continents, considers this trip a “turning point,” and hopes that the relations will be upgraded to a “strategic partnership.” He has announced that the target of the conservative Greek government is to double the value of trade between the two countries in the next four years.
Mahmoud Fazeli – International affairs analyst
Strategic Council Online – Secretariat report: The BRICS group is an economic-political group consisting of the world’s emerging economies, which has been formed to reform global governance and avoid unilateralism of the United States of America.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A foreign policy expert says that with the increase in BRICS members, this group will continue to be a space where the balance between the members will determine its future. He noted that if it is to be a cold war between China, probably with the company of Russia, and the United States, BRICS will suffer. But if by adjusting the dispute between China and the US, the possibility will be provided for members to cooperate easily, BRICS can have more successful efforts. In any case, the way of interaction and balance between the members will determine its future.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on international affairs considered the Jeddah summit on the Ukraine crisis a step in the direction of efforts of Riyadh to display its independent international approach as much as possible and emphasized: By holding such meetings, Saudi Arabia tries to prepare the ground for the interaction of different groups, regardless of whether the talks lead to a result or not, to succeed in maintaining the interaction and communication channel with the relevant players, and strengthen the possibility of playing a so-called mediating and independent role.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Africa is the continent of “opportunities” with the largest natural resource reserves. Many call the current century the “century of Africa.” Six out of 10 countries with the highest economic growth in the world are African. In this sense, Africa has the second fastest growth of the world economy.
Hamid Khoshayand – Expert on international affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Referring to the consequences of the war in Ukraine, an expert on international affairs said Russia and North Korea are determined to strengthen their cooperation in various fields, and Russia will subsequently face increased pressure from the United States and Europe.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The idea of developing transportation routes to boost trade in the Persian Gulf and eliminate the need for the strategic Strait of Hormuz was formed among the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council member states some years ago. To realize the idea, the rail transport corridor along the Persian Gulf was started in 2016 by launching the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council rail network. According to the agreement signed among the member states of the Council, each of the countries was expected to build and complete their rail network independently. Finally, after completing all national lines, the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council network would be launched by connecting the national rail networks of those countries. In this way, an Arab railway network would be formed, connecting all six Persian Gulf Cooperation Council member countries through a railway line of 2177 kilometers.
Dr. Mohammad Mehdi Mazaheri – University professor
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on East Asia affairs stated that due to the reduction of French influence in Africa and the increase of sanctions caused by the Ukraine war, China is rapidly expanding its influence in West Africa and added: The entry of the largest Chinese arms manufacturer in Senegal will increase China’s influence in West Africa.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on African affairs emphasized: Developments in Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali showed that the colonial power of France has weakened and the policies of the Macron government have failed to find a solution in Africa. Today, the Elysee Palace has concluded that they should reconsider their African policies and, as a result, even the European Union is forced to rethink their behavior and methods by examining the reasons for the failure of the policies of European countries in Africa.
Strategic Council Online—Opinion: In recent weeks, the US government has sent 3,000 military forces along with an aircraft carrier and F-35 and F-16 fighters to the waters of the Persian Gulf.
Hamid Khoshayand-Regional issues expert
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: During the visit of the Indian Prime Minister Modi to Greece, which is considered the first visit of the prime minister of that country after 1983, topics such as the gradual improvement of bilateral relations with Greece and a broad framework of bilateral cooperation focusing on the economic, tourism, agriculture, and defense sectors, establishing direct flights between the two countries and climate changes were discussed. Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis considers India a factor of peace and security and a bridge of cooperation between the three continents, considers this trip a “turning point,” and hopes that the relations will be upgraded to a “strategic partnership.” He has announced that the target of the conservative Greek government is to double the value of trade between the two countries in the next four years.
Mahmoud Fazeli – International affairs analyst
Strategic Council Online – Secretariat report: The BRICS group is an economic-political group consisting of the world’s emerging economies, which has been formed to reform global governance and avoid unilateralism of the United States of America.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A foreign policy expert says that with the increase in BRICS members, this group will continue to be a space where the balance between the members will determine its future. He noted that if it is to be a cold war between China, probably with the company of Russia, and the United States, BRICS will suffer. But if by adjusting the dispute between China and the US, the possibility will be provided for members to cooperate easily, BRICS can have more successful efforts. In any case, the way of interaction and balance between the members will determine its future.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on international affairs considered the Jeddah summit on the Ukraine crisis a step in the direction of efforts of Riyadh to display its independent international approach as much as possible and emphasized: By holding such meetings, Saudi Arabia tries to prepare the ground for the interaction of different groups, regardless of whether the talks lead to a result or not, to succeed in maintaining the interaction and communication channel with the relevant players, and strengthen the possibility of playing a so-called mediating and independent role.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Africa is the continent of “opportunities” with the largest natural resource reserves. Many call the current century the “century of Africa.” Six out of 10 countries with the highest economic growth in the world are African. In this sense, Africa has the second fastest growth of the world economy.
Hamid Khoshayand – Expert on international affairs
SCFR Online – Opinion: After months of war and economic pressure, the situation between Iran and the United States has been placed between two conflicting logics; Washington insists on intensifying pressure to gain concessions, and Tehran does not accept negotiations under pressure.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The expansion of artificial intelligence and influence operations has drawn the field of conflict from physical space to the perceptual and algorithmic environment and has turned cognitive deterrence into a strategic necessity.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Riyadh, amid the Iran war, Yemeni pressure, and ambiguous Washington guarantees, has turned to flexible balancing in order to both preserve its security and increase its bargaining power.
SCFR Online – Opinion: London’s decision to provide military support to Saudi Arabia in the Yemen file, beyond a limited aerial mission, could confront Britain with broad legal, security, economic, and strategic consequences.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The acceleration of AI competition has shattered the boundaries of economic, military, intelligence, and cognitive power, turning this technology into a strategic component of national power.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The three-day visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington and his meeting with Donald Trump on September 24 and 25, 2026, accompanied by a ceremonial welcome at Andrews Air Force Base, was more a diplomatic display for managing the level of tensions than an indication of a breakthrough achievement in relations between the two powers.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Developments in the South Caucasus and Central Asia indicate that transit competition has become an arena for a new staging of influence among Iran, Turkey, Russia, and China.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The upcoming Palestinian elections, after nearly two decades of hiatus, could affect the arrangement of political forces, the legitimacy of institutions, and the future path of Palestinian governance.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Referring to the consequences of the war in Ukraine, an expert on international affairs said Russia and North Korea are determined to strengthen their cooperation in various fields, and Russia will subsequently face increased pressure from the United States and Europe.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The idea of developing transportation routes to boost trade in the Persian Gulf and eliminate the need for the strategic Strait of Hormuz was formed among the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council member states some years ago. To realize the idea, the rail transport corridor along the Persian Gulf was started in 2016 by launching the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council rail network. According to the agreement signed among the member states of the Council, each of the countries was expected to build and complete their rail network independently. Finally, after completing all national lines, the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council network would be launched by connecting the national rail networks of those countries. In this way, an Arab railway network would be formed, connecting all six Persian Gulf Cooperation Council member countries through a railway line of 2177 kilometers.
Dr. Mohammad Mehdi Mazaheri – University professor
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on East Asia affairs stated that due to the reduction of French influence in Africa and the increase of sanctions caused by the Ukraine war, China is rapidly expanding its influence in West Africa and added: The entry of the largest Chinese arms manufacturer in Senegal will increase China’s influence in West Africa.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on African affairs emphasized: Developments in Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali showed that the colonial power of France has weakened and the policies of the Macron government have failed to find a solution in Africa. Today, the Elysee Palace has concluded that they should reconsider their African policies and, as a result, even the European Union is forced to rethink their behavior and methods by examining the reasons for the failure of the policies of European countries in Africa.
Strategic Council Online—Opinion: In recent weeks, the US government has sent 3,000 military forces along with an aircraft carrier and F-35 and F-16 fighters to the waters of the Persian Gulf.
Hamid Khoshayand-Regional issues expert
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: During the visit of the Indian Prime Minister Modi to Greece, which is considered the first visit of the prime minister of that country after 1983, topics such as the gradual improvement of bilateral relations with Greece and a broad framework of bilateral cooperation focusing on the economic, tourism, agriculture, and defense sectors, establishing direct flights between the two countries and climate changes were discussed. Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis considers India a factor of peace and security and a bridge of cooperation between the three continents, considers this trip a “turning point,” and hopes that the relations will be upgraded to a “strategic partnership.” He has announced that the target of the conservative Greek government is to double the value of trade between the two countries in the next four years.
Mahmoud Fazeli – International affairs analyst
Strategic Council Online – Secretariat report: The BRICS group is an economic-political group consisting of the world’s emerging economies, which has been formed to reform global governance and avoid unilateralism of the United States of America.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A foreign policy expert says that with the increase in BRICS members, this group will continue to be a space where the balance between the members will determine its future. He noted that if it is to be a cold war between China, probably with the company of Russia, and the United States, BRICS will suffer. But if by adjusting the dispute between China and the US, the possibility will be provided for members to cooperate easily, BRICS can have more successful efforts. In any case, the way of interaction and balance between the members will determine its future.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on international affairs considered the Jeddah summit on the Ukraine crisis a step in the direction of efforts of Riyadh to display its independent international approach as much as possible and emphasized: By holding such meetings, Saudi Arabia tries to prepare the ground for the interaction of different groups, regardless of whether the talks lead to a result or not, to succeed in maintaining the interaction and communication channel with the relevant players, and strengthen the possibility of playing a so-called mediating and independent role.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Africa is the continent of “opportunities” with the largest natural resource reserves. Many call the current century the “century of Africa.” Six out of 10 countries with the highest economic growth in the world are African. In this sense, Africa has the second fastest growth of the world economy.
Hamid Khoshayand – Expert on international affairs
SCFR Online – Opinion: After months of war and economic pressure, the situation between Iran and the United States has been placed between two conflicting logics; Washington insists on intensifying pressure to gain concessions, and Tehran does not accept negotiations under pressure.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The expansion of artificial intelligence and influence operations has drawn the field of conflict from physical space to the perceptual and algorithmic environment and has turned cognitive deterrence into a strategic necessity.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Riyadh, amid the Iran war, Yemeni pressure, and ambiguous Washington guarantees, has turned to flexible balancing in order to both preserve its security and increase its bargaining power.
SCFR Online – Opinion: London’s decision to provide military support to Saudi Arabia in the Yemen file, beyond a limited aerial mission, could confront Britain with broad legal, security, economic, and strategic consequences.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The acceleration of AI competition has shattered the boundaries of economic, military, intelligence, and cognitive power, turning this technology into a strategic component of national power.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The three-day visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington and his meeting with Donald Trump on September 24 and 25, 2026, accompanied by a ceremonial welcome at Andrews Air Force Base, was more a diplomatic display for managing the level of tensions than an indication of a breakthrough achievement in relations between the two powers.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Developments in the South Caucasus and Central Asia indicate that transit competition has become an arena for a new staging of influence among Iran, Turkey, Russia, and China.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The upcoming Palestinian elections, after nearly two decades of hiatus, could affect the arrangement of political forces, the legitimacy of institutions, and the future path of Palestinian governance.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Referring to the consequences of the war in Ukraine, an expert on international affairs said Russia and North Korea are determined to strengthen their cooperation in various fields, and Russia will subsequently face increased pressure from the United States and Europe.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The idea of developing transportation routes to boost trade in the Persian Gulf and eliminate the need for the strategic Strait of Hormuz was formed among the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council member states some years ago. To realize the idea, the rail transport corridor along the Persian Gulf was started in 2016 by launching the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council rail network. According to the agreement signed among the member states of the Council, each of the countries was expected to build and complete their rail network independently. Finally, after completing all national lines, the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council network would be launched by connecting the national rail networks of those countries. In this way, an Arab railway network would be formed, connecting all six Persian Gulf Cooperation Council member countries through a railway line of 2177 kilometers.
Dr. Mohammad Mehdi Mazaheri – University professor
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on East Asia affairs stated that due to the reduction of French influence in Africa and the increase of sanctions caused by the Ukraine war, China is rapidly expanding its influence in West Africa and added: The entry of the largest Chinese arms manufacturer in Senegal will increase China’s influence in West Africa.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on African affairs emphasized: Developments in Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali showed that the colonial power of France has weakened and the policies of the Macron government have failed to find a solution in Africa. Today, the Elysee Palace has concluded that they should reconsider their African policies and, as a result, even the European Union is forced to rethink their behavior and methods by examining the reasons for the failure of the policies of European countries in Africa.
Strategic Council Online—Opinion: In recent weeks, the US government has sent 3,000 military forces along with an aircraft carrier and F-35 and F-16 fighters to the waters of the Persian Gulf.
Hamid Khoshayand-Regional issues expert
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: During the visit of the Indian Prime Minister Modi to Greece, which is considered the first visit of the prime minister of that country after 1983, topics such as the gradual improvement of bilateral relations with Greece and a broad framework of bilateral cooperation focusing on the economic, tourism, agriculture, and defense sectors, establishing direct flights between the two countries and climate changes were discussed. Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis considers India a factor of peace and security and a bridge of cooperation between the three continents, considers this trip a “turning point,” and hopes that the relations will be upgraded to a “strategic partnership.” He has announced that the target of the conservative Greek government is to double the value of trade between the two countries in the next four years.
Mahmoud Fazeli – International affairs analyst
Strategic Council Online – Secretariat report: The BRICS group is an economic-political group consisting of the world’s emerging economies, which has been formed to reform global governance and avoid unilateralism of the United States of America.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A foreign policy expert says that with the increase in BRICS members, this group will continue to be a space where the balance between the members will determine its future. He noted that if it is to be a cold war between China, probably with the company of Russia, and the United States, BRICS will suffer. But if by adjusting the dispute between China and the US, the possibility will be provided for members to cooperate easily, BRICS can have more successful efforts. In any case, the way of interaction and balance between the members will determine its future.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on international affairs considered the Jeddah summit on the Ukraine crisis a step in the direction of efforts of Riyadh to display its independent international approach as much as possible and emphasized: By holding such meetings, Saudi Arabia tries to prepare the ground for the interaction of different groups, regardless of whether the talks lead to a result or not, to succeed in maintaining the interaction and communication channel with the relevant players, and strengthen the possibility of playing a so-called mediating and independent role.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Africa is the continent of “opportunities” with the largest natural resource reserves. Many call the current century the “century of Africa.” Six out of 10 countries with the highest economic growth in the world are African. In this sense, Africa has the second fastest growth of the world economy.
Hamid Khoshayand – Expert on international affairs
SCFR Online – Opinion: After months of war and economic pressure, the situation between Iran and the United States has been placed between two conflicting logics; Washington insists on intensifying pressure to gain concessions, and Tehran does not accept negotiations under pressure.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The expansion of artificial intelligence and influence operations has drawn the field of conflict from physical space to the perceptual and algorithmic environment and has turned cognitive deterrence into a strategic necessity.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Riyadh, amid the Iran war, Yemeni pressure, and ambiguous Washington guarantees, has turned to flexible balancing in order to both preserve its security and increase its bargaining power.
SCFR Online – Opinion: London’s decision to provide military support to Saudi Arabia in the Yemen file, beyond a limited aerial mission, could confront Britain with broad legal, security, economic, and strategic consequences.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The acceleration of AI competition has shattered the boundaries of economic, military, intelligence, and cognitive power, turning this technology into a strategic component of national power.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The three-day visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington and his meeting with Donald Trump on September 24 and 25, 2026, accompanied by a ceremonial welcome at Andrews Air Force Base, was more a diplomatic display for managing the level of tensions than an indication of a breakthrough achievement in relations between the two powers.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Developments in the South Caucasus and Central Asia indicate that transit competition has become an arena for a new staging of influence among Iran, Turkey, Russia, and China.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The upcoming Palestinian elections, after nearly two decades of hiatus, could affect the arrangement of political forces, the legitimacy of institutions, and the future path of Palestinian governance.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Referring to the consequences of the war in Ukraine, an expert on international affairs said Russia and North Korea are determined to strengthen their cooperation in various fields, and Russia will subsequently face increased pressure from the United States and Europe.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The idea of developing transportation routes to boost trade in the Persian Gulf and eliminate the need for the strategic Strait of Hormuz was formed among the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council member states some years ago. To realize the idea, the rail transport corridor along the Persian Gulf was started in 2016 by launching the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council rail network. According to the agreement signed among the member states of the Council, each of the countries was expected to build and complete their rail network independently. Finally, after completing all national lines, the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council network would be launched by connecting the national rail networks of those countries. In this way, an Arab railway network would be formed, connecting all six Persian Gulf Cooperation Council member countries through a railway line of 2177 kilometers.
Dr. Mohammad Mehdi Mazaheri – University professor
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on East Asia affairs stated that due to the reduction of French influence in Africa and the increase of sanctions caused by the Ukraine war, China is rapidly expanding its influence in West Africa and added: The entry of the largest Chinese arms manufacturer in Senegal will increase China’s influence in West Africa.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on African affairs emphasized: Developments in Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali showed that the colonial power of France has weakened and the policies of the Macron government have failed to find a solution in Africa. Today, the Elysee Palace has concluded that they should reconsider their African policies and, as a result, even the European Union is forced to rethink their behavior and methods by examining the reasons for the failure of the policies of European countries in Africa.
Strategic Council Online—Opinion: In recent weeks, the US government has sent 3,000 military forces along with an aircraft carrier and F-35 and F-16 fighters to the waters of the Persian Gulf.
Hamid Khoshayand-Regional issues expert
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: During the visit of the Indian Prime Minister Modi to Greece, which is considered the first visit of the prime minister of that country after 1983, topics such as the gradual improvement of bilateral relations with Greece and a broad framework of bilateral cooperation focusing on the economic, tourism, agriculture, and defense sectors, establishing direct flights between the two countries and climate changes were discussed. Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis considers India a factor of peace and security and a bridge of cooperation between the three continents, considers this trip a “turning point,” and hopes that the relations will be upgraded to a “strategic partnership.” He has announced that the target of the conservative Greek government is to double the value of trade between the two countries in the next four years.
Mahmoud Fazeli – International affairs analyst
Strategic Council Online – Secretariat report: The BRICS group is an economic-political group consisting of the world’s emerging economies, which has been formed to reform global governance and avoid unilateralism of the United States of America.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A foreign policy expert says that with the increase in BRICS members, this group will continue to be a space where the balance between the members will determine its future. He noted that if it is to be a cold war between China, probably with the company of Russia, and the United States, BRICS will suffer. But if by adjusting the dispute between China and the US, the possibility will be provided for members to cooperate easily, BRICS can have more successful efforts. In any case, the way of interaction and balance between the members will determine its future.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on international affairs considered the Jeddah summit on the Ukraine crisis a step in the direction of efforts of Riyadh to display its independent international approach as much as possible and emphasized: By holding such meetings, Saudi Arabia tries to prepare the ground for the interaction of different groups, regardless of whether the talks lead to a result or not, to succeed in maintaining the interaction and communication channel with the relevant players, and strengthen the possibility of playing a so-called mediating and independent role.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Africa is the continent of “opportunities” with the largest natural resource reserves. Many call the current century the “century of Africa.” Six out of 10 countries with the highest economic growth in the world are African. In this sense, Africa has the second fastest growth of the world economy.
Hamid Khoshayand – Expert on international affairs
SCFR Online – Opinion: After months of war and economic pressure, the situation between Iran and the United States has been placed between two conflicting logics; Washington insists on intensifying pressure to gain concessions, and Tehran does not accept negotiations under pressure.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The expansion of artificial intelligence and influence operations has drawn the field of conflict from physical space to the perceptual and algorithmic environment and has turned cognitive deterrence into a strategic necessity.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Riyadh, amid the Iran war, Yemeni pressure, and ambiguous Washington guarantees, has turned to flexible balancing in order to both preserve its security and increase its bargaining power.
SCFR Online – Opinion: London’s decision to provide military support to Saudi Arabia in the Yemen file, beyond a limited aerial mission, could confront Britain with broad legal, security, economic, and strategic consequences.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The acceleration of AI competition has shattered the boundaries of economic, military, intelligence, and cognitive power, turning this technology into a strategic component of national power.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The three-day visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington and his meeting with Donald Trump on September 24 and 25, 2026, accompanied by a ceremonial welcome at Andrews Air Force Base, was more a diplomatic display for managing the level of tensions than an indication of a breakthrough achievement in relations between the two powers.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Developments in the South Caucasus and Central Asia indicate that transit competition has become an arena for a new staging of influence among Iran, Turkey, Russia, and China.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The upcoming Palestinian elections, after nearly two decades of hiatus, could affect the arrangement of political forces, the legitimacy of institutions, and the future path of Palestinian governance.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Referring to the consequences of the war in Ukraine, an expert on international affairs said Russia and North Korea are determined to strengthen their cooperation in various fields, and Russia will subsequently face increased pressure from the United States and Europe.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The idea of developing transportation routes to boost trade in the Persian Gulf and eliminate the need for the strategic Strait of Hormuz was formed among the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council member states some years ago. To realize the idea, the rail transport corridor along the Persian Gulf was started in 2016 by launching the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council rail network. According to the agreement signed among the member states of the Council, each of the countries was expected to build and complete their rail network independently. Finally, after completing all national lines, the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council network would be launched by connecting the national rail networks of those countries. In this way, an Arab railway network would be formed, connecting all six Persian Gulf Cooperation Council member countries through a railway line of 2177 kilometers.
Dr. Mohammad Mehdi Mazaheri – University professor
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on East Asia affairs stated that due to the reduction of French influence in Africa and the increase of sanctions caused by the Ukraine war, China is rapidly expanding its influence in West Africa and added: The entry of the largest Chinese arms manufacturer in Senegal will increase China’s influence in West Africa.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on African affairs emphasized: Developments in Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali showed that the colonial power of France has weakened and the policies of the Macron government have failed to find a solution in Africa. Today, the Elysee Palace has concluded that they should reconsider their African policies and, as a result, even the European Union is forced to rethink their behavior and methods by examining the reasons for the failure of the policies of European countries in Africa.
Strategic Council Online—Opinion: In recent weeks, the US government has sent 3,000 military forces along with an aircraft carrier and F-35 and F-16 fighters to the waters of the Persian Gulf.
Hamid Khoshayand-Regional issues expert
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: During the visit of the Indian Prime Minister Modi to Greece, which is considered the first visit of the prime minister of that country after 1983, topics such as the gradual improvement of bilateral relations with Greece and a broad framework of bilateral cooperation focusing on the economic, tourism, agriculture, and defense sectors, establishing direct flights between the two countries and climate changes were discussed. Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis considers India a factor of peace and security and a bridge of cooperation between the three continents, considers this trip a “turning point,” and hopes that the relations will be upgraded to a “strategic partnership.” He has announced that the target of the conservative Greek government is to double the value of trade between the two countries in the next four years.
Mahmoud Fazeli – International affairs analyst
Strategic Council Online – Secretariat report: The BRICS group is an economic-political group consisting of the world’s emerging economies, which has been formed to reform global governance and avoid unilateralism of the United States of America.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A foreign policy expert says that with the increase in BRICS members, this group will continue to be a space where the balance between the members will determine its future. He noted that if it is to be a cold war between China, probably with the company of Russia, and the United States, BRICS will suffer. But if by adjusting the dispute between China and the US, the possibility will be provided for members to cooperate easily, BRICS can have more successful efforts. In any case, the way of interaction and balance between the members will determine its future.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An expert on international affairs considered the Jeddah summit on the Ukraine crisis a step in the direction of efforts of Riyadh to display its independent international approach as much as possible and emphasized: By holding such meetings, Saudi Arabia tries to prepare the ground for the interaction of different groups, regardless of whether the talks lead to a result or not, to succeed in maintaining the interaction and communication channel with the relevant players, and strengthen the possibility of playing a so-called mediating and independent role.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Africa is the continent of “opportunities” with the largest natural resource reserves. Many call the current century the “century of Africa.” Six out of 10 countries with the highest economic growth in the world are African. In this sense, Africa has the second fastest growth of the world economy.
Hamid Khoshayand – Expert on international affairs
SCFR Online – Opinion: After months of war and economic pressure, the situation between Iran and the United States has been placed between two conflicting logics; Washington insists on intensifying pressure to gain concessions, and Tehran does not accept negotiations under pressure.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The expansion of artificial intelligence and influence operations has drawn the field of conflict from physical space to the perceptual and algorithmic environment and has turned cognitive deterrence into a strategic necessity.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Riyadh, amid the Iran war, Yemeni pressure, and ambiguous Washington guarantees, has turned to flexible balancing in order to both preserve its security and increase its bargaining power.
SCFR Online – Opinion: London’s decision to provide military support to Saudi Arabia in the Yemen file, beyond a limited aerial mission, could confront Britain with broad legal, security, economic, and strategic consequences.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The acceleration of AI competition has shattered the boundaries of economic, military, intelligence, and cognitive power, turning this technology into a strategic component of national power.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The three-day visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington and his meeting with Donald Trump on September 24 and 25, 2026, accompanied by a ceremonial welcome at Andrews Air Force Base, was more a diplomatic display for managing the level of tensions than an indication of a breakthrough achievement in relations between the two powers.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Developments in the South Caucasus and Central Asia indicate that transit competition has become an arena for a new staging of influence among Iran, Turkey, Russia, and China.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The upcoming Palestinian elections, after nearly two decades of hiatus, could affect the arrangement of political forces, the legitimacy of institutions, and the future path of Palestinian governance.