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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Note: By disregarding Iran’s deterrence capabilities and political economy leverage in the Strait of Hormuz, Washington has reached a strategic deadlock from which military means are unable to extricate it.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Foreign policy analysis is valid when it evaluates decisions based on the information and circumstances prevailing at the time they were made, not on the basis of outcomes that only become apparent after the crisis has ended.
SCFR Online-Opinion: Sanctions are gradually transforming from classical financial instruments into complex mechanisms for the containment of technology, data, and global supply chains.
Online Strategic Council – Dialogue: After October 7, 2023, and the start of the cycle of killing and aggression by the Israeli regime, the equations of the Middle East entered a new and more complex stage. This development not only altered the security and diplomatic balances but also impacted the region’s geopolitical structure, and over the past two years, has led to the emergence of a new regional architecture. Today, the Middle East has become a multi-layered arena with changing conflicts and alliances.
The Gaza crisis and the reaction of public opinion in the region’s countries have also altered the internal calculations of governments and put their foreign policies under pressure from public opinion. The wave of official recognition of the state of Palestine, along with the experience of the Israeli regime’s aggression against Iran and Tehran’s decisive response, has made the current situation completely different from the past. It appears that in the near future, the new regional architecture will require multilateral interactions and a redefinition of power relations beyond traditional equations.
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.
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A senior Iraqi affairs analyst stated that the recent action by the US Department of State in placing four Iraqi Shiite groups on the list of foreign terrorist organizations has not only seriously challenged Iraq’s security dimension but has also broadly overshadowed Baghdad’s political and diplomatic equations. This decision, interpreted as a continuation of Washington’s policy of maximum pressure in the region, could have multi-layered consequences for Iraq’s internal security, foreign relations, and even the balance of power. The groups affected by this decision are part of the official structure of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and were key players in the defeat of ISIS; therefore, their placement on the terrorist list is not only considered a threat against US interests but also calls into question the legitimacy and cohesion of Iraq’s security forces. This move could cast a shadow over the process of withdrawing US forces from Iraq and provide a pretext for the continuation of Washington’s military presence. Similarly, at the regional level, it further frees the hands of the Israeli regime for aggressive actions.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A regional affairs expert stated that Europe has taken no action to increase political, economic, and security pressure on the Israeli regime to counter its genocide in Gaza, and it is unlikely to take any action in this regard in the future, although even at this level, support for Palestine and opposition to the crimes and genocide of the Israeli regime in Gaza are unprecedented in Europe.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on West Asia and North Africa affairs stated, “The recognition of the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly, particularly by European countries, initially appears to be a symbolic and positive action in support of Palestinian rights.” However, this move is more of a political and diplomatic response to the pressure from European and global public opinion than a real pressure on the Israeli regime.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs analyst stated that the Israeli regime’s airstrike on Qatar, under the pretext of targeting Hamas leaders, could be a turning point in the security and diplomatic equations of the Persian Gulf. This action not only challenged Qatar’s sovereignty but also raised questions about the security of the member states of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council. Given that the Israeli regime is considered a close ally of the United States, this aggression has heightened sensitivities and increased doubts about Washington’s commitment to ensuring the security and protection of its regional partners. Under such circumstances, Iran can pursue regional dialogues and cooperation in the Persian Gulf, considering the Arab countries’ concerns about the ineffectiveness of American security guarantees. On the other hand, the Israeli regime’s aggression against Qatar has practically endangered normalization agreements, including the Abraham Accords, and reduced the chances of developing cooperation between Tel Aviv and some Arab countries. Internal pressure on the UAE and Bahrain to reconsider their relations with this regime has increased. Thus, the Israeli regime’s attack on Doha has not only complicated the security equations but also plunged the region’s political and diplomatic prospects into a complex phase, indicating that regional actors must reconsider traditional approaches dependent on extra-regional powers.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that the Zionist regime’s airstrike on Doha, the capital of Qatar, aimed at assassinating senior Hamas leaders, once again revealed Tel Aviv’s brazen disregard for international law and the national sovereignty of countries. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of this regime, justified the operation by claiming to “eliminate an existential threat” and asserted that “Hamas leaders were targeted.” However, incoming reports indicate that this attack has failed. This aggression, carried out with the knowledge and consent of American officials, sparked a wave of anger and condemnation across the Arab and Islamic world. From the Arab League to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, and even the Palestinian Authority, they deemed this action a clear violation of international law and a serious threat to regional security. Saudi Arabia warned that the continuation of such behavior could endanger the stability of West Asia, while the UAE described the security of Arab countries as “integral and indivisible.” However, regional observers believe that this wave of condemnations will likely remain at the level of diplomatic statements, with no serious practical action taken by Arab countries—a pattern previously observed in response to the Israeli regime’s repeated attacks on Gaza. Meanwhile, Tel Aviv, relying on American support and the inaction of regional countries, is attempting to manage its internal crisis and advance the “Greater Israel” project by creating successive crises; a project whose explosions are now heard as far as the heart of the Persian Gulf.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A West Asia affairs analyst stated that on the eve of the September session of the United Nations General Assembly, the U.S. government limited the presence of the Palestinian delegation at this meeting by canceling the visa of Mahmoud Abbas, the head of the Palestinian Authority. This U.S. action is part of a complex political game between Washington, Tel Aviv, and global public opinion, aiming to question the role of Palestinians in international equations. The U.S. government and Zionist lobbies, by supporting the Israeli regime, have targeted any plan and flourishing of the Palestinian issue on the global stage, while some Western governments, due to public opinion pressure, are trying to advance the process of recognizing Palestine. This U.S. action has sparked widespread international reactions and raised concerns about violations of UN agreements and Washington’s blatant bias in favor of the Israeli regime. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assessed this decision as a violation of international laws and an obstacle to the legal presence of their representatives at meetings, calling for diplomatic and legal solutions to ensure the participation of the Palestinian delegation. This restriction was imposed while European countries, especially France, Canada, and several other Western nations, are striving to increase diplomatic pressure on the Israeli regime and the U.S. by recognizing the state of Palestine.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst in West Asia affairs stated that while a wave of readiness for the official recognition of the State of Palestine by some countries is forming, the upcoming UN General Assembly session has become a decisive stage for the future of the Palestinian issue. At first glance, these moves are considered an essential step towards the potential advancement of the two-state solution and pressuring the Israeli regime to halt illegal settlements and accept the political reality of Palestinian sovereignty. Belgium’s decision to impose 12 firm sanctions against the Israeli regime and recognize the State of Palestine reflects this same perspective, which seeks to open a new political path in the face of the Gaza humanitarian crisis. However, there is another view that considers this diplomatic wave merely a symbolic reaction to public opinion pressure after nearly two years of slaughter and siege in Gaza, believing that as long as the United States stands alongside the Israeli regime, these movements will not lead to the establishment of a real Palestinian state. This viewpoint holds that the expansionist policies of Tel Aviv, the idea of Greater Israel, and the support of Western powers remain the main obstacles to any real change on the ground. Therefore, the September session of the UN General Assembly is considered an important test to gauge the seriousness of the international community in moving beyond symbolism towards practical action.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior West Asia affairs analyst stated: By assassinating Yemeni executive officials, the Israeli regime has not only failed to achieve its military objectives, but its position has also been weakened in the diplomatic arena. In contrast, Yemen and the Resistance Front are continuing their path with greater cohesion, and the future outlook indicates that not only will their military capabilities not diminish, but their political standing will also be enhanced at the regional and global levels.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Note: By disregarding Iran’s deterrence capabilities and political economy leverage in the Strait of Hormuz, Washington has reached a strategic deadlock from which military means are unable to extricate it.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Foreign policy analysis is valid when it evaluates decisions based on the information and circumstances prevailing at the time they were made, not on the basis of outcomes that only become apparent after the crisis has ended.
SCFR Online-Opinion: Sanctions are gradually transforming from classical financial instruments into complex mechanisms for the containment of technology, data, and global supply chains.
Online Strategic Council – Dialogue: After October 7, 2023, and the start of the cycle of killing and aggression by the Israeli regime, the equations of the Middle East entered a new and more complex stage. This development not only altered the security and diplomatic balances but also impacted the region’s geopolitical structure, and over the past two years, has led to the emergence of a new regional architecture. Today, the Middle East has become a multi-layered arena with changing conflicts and alliances.
The Gaza crisis and the reaction of public opinion in the region’s countries have also altered the internal calculations of governments and put their foreign policies under pressure from public opinion. The wave of official recognition of the state of Palestine, along with the experience of the Israeli regime’s aggression against Iran and Tehran’s decisive response, has made the current situation completely different from the past. It appears that in the near future, the new regional architecture will require multilateral interactions and a redefinition of power relations beyond traditional equations.
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.
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A senior Iraqi affairs analyst stated that the recent action by the US Department of State in placing four Iraqi Shiite groups on the list of foreign terrorist organizations has not only seriously challenged Iraq’s security dimension but has also broadly overshadowed Baghdad’s political and diplomatic equations. This decision, interpreted as a continuation of Washington’s policy of maximum pressure in the region, could have multi-layered consequences for Iraq’s internal security, foreign relations, and even the balance of power. The groups affected by this decision are part of the official structure of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and were key players in the defeat of ISIS; therefore, their placement on the terrorist list is not only considered a threat against US interests but also calls into question the legitimacy and cohesion of Iraq’s security forces. This move could cast a shadow over the process of withdrawing US forces from Iraq and provide a pretext for the continuation of Washington’s military presence. Similarly, at the regional level, it further frees the hands of the Israeli regime for aggressive actions.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A regional affairs expert stated that Europe has taken no action to increase political, economic, and security pressure on the Israeli regime to counter its genocide in Gaza, and it is unlikely to take any action in this regard in the future, although even at this level, support for Palestine and opposition to the crimes and genocide of the Israeli regime in Gaza are unprecedented in Europe.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on West Asia and North Africa affairs stated, “The recognition of the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly, particularly by European countries, initially appears to be a symbolic and positive action in support of Palestinian rights.” However, this move is more of a political and diplomatic response to the pressure from European and global public opinion than a real pressure on the Israeli regime.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs analyst stated that the Israeli regime’s airstrike on Qatar, under the pretext of targeting Hamas leaders, could be a turning point in the security and diplomatic equations of the Persian Gulf. This action not only challenged Qatar’s sovereignty but also raised questions about the security of the member states of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council. Given that the Israeli regime is considered a close ally of the United States, this aggression has heightened sensitivities and increased doubts about Washington’s commitment to ensuring the security and protection of its regional partners. Under such circumstances, Iran can pursue regional dialogues and cooperation in the Persian Gulf, considering the Arab countries’ concerns about the ineffectiveness of American security guarantees. On the other hand, the Israeli regime’s aggression against Qatar has practically endangered normalization agreements, including the Abraham Accords, and reduced the chances of developing cooperation between Tel Aviv and some Arab countries. Internal pressure on the UAE and Bahrain to reconsider their relations with this regime has increased. Thus, the Israeli regime’s attack on Doha has not only complicated the security equations but also plunged the region’s political and diplomatic prospects into a complex phase, indicating that regional actors must reconsider traditional approaches dependent on extra-regional powers.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that the Zionist regime’s airstrike on Doha, the capital of Qatar, aimed at assassinating senior Hamas leaders, once again revealed Tel Aviv’s brazen disregard for international law and the national sovereignty of countries. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of this regime, justified the operation by claiming to “eliminate an existential threat” and asserted that “Hamas leaders were targeted.” However, incoming reports indicate that this attack has failed. This aggression, carried out with the knowledge and consent of American officials, sparked a wave of anger and condemnation across the Arab and Islamic world. From the Arab League to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, and even the Palestinian Authority, they deemed this action a clear violation of international law and a serious threat to regional security. Saudi Arabia warned that the continuation of such behavior could endanger the stability of West Asia, while the UAE described the security of Arab countries as “integral and indivisible.” However, regional observers believe that this wave of condemnations will likely remain at the level of diplomatic statements, with no serious practical action taken by Arab countries—a pattern previously observed in response to the Israeli regime’s repeated attacks on Gaza. Meanwhile, Tel Aviv, relying on American support and the inaction of regional countries, is attempting to manage its internal crisis and advance the “Greater Israel” project by creating successive crises; a project whose explosions are now heard as far as the heart of the Persian Gulf.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A West Asia affairs analyst stated that on the eve of the September session of the United Nations General Assembly, the U.S. government limited the presence of the Palestinian delegation at this meeting by canceling the visa of Mahmoud Abbas, the head of the Palestinian Authority. This U.S. action is part of a complex political game between Washington, Tel Aviv, and global public opinion, aiming to question the role of Palestinians in international equations. The U.S. government and Zionist lobbies, by supporting the Israeli regime, have targeted any plan and flourishing of the Palestinian issue on the global stage, while some Western governments, due to public opinion pressure, are trying to advance the process of recognizing Palestine. This U.S. action has sparked widespread international reactions and raised concerns about violations of UN agreements and Washington’s blatant bias in favor of the Israeli regime. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assessed this decision as a violation of international laws and an obstacle to the legal presence of their representatives at meetings, calling for diplomatic and legal solutions to ensure the participation of the Palestinian delegation. This restriction was imposed while European countries, especially France, Canada, and several other Western nations, are striving to increase diplomatic pressure on the Israeli regime and the U.S. by recognizing the state of Palestine.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst in West Asia affairs stated that while a wave of readiness for the official recognition of the State of Palestine by some countries is forming, the upcoming UN General Assembly session has become a decisive stage for the future of the Palestinian issue. At first glance, these moves are considered an essential step towards the potential advancement of the two-state solution and pressuring the Israeli regime to halt illegal settlements and accept the political reality of Palestinian sovereignty. Belgium’s decision to impose 12 firm sanctions against the Israeli regime and recognize the State of Palestine reflects this same perspective, which seeks to open a new political path in the face of the Gaza humanitarian crisis. However, there is another view that considers this diplomatic wave merely a symbolic reaction to public opinion pressure after nearly two years of slaughter and siege in Gaza, believing that as long as the United States stands alongside the Israeli regime, these movements will not lead to the establishment of a real Palestinian state. This viewpoint holds that the expansionist policies of Tel Aviv, the idea of Greater Israel, and the support of Western powers remain the main obstacles to any real change on the ground. Therefore, the September session of the UN General Assembly is considered an important test to gauge the seriousness of the international community in moving beyond symbolism towards practical action.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior West Asia affairs analyst stated: By assassinating Yemeni executive officials, the Israeli regime has not only failed to achieve its military objectives, but its position has also been weakened in the diplomatic arena. In contrast, Yemen and the Resistance Front are continuing their path with greater cohesion, and the future outlook indicates that not only will their military capabilities not diminish, but their political standing will also be enhanced at the regional and global levels.
Online Strategic Council – Dialogue: After October 7, 2023, and the start of the cycle of killing and aggression by the Israeli regime, the equations of the Middle East entered a new and more complex stage. This development not only altered the security and diplomatic balances but also impacted the region’s geopolitical structure, and over the past two years, has led to the emergence of a new regional architecture. Today, the Middle East has become a multi-layered arena with changing conflicts and alliances.
The Gaza crisis and the reaction of public opinion in the region’s countries have also altered the internal calculations of governments and put their foreign policies under pressure from public opinion. The wave of official recognition of the state of Palestine, along with the experience of the Israeli regime’s aggression against Iran and Tehran’s decisive response, has made the current situation completely different from the past. It appears that in the near future, the new regional architecture will require multilateral interactions and a redefinition of power relations beyond traditional equations.
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.
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A senior Iraqi affairs analyst stated that the recent action by the US Department of State in placing four Iraqi Shiite groups on the list of foreign terrorist organizations has not only seriously challenged Iraq’s security dimension but has also broadly overshadowed Baghdad’s political and diplomatic equations. This decision, interpreted as a continuation of Washington’s policy of maximum pressure in the region, could have multi-layered consequences for Iraq’s internal security, foreign relations, and even the balance of power. The groups affected by this decision are part of the official structure of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and were key players in the defeat of ISIS; therefore, their placement on the terrorist list is not only considered a threat against US interests but also calls into question the legitimacy and cohesion of Iraq’s security forces. This move could cast a shadow over the process of withdrawing US forces from Iraq and provide a pretext for the continuation of Washington’s military presence. Similarly, at the regional level, it further frees the hands of the Israeli regime for aggressive actions.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A regional affairs expert stated that Europe has taken no action to increase political, economic, and security pressure on the Israeli regime to counter its genocide in Gaza, and it is unlikely to take any action in this regard in the future, although even at this level, support for Palestine and opposition to the crimes and genocide of the Israeli regime in Gaza are unprecedented in Europe.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on West Asia and North Africa affairs stated, “The recognition of the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly, particularly by European countries, initially appears to be a symbolic and positive action in support of Palestinian rights.” However, this move is more of a political and diplomatic response to the pressure from European and global public opinion than a real pressure on the Israeli regime.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs analyst stated that the Israeli regime’s airstrike on Qatar, under the pretext of targeting Hamas leaders, could be a turning point in the security and diplomatic equations of the Persian Gulf. This action not only challenged Qatar’s sovereignty but also raised questions about the security of the member states of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council. Given that the Israeli regime is considered a close ally of the United States, this aggression has heightened sensitivities and increased doubts about Washington’s commitment to ensuring the security and protection of its regional partners. Under such circumstances, Iran can pursue regional dialogues and cooperation in the Persian Gulf, considering the Arab countries’ concerns about the ineffectiveness of American security guarantees. On the other hand, the Israeli regime’s aggression against Qatar has practically endangered normalization agreements, including the Abraham Accords, and reduced the chances of developing cooperation between Tel Aviv and some Arab countries. Internal pressure on the UAE and Bahrain to reconsider their relations with this regime has increased. Thus, the Israeli regime’s attack on Doha has not only complicated the security equations but also plunged the region’s political and diplomatic prospects into a complex phase, indicating that regional actors must reconsider traditional approaches dependent on extra-regional powers.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that the Zionist regime’s airstrike on Doha, the capital of Qatar, aimed at assassinating senior Hamas leaders, once again revealed Tel Aviv’s brazen disregard for international law and the national sovereignty of countries. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of this regime, justified the operation by claiming to “eliminate an existential threat” and asserted that “Hamas leaders were targeted.” However, incoming reports indicate that this attack has failed. This aggression, carried out with the knowledge and consent of American officials, sparked a wave of anger and condemnation across the Arab and Islamic world. From the Arab League to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, and even the Palestinian Authority, they deemed this action a clear violation of international law and a serious threat to regional security. Saudi Arabia warned that the continuation of such behavior could endanger the stability of West Asia, while the UAE described the security of Arab countries as “integral and indivisible.” However, regional observers believe that this wave of condemnations will likely remain at the level of diplomatic statements, with no serious practical action taken by Arab countries—a pattern previously observed in response to the Israeli regime’s repeated attacks on Gaza. Meanwhile, Tel Aviv, relying on American support and the inaction of regional countries, is attempting to manage its internal crisis and advance the “Greater Israel” project by creating successive crises; a project whose explosions are now heard as far as the heart of the Persian Gulf.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A West Asia affairs analyst stated that on the eve of the September session of the United Nations General Assembly, the U.S. government limited the presence of the Palestinian delegation at this meeting by canceling the visa of Mahmoud Abbas, the head of the Palestinian Authority. This U.S. action is part of a complex political game between Washington, Tel Aviv, and global public opinion, aiming to question the role of Palestinians in international equations. The U.S. government and Zionist lobbies, by supporting the Israeli regime, have targeted any plan and flourishing of the Palestinian issue on the global stage, while some Western governments, due to public opinion pressure, are trying to advance the process of recognizing Palestine. This U.S. action has sparked widespread international reactions and raised concerns about violations of UN agreements and Washington’s blatant bias in favor of the Israeli regime. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assessed this decision as a violation of international laws and an obstacle to the legal presence of their representatives at meetings, calling for diplomatic and legal solutions to ensure the participation of the Palestinian delegation. This restriction was imposed while European countries, especially France, Canada, and several other Western nations, are striving to increase diplomatic pressure on the Israeli regime and the U.S. by recognizing the state of Palestine.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst in West Asia affairs stated that while a wave of readiness for the official recognition of the State of Palestine by some countries is forming, the upcoming UN General Assembly session has become a decisive stage for the future of the Palestinian issue. At first glance, these moves are considered an essential step towards the potential advancement of the two-state solution and pressuring the Israeli regime to halt illegal settlements and accept the political reality of Palestinian sovereignty. Belgium’s decision to impose 12 firm sanctions against the Israeli regime and recognize the State of Palestine reflects this same perspective, which seeks to open a new political path in the face of the Gaza humanitarian crisis. However, there is another view that considers this diplomatic wave merely a symbolic reaction to public opinion pressure after nearly two years of slaughter and siege in Gaza, believing that as long as the United States stands alongside the Israeli regime, these movements will not lead to the establishment of a real Palestinian state. This viewpoint holds that the expansionist policies of Tel Aviv, the idea of Greater Israel, and the support of Western powers remain the main obstacles to any real change on the ground. Therefore, the September session of the UN General Assembly is considered an important test to gauge the seriousness of the international community in moving beyond symbolism towards practical action.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior West Asia affairs analyst stated: By assassinating Yemeni executive officials, the Israeli regime has not only failed to achieve its military objectives, but its position has also been weakened in the diplomatic arena. In contrast, Yemen and the Resistance Front are continuing their path with greater cohesion, and the future outlook indicates that not only will their military capabilities not diminish, but their political standing will also be enhanced at the regional and global levels.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Note: By disregarding Iran’s deterrence capabilities and political economy leverage in the Strait of Hormuz, Washington has reached a strategic deadlock from which military means are unable to extricate it.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Foreign policy analysis is valid when it evaluates decisions based on the information and circumstances prevailing at the time they were made, not on the basis of outcomes that only become apparent after the crisis has ended.
SCFR Online-Opinion: Sanctions are gradually transforming from classical financial instruments into complex mechanisms for the containment of technology, data, and global supply chains.
Online Strategic Council – Dialogue: After October 7, 2023, and the start of the cycle of killing and aggression by the Israeli regime, the equations of the Middle East entered a new and more complex stage. This development not only altered the security and diplomatic balances but also impacted the region’s geopolitical structure, and over the past two years, has led to the emergence of a new regional architecture. Today, the Middle East has become a multi-layered arena with changing conflicts and alliances.
The Gaza crisis and the reaction of public opinion in the region’s countries have also altered the internal calculations of governments and put their foreign policies under pressure from public opinion. The wave of official recognition of the state of Palestine, along with the experience of the Israeli regime’s aggression against Iran and Tehran’s decisive response, has made the current situation completely different from the past. It appears that in the near future, the new regional architecture will require multilateral interactions and a redefinition of power relations beyond traditional equations.
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.
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A senior Iraqi affairs analyst stated that the recent action by the US Department of State in placing four Iraqi Shiite groups on the list of foreign terrorist organizations has not only seriously challenged Iraq’s security dimension but has also broadly overshadowed Baghdad’s political and diplomatic equations. This decision, interpreted as a continuation of Washington’s policy of maximum pressure in the region, could have multi-layered consequences for Iraq’s internal security, foreign relations, and even the balance of power. The groups affected by this decision are part of the official structure of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and were key players in the defeat of ISIS; therefore, their placement on the terrorist list is not only considered a threat against US interests but also calls into question the legitimacy and cohesion of Iraq’s security forces. This move could cast a shadow over the process of withdrawing US forces from Iraq and provide a pretext for the continuation of Washington’s military presence. Similarly, at the regional level, it further frees the hands of the Israeli regime for aggressive actions.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A regional affairs expert stated that Europe has taken no action to increase political, economic, and security pressure on the Israeli regime to counter its genocide in Gaza, and it is unlikely to take any action in this regard in the future, although even at this level, support for Palestine and opposition to the crimes and genocide of the Israeli regime in Gaza are unprecedented in Europe.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on West Asia and North Africa affairs stated, “The recognition of the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly, particularly by European countries, initially appears to be a symbolic and positive action in support of Palestinian rights.” However, this move is more of a political and diplomatic response to the pressure from European and global public opinion than a real pressure on the Israeli regime.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs analyst stated that the Israeli regime’s airstrike on Qatar, under the pretext of targeting Hamas leaders, could be a turning point in the security and diplomatic equations of the Persian Gulf. This action not only challenged Qatar’s sovereignty but also raised questions about the security of the member states of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council. Given that the Israeli regime is considered a close ally of the United States, this aggression has heightened sensitivities and increased doubts about Washington’s commitment to ensuring the security and protection of its regional partners. Under such circumstances, Iran can pursue regional dialogues and cooperation in the Persian Gulf, considering the Arab countries’ concerns about the ineffectiveness of American security guarantees. On the other hand, the Israeli regime’s aggression against Qatar has practically endangered normalization agreements, including the Abraham Accords, and reduced the chances of developing cooperation between Tel Aviv and some Arab countries. Internal pressure on the UAE and Bahrain to reconsider their relations with this regime has increased. Thus, the Israeli regime’s attack on Doha has not only complicated the security equations but also plunged the region’s political and diplomatic prospects into a complex phase, indicating that regional actors must reconsider traditional approaches dependent on extra-regional powers.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that the Zionist regime’s airstrike on Doha, the capital of Qatar, aimed at assassinating senior Hamas leaders, once again revealed Tel Aviv’s brazen disregard for international law and the national sovereignty of countries. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of this regime, justified the operation by claiming to “eliminate an existential threat” and asserted that “Hamas leaders were targeted.” However, incoming reports indicate that this attack has failed. This aggression, carried out with the knowledge and consent of American officials, sparked a wave of anger and condemnation across the Arab and Islamic world. From the Arab League to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, and even the Palestinian Authority, they deemed this action a clear violation of international law and a serious threat to regional security. Saudi Arabia warned that the continuation of such behavior could endanger the stability of West Asia, while the UAE described the security of Arab countries as “integral and indivisible.” However, regional observers believe that this wave of condemnations will likely remain at the level of diplomatic statements, with no serious practical action taken by Arab countries—a pattern previously observed in response to the Israeli regime’s repeated attacks on Gaza. Meanwhile, Tel Aviv, relying on American support and the inaction of regional countries, is attempting to manage its internal crisis and advance the “Greater Israel” project by creating successive crises; a project whose explosions are now heard as far as the heart of the Persian Gulf.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A West Asia affairs analyst stated that on the eve of the September session of the United Nations General Assembly, the U.S. government limited the presence of the Palestinian delegation at this meeting by canceling the visa of Mahmoud Abbas, the head of the Palestinian Authority. This U.S. action is part of a complex political game between Washington, Tel Aviv, and global public opinion, aiming to question the role of Palestinians in international equations. The U.S. government and Zionist lobbies, by supporting the Israeli regime, have targeted any plan and flourishing of the Palestinian issue on the global stage, while some Western governments, due to public opinion pressure, are trying to advance the process of recognizing Palestine. This U.S. action has sparked widespread international reactions and raised concerns about violations of UN agreements and Washington’s blatant bias in favor of the Israeli regime. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assessed this decision as a violation of international laws and an obstacle to the legal presence of their representatives at meetings, calling for diplomatic and legal solutions to ensure the participation of the Palestinian delegation. This restriction was imposed while European countries, especially France, Canada, and several other Western nations, are striving to increase diplomatic pressure on the Israeli regime and the U.S. by recognizing the state of Palestine.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst in West Asia affairs stated that while a wave of readiness for the official recognition of the State of Palestine by some countries is forming, the upcoming UN General Assembly session has become a decisive stage for the future of the Palestinian issue. At first glance, these moves are considered an essential step towards the potential advancement of the two-state solution and pressuring the Israeli regime to halt illegal settlements and accept the political reality of Palestinian sovereignty. Belgium’s decision to impose 12 firm sanctions against the Israeli regime and recognize the State of Palestine reflects this same perspective, which seeks to open a new political path in the face of the Gaza humanitarian crisis. However, there is another view that considers this diplomatic wave merely a symbolic reaction to public opinion pressure after nearly two years of slaughter and siege in Gaza, believing that as long as the United States stands alongside the Israeli regime, these movements will not lead to the establishment of a real Palestinian state. This viewpoint holds that the expansionist policies of Tel Aviv, the idea of Greater Israel, and the support of Western powers remain the main obstacles to any real change on the ground. Therefore, the September session of the UN General Assembly is considered an important test to gauge the seriousness of the international community in moving beyond symbolism towards practical action.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior West Asia affairs analyst stated: By assassinating Yemeni executive officials, the Israeli regime has not only failed to achieve its military objectives, but its position has also been weakened in the diplomatic arena. In contrast, Yemen and the Resistance Front are continuing their path with greater cohesion, and the future outlook indicates that not only will their military capabilities not diminish, but their political standing will also be enhanced at the regional and global levels.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Note: By disregarding Iran’s deterrence capabilities and political economy leverage in the Strait of Hormuz, Washington has reached a strategic deadlock from which military means are unable to extricate it.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Foreign policy analysis is valid when it evaluates decisions based on the information and circumstances prevailing at the time they were made, not on the basis of outcomes that only become apparent after the crisis has ended.
SCFR Online-Opinion: Sanctions are gradually transforming from classical financial instruments into complex mechanisms for the containment of technology, data, and global supply chains.
Online Strategic Council – Dialogue: After October 7, 2023, and the start of the cycle of killing and aggression by the Israeli regime, the equations of the Middle East entered a new and more complex stage. This development not only altered the security and diplomatic balances but also impacted the region’s geopolitical structure, and over the past two years, has led to the emergence of a new regional architecture. Today, the Middle East has become a multi-layered arena with changing conflicts and alliances.
The Gaza crisis and the reaction of public opinion in the region’s countries have also altered the internal calculations of governments and put their foreign policies under pressure from public opinion. The wave of official recognition of the state of Palestine, along with the experience of the Israeli regime’s aggression against Iran and Tehran’s decisive response, has made the current situation completely different from the past. It appears that in the near future, the new regional architecture will require multilateral interactions and a redefinition of power relations beyond traditional equations.
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.
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A senior Iraqi affairs analyst stated that the recent action by the US Department of State in placing four Iraqi Shiite groups on the list of foreign terrorist organizations has not only seriously challenged Iraq’s security dimension but has also broadly overshadowed Baghdad’s political and diplomatic equations. This decision, interpreted as a continuation of Washington’s policy of maximum pressure in the region, could have multi-layered consequences for Iraq’s internal security, foreign relations, and even the balance of power. The groups affected by this decision are part of the official structure of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and were key players in the defeat of ISIS; therefore, their placement on the terrorist list is not only considered a threat against US interests but also calls into question the legitimacy and cohesion of Iraq’s security forces. This move could cast a shadow over the process of withdrawing US forces from Iraq and provide a pretext for the continuation of Washington’s military presence. Similarly, at the regional level, it further frees the hands of the Israeli regime for aggressive actions.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A regional affairs expert stated that Europe has taken no action to increase political, economic, and security pressure on the Israeli regime to counter its genocide in Gaza, and it is unlikely to take any action in this regard in the future, although even at this level, support for Palestine and opposition to the crimes and genocide of the Israeli regime in Gaza are unprecedented in Europe.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on West Asia and North Africa affairs stated, “The recognition of the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly, particularly by European countries, initially appears to be a symbolic and positive action in support of Palestinian rights.” However, this move is more of a political and diplomatic response to the pressure from European and global public opinion than a real pressure on the Israeli regime.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs analyst stated that the Israeli regime’s airstrike on Qatar, under the pretext of targeting Hamas leaders, could be a turning point in the security and diplomatic equations of the Persian Gulf. This action not only challenged Qatar’s sovereignty but also raised questions about the security of the member states of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council. Given that the Israeli regime is considered a close ally of the United States, this aggression has heightened sensitivities and increased doubts about Washington’s commitment to ensuring the security and protection of its regional partners. Under such circumstances, Iran can pursue regional dialogues and cooperation in the Persian Gulf, considering the Arab countries’ concerns about the ineffectiveness of American security guarantees. On the other hand, the Israeli regime’s aggression against Qatar has practically endangered normalization agreements, including the Abraham Accords, and reduced the chances of developing cooperation between Tel Aviv and some Arab countries. Internal pressure on the UAE and Bahrain to reconsider their relations with this regime has increased. Thus, the Israeli regime’s attack on Doha has not only complicated the security equations but also plunged the region’s political and diplomatic prospects into a complex phase, indicating that regional actors must reconsider traditional approaches dependent on extra-regional powers.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that the Zionist regime’s airstrike on Doha, the capital of Qatar, aimed at assassinating senior Hamas leaders, once again revealed Tel Aviv’s brazen disregard for international law and the national sovereignty of countries. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of this regime, justified the operation by claiming to “eliminate an existential threat” and asserted that “Hamas leaders were targeted.” However, incoming reports indicate that this attack has failed. This aggression, carried out with the knowledge and consent of American officials, sparked a wave of anger and condemnation across the Arab and Islamic world. From the Arab League to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, and even the Palestinian Authority, they deemed this action a clear violation of international law and a serious threat to regional security. Saudi Arabia warned that the continuation of such behavior could endanger the stability of West Asia, while the UAE described the security of Arab countries as “integral and indivisible.” However, regional observers believe that this wave of condemnations will likely remain at the level of diplomatic statements, with no serious practical action taken by Arab countries—a pattern previously observed in response to the Israeli regime’s repeated attacks on Gaza. Meanwhile, Tel Aviv, relying on American support and the inaction of regional countries, is attempting to manage its internal crisis and advance the “Greater Israel” project by creating successive crises; a project whose explosions are now heard as far as the heart of the Persian Gulf.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A West Asia affairs analyst stated that on the eve of the September session of the United Nations General Assembly, the U.S. government limited the presence of the Palestinian delegation at this meeting by canceling the visa of Mahmoud Abbas, the head of the Palestinian Authority. This U.S. action is part of a complex political game between Washington, Tel Aviv, and global public opinion, aiming to question the role of Palestinians in international equations. The U.S. government and Zionist lobbies, by supporting the Israeli regime, have targeted any plan and flourishing of the Palestinian issue on the global stage, while some Western governments, due to public opinion pressure, are trying to advance the process of recognizing Palestine. This U.S. action has sparked widespread international reactions and raised concerns about violations of UN agreements and Washington’s blatant bias in favor of the Israeli regime. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assessed this decision as a violation of international laws and an obstacle to the legal presence of their representatives at meetings, calling for diplomatic and legal solutions to ensure the participation of the Palestinian delegation. This restriction was imposed while European countries, especially France, Canada, and several other Western nations, are striving to increase diplomatic pressure on the Israeli regime and the U.S. by recognizing the state of Palestine.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst in West Asia affairs stated that while a wave of readiness for the official recognition of the State of Palestine by some countries is forming, the upcoming UN General Assembly session has become a decisive stage for the future of the Palestinian issue. At first glance, these moves are considered an essential step towards the potential advancement of the two-state solution and pressuring the Israeli regime to halt illegal settlements and accept the political reality of Palestinian sovereignty. Belgium’s decision to impose 12 firm sanctions against the Israeli regime and recognize the State of Palestine reflects this same perspective, which seeks to open a new political path in the face of the Gaza humanitarian crisis. However, there is another view that considers this diplomatic wave merely a symbolic reaction to public opinion pressure after nearly two years of slaughter and siege in Gaza, believing that as long as the United States stands alongside the Israeli regime, these movements will not lead to the establishment of a real Palestinian state. This viewpoint holds that the expansionist policies of Tel Aviv, the idea of Greater Israel, and the support of Western powers remain the main obstacles to any real change on the ground. Therefore, the September session of the UN General Assembly is considered an important test to gauge the seriousness of the international community in moving beyond symbolism towards practical action.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior West Asia affairs analyst stated: By assassinating Yemeni executive officials, the Israeli regime has not only failed to achieve its military objectives, but its position has also been weakened in the diplomatic arena. In contrast, Yemen and the Resistance Front are continuing their path with greater cohesion, and the future outlook indicates that not only will their military capabilities not diminish, but their political standing will also be enhanced at the regional and global levels.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Note: By disregarding Iran’s deterrence capabilities and political economy leverage in the Strait of Hormuz, Washington has reached a strategic deadlock from which military means are unable to extricate it.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Foreign policy analysis is valid when it evaluates decisions based on the information and circumstances prevailing at the time they were made, not on the basis of outcomes that only become apparent after the crisis has ended.
SCFR Online-Opinion: Sanctions are gradually transforming from classical financial instruments into complex mechanisms for the containment of technology, data, and global supply chains.
Online Strategic Council – Dialogue: After October 7, 2023, and the start of the cycle of killing and aggression by the Israeli regime, the equations of the Middle East entered a new and more complex stage. This development not only altered the security and diplomatic balances but also impacted the region’s geopolitical structure, and over the past two years, has led to the emergence of a new regional architecture. Today, the Middle East has become a multi-layered arena with changing conflicts and alliances.
The Gaza crisis and the reaction of public opinion in the region’s countries have also altered the internal calculations of governments and put their foreign policies under pressure from public opinion. The wave of official recognition of the state of Palestine, along with the experience of the Israeli regime’s aggression against Iran and Tehran’s decisive response, has made the current situation completely different from the past. It appears that in the near future, the new regional architecture will require multilateral interactions and a redefinition of power relations beyond traditional equations.
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.
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A senior Iraqi affairs analyst stated that the recent action by the US Department of State in placing four Iraqi Shiite groups on the list of foreign terrorist organizations has not only seriously challenged Iraq’s security dimension but has also broadly overshadowed Baghdad’s political and diplomatic equations. This decision, interpreted as a continuation of Washington’s policy of maximum pressure in the region, could have multi-layered consequences for Iraq’s internal security, foreign relations, and even the balance of power. The groups affected by this decision are part of the official structure of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and were key players in the defeat of ISIS; therefore, their placement on the terrorist list is not only considered a threat against US interests but also calls into question the legitimacy and cohesion of Iraq’s security forces. This move could cast a shadow over the process of withdrawing US forces from Iraq and provide a pretext for the continuation of Washington’s military presence. Similarly, at the regional level, it further frees the hands of the Israeli regime for aggressive actions.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A regional affairs expert stated that Europe has taken no action to increase political, economic, and security pressure on the Israeli regime to counter its genocide in Gaza, and it is unlikely to take any action in this regard in the future, although even at this level, support for Palestine and opposition to the crimes and genocide of the Israeli regime in Gaza are unprecedented in Europe.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on West Asia and North Africa affairs stated, “The recognition of the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly, particularly by European countries, initially appears to be a symbolic and positive action in support of Palestinian rights.” However, this move is more of a political and diplomatic response to the pressure from European and global public opinion than a real pressure on the Israeli regime.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs analyst stated that the Israeli regime’s airstrike on Qatar, under the pretext of targeting Hamas leaders, could be a turning point in the security and diplomatic equations of the Persian Gulf. This action not only challenged Qatar’s sovereignty but also raised questions about the security of the member states of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council. Given that the Israeli regime is considered a close ally of the United States, this aggression has heightened sensitivities and increased doubts about Washington’s commitment to ensuring the security and protection of its regional partners. Under such circumstances, Iran can pursue regional dialogues and cooperation in the Persian Gulf, considering the Arab countries’ concerns about the ineffectiveness of American security guarantees. On the other hand, the Israeli regime’s aggression against Qatar has practically endangered normalization agreements, including the Abraham Accords, and reduced the chances of developing cooperation between Tel Aviv and some Arab countries. Internal pressure on the UAE and Bahrain to reconsider their relations with this regime has increased. Thus, the Israeli regime’s attack on Doha has not only complicated the security equations but also plunged the region’s political and diplomatic prospects into a complex phase, indicating that regional actors must reconsider traditional approaches dependent on extra-regional powers.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that the Zionist regime’s airstrike on Doha, the capital of Qatar, aimed at assassinating senior Hamas leaders, once again revealed Tel Aviv’s brazen disregard for international law and the national sovereignty of countries. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of this regime, justified the operation by claiming to “eliminate an existential threat” and asserted that “Hamas leaders were targeted.” However, incoming reports indicate that this attack has failed. This aggression, carried out with the knowledge and consent of American officials, sparked a wave of anger and condemnation across the Arab and Islamic world. From the Arab League to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, and even the Palestinian Authority, they deemed this action a clear violation of international law and a serious threat to regional security. Saudi Arabia warned that the continuation of such behavior could endanger the stability of West Asia, while the UAE described the security of Arab countries as “integral and indivisible.” However, regional observers believe that this wave of condemnations will likely remain at the level of diplomatic statements, with no serious practical action taken by Arab countries—a pattern previously observed in response to the Israeli regime’s repeated attacks on Gaza. Meanwhile, Tel Aviv, relying on American support and the inaction of regional countries, is attempting to manage its internal crisis and advance the “Greater Israel” project by creating successive crises; a project whose explosions are now heard as far as the heart of the Persian Gulf.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A West Asia affairs analyst stated that on the eve of the September session of the United Nations General Assembly, the U.S. government limited the presence of the Palestinian delegation at this meeting by canceling the visa of Mahmoud Abbas, the head of the Palestinian Authority. This U.S. action is part of a complex political game between Washington, Tel Aviv, and global public opinion, aiming to question the role of Palestinians in international equations. The U.S. government and Zionist lobbies, by supporting the Israeli regime, have targeted any plan and flourishing of the Palestinian issue on the global stage, while some Western governments, due to public opinion pressure, are trying to advance the process of recognizing Palestine. This U.S. action has sparked widespread international reactions and raised concerns about violations of UN agreements and Washington’s blatant bias in favor of the Israeli regime. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assessed this decision as a violation of international laws and an obstacle to the legal presence of their representatives at meetings, calling for diplomatic and legal solutions to ensure the participation of the Palestinian delegation. This restriction was imposed while European countries, especially France, Canada, and several other Western nations, are striving to increase diplomatic pressure on the Israeli regime and the U.S. by recognizing the state of Palestine.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst in West Asia affairs stated that while a wave of readiness for the official recognition of the State of Palestine by some countries is forming, the upcoming UN General Assembly session has become a decisive stage for the future of the Palestinian issue. At first glance, these moves are considered an essential step towards the potential advancement of the two-state solution and pressuring the Israeli regime to halt illegal settlements and accept the political reality of Palestinian sovereignty. Belgium’s decision to impose 12 firm sanctions against the Israeli regime and recognize the State of Palestine reflects this same perspective, which seeks to open a new political path in the face of the Gaza humanitarian crisis. However, there is another view that considers this diplomatic wave merely a symbolic reaction to public opinion pressure after nearly two years of slaughter and siege in Gaza, believing that as long as the United States stands alongside the Israeli regime, these movements will not lead to the establishment of a real Palestinian state. This viewpoint holds that the expansionist policies of Tel Aviv, the idea of Greater Israel, and the support of Western powers remain the main obstacles to any real change on the ground. Therefore, the September session of the UN General Assembly is considered an important test to gauge the seriousness of the international community in moving beyond symbolism towards practical action.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior West Asia affairs analyst stated: By assassinating Yemeni executive officials, the Israeli regime has not only failed to achieve its military objectives, but its position has also been weakened in the diplomatic arena. In contrast, Yemen and the Resistance Front are continuing their path with greater cohesion, and the future outlook indicates that not only will their military capabilities not diminish, but their political standing will also be enhanced at the regional and global levels.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Note: By disregarding Iran’s deterrence capabilities and political economy leverage in the Strait of Hormuz, Washington has reached a strategic deadlock from which military means are unable to extricate it.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Foreign policy analysis is valid when it evaluates decisions based on the information and circumstances prevailing at the time they were made, not on the basis of outcomes that only become apparent after the crisis has ended.
SCFR Online-Opinion: Sanctions are gradually transforming from classical financial instruments into complex mechanisms for the containment of technology, data, and global supply chains.
Online Strategic Council – Dialogue: After October 7, 2023, and the start of the cycle of killing and aggression by the Israeli regime, the equations of the Middle East entered a new and more complex stage. This development not only altered the security and diplomatic balances but also impacted the region’s geopolitical structure, and over the past two years, has led to the emergence of a new regional architecture. Today, the Middle East has become a multi-layered arena with changing conflicts and alliances.
The Gaza crisis and the reaction of public opinion in the region’s countries have also altered the internal calculations of governments and put their foreign policies under pressure from public opinion. The wave of official recognition of the state of Palestine, along with the experience of the Israeli regime’s aggression against Iran and Tehran’s decisive response, has made the current situation completely different from the past. It appears that in the near future, the new regional architecture will require multilateral interactions and a redefinition of power relations beyond traditional equations.
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.
Strategic Council Online– Interview: A senior Iraqi affairs analyst stated that the recent action by the US Department of State in placing four Iraqi Shiite groups on the list of foreign terrorist organizations has not only seriously challenged Iraq’s security dimension but has also broadly overshadowed Baghdad’s political and diplomatic equations. This decision, interpreted as a continuation of Washington’s policy of maximum pressure in the region, could have multi-layered consequences for Iraq’s internal security, foreign relations, and even the balance of power. The groups affected by this decision are part of the official structure of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and were key players in the defeat of ISIS; therefore, their placement on the terrorist list is not only considered a threat against US interests but also calls into question the legitimacy and cohesion of Iraq’s security forces. This move could cast a shadow over the process of withdrawing US forces from Iraq and provide a pretext for the continuation of Washington’s military presence. Similarly, at the regional level, it further frees the hands of the Israeli regime for aggressive actions.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A regional affairs expert stated that Europe has taken no action to increase political, economic, and security pressure on the Israeli regime to counter its genocide in Gaza, and it is unlikely to take any action in this regard in the future, although even at this level, support for Palestine and opposition to the crimes and genocide of the Israeli regime in Gaza are unprecedented in Europe.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst on West Asia and North Africa affairs stated, “The recognition of the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly, particularly by European countries, initially appears to be a symbolic and positive action in support of Palestinian rights.” However, this move is more of a political and diplomatic response to the pressure from European and global public opinion than a real pressure on the Israeli regime.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs analyst stated that the Israeli regime’s airstrike on Qatar, under the pretext of targeting Hamas leaders, could be a turning point in the security and diplomatic equations of the Persian Gulf. This action not only challenged Qatar’s sovereignty but also raised questions about the security of the member states of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council. Given that the Israeli regime is considered a close ally of the United States, this aggression has heightened sensitivities and increased doubts about Washington’s commitment to ensuring the security and protection of its regional partners. Under such circumstances, Iran can pursue regional dialogues and cooperation in the Persian Gulf, considering the Arab countries’ concerns about the ineffectiveness of American security guarantees. On the other hand, the Israeli regime’s aggression against Qatar has practically endangered normalization agreements, including the Abraham Accords, and reduced the chances of developing cooperation between Tel Aviv and some Arab countries. Internal pressure on the UAE and Bahrain to reconsider their relations with this regime has increased. Thus, the Israeli regime’s attack on Doha has not only complicated the security equations but also plunged the region’s political and diplomatic prospects into a complex phase, indicating that regional actors must reconsider traditional approaches dependent on extra-regional powers.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A West Asia affairs expert stated that the Zionist regime’s airstrike on Doha, the capital of Qatar, aimed at assassinating senior Hamas leaders, once again revealed Tel Aviv’s brazen disregard for international law and the national sovereignty of countries. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of this regime, justified the operation by claiming to “eliminate an existential threat” and asserted that “Hamas leaders were targeted.” However, incoming reports indicate that this attack has failed. This aggression, carried out with the knowledge and consent of American officials, sparked a wave of anger and condemnation across the Arab and Islamic world. From the Arab League to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, and even the Palestinian Authority, they deemed this action a clear violation of international law and a serious threat to regional security. Saudi Arabia warned that the continuation of such behavior could endanger the stability of West Asia, while the UAE described the security of Arab countries as “integral and indivisible.” However, regional observers believe that this wave of condemnations will likely remain at the level of diplomatic statements, with no serious practical action taken by Arab countries—a pattern previously observed in response to the Israeli regime’s repeated attacks on Gaza. Meanwhile, Tel Aviv, relying on American support and the inaction of regional countries, is attempting to manage its internal crisis and advance the “Greater Israel” project by creating successive crises; a project whose explosions are now heard as far as the heart of the Persian Gulf.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A West Asia affairs analyst stated that on the eve of the September session of the United Nations General Assembly, the U.S. government limited the presence of the Palestinian delegation at this meeting by canceling the visa of Mahmoud Abbas, the head of the Palestinian Authority. This U.S. action is part of a complex political game between Washington, Tel Aviv, and global public opinion, aiming to question the role of Palestinians in international equations. The U.S. government and Zionist lobbies, by supporting the Israeli regime, have targeted any plan and flourishing of the Palestinian issue on the global stage, while some Western governments, due to public opinion pressure, are trying to advance the process of recognizing Palestine. This U.S. action has sparked widespread international reactions and raised concerns about violations of UN agreements and Washington’s blatant bias in favor of the Israeli regime. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assessed this decision as a violation of international laws and an obstacle to the legal presence of their representatives at meetings, calling for diplomatic and legal solutions to ensure the participation of the Palestinian delegation. This restriction was imposed while European countries, especially France, Canada, and several other Western nations, are striving to increase diplomatic pressure on the Israeli regime and the U.S. by recognizing the state of Palestine.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior analyst in West Asia affairs stated that while a wave of readiness for the official recognition of the State of Palestine by some countries is forming, the upcoming UN General Assembly session has become a decisive stage for the future of the Palestinian issue. At first glance, these moves are considered an essential step towards the potential advancement of the two-state solution and pressuring the Israeli regime to halt illegal settlements and accept the political reality of Palestinian sovereignty. Belgium’s decision to impose 12 firm sanctions against the Israeli regime and recognize the State of Palestine reflects this same perspective, which seeks to open a new political path in the face of the Gaza humanitarian crisis. However, there is another view that considers this diplomatic wave merely a symbolic reaction to public opinion pressure after nearly two years of slaughter and siege in Gaza, believing that as long as the United States stands alongside the Israeli regime, these movements will not lead to the establishment of a real Palestinian state. This viewpoint holds that the expansionist policies of Tel Aviv, the idea of Greater Israel, and the support of Western powers remain the main obstacles to any real change on the ground. Therefore, the September session of the UN General Assembly is considered an important test to gauge the seriousness of the international community in moving beyond symbolism towards practical action.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior West Asia affairs analyst stated: By assassinating Yemeni executive officials, the Israeli regime has not only failed to achieve its military objectives, but its position has also been weakened in the diplomatic arena. In contrast, Yemen and the Resistance Front are continuing their path with greater cohesion, and the future outlook indicates that not only will their military capabilities not diminish, but their political standing will also be enhanced at the regional and global levels.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Note: By disregarding Iran’s deterrence capabilities and political economy leverage in the Strait of Hormuz, Washington has reached a strategic deadlock from which military means are unable to extricate it.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Foreign policy analysis is valid when it evaluates decisions based on the information and circumstances prevailing at the time they were made, not on the basis of outcomes that only become apparent after the crisis has ended.
SCFR Online-Opinion: Sanctions are gradually transforming from classical financial instruments into complex mechanisms for the containment of technology, data, and global supply chains.