Strategic Council Online – Note: The initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway, beyond being a transportation project, constitutes an attempt to redefine geopolitics, the economy, and Turkey’s regional position; however, its realization appears to face significant financial, security, and institutional challenges.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Strait of Hormuz crisis is no longer merely the consequence of a military confrontation, but rather a sign of the transition from the US-centered maritime order to a new energy security structure involving the participation of emerging and influential powers.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that Iran’s hybrid and multidimensional diplomacy, if combined with a measured, flexible, and more effective approach, could lead to tangible domestic and international achievements. The world is transitioning toward a multipolar order in which power is more dispersed and distributed among multiple actors. In this context, Iran, by adopting an inclusive policy and emphasizing cooperation with alliances such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), seeks to reposition itself in the international system strategically. This policy goes beyond a reaction to the so-called Western-imposed isolation; it signifies a normative decision and choice to establish a fairer and more balanced order based on principles of justice, equality, and respect for national sovereignty. However, excessive reliance on specific alliances and blocs could limit Iran’s strategic options.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat said that the main challenges and concerns of the foreign ministers of neighboring countries of Afghanistan, which had been raised in the first meeting in Samarkand, were prominent in the second meeting as well, adding: The Taliban have come to power by force of arms and all the past concerns are still standing about the future situation of Afghanistan.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat said that currently Indians have a superior position and the upper hand against Pakistan and in response to Islamabad request for reconciliation, set conditions and terms. He added: Due to internal problems, now the relations with India and the issue of Kashmir is out of Pakistan’s priority and their main problem is the terrorist and extremist groups that threaten the Islamabad government in Pakistan. The government of Pakistan is interested in creating peace on the Kashmir front so that it can better deal with its internal problems.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat saying that the Pakistani government needs to create the necessary political environment to attract foreign investment, mobilize the economy, and solve people’s livelihood problems, noted: Although the new Pakistani government is trying to take steps to improve relations with India, the current situation in India and the will of the Pakistani military is a major challenge before this policy of the government.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat, stating that the silence of the Indian government has accused New Delhi of collaborating with Hindu extremist groups against Muslims, adding: This situation is ultimately to the detriment of the Indian government and drags the country towards radicalism and extremism.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Having elaborated the causes of the recent political tensions in Pakistan, former diplomat of our country said:” the disputes have been emerged after three years of peaceful relations between the Army and Imran Khan; in the coming 90 days, we will witness important developments. A quite election may be held and Imran khan will probably be re-elected, or following some unrests, a military coup will take place in the country.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat, stating that in the current situation we will be witness to the continuation of regional rivalries and differences between Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, said: Although the presence of the Taliban has reduced the level of tension and mistrust between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Taliban cannot treat Pakistan against their ethnic sentiments, and the two sides are trying to prevent tensions from escalating by managing differences.
Strategic Council Online-Opinion: Having considered the trend of current developments in Afghanistan, it seems that the country is witnessing an intra-Taliban bloody settlement of account from Eastern and Southern regions.
Mohsen Rouhi Sefat, former diplomat and analyst of International affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Explaining Russia’s approach to Afghanistan at the Moscow meeting on Afghanistan and reviewing its final statement, the former Iranian diplomat stressed the common goals of Iran and Russia regarding Afghanistan and the need for continuous consultations between Russia and Iran.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat considered Islamabad’s support for the Taliban coming to power in Kabul as a threat to Pakistan’s future and said: The coming to power of the Taliban in Kabul stimulates ethnic sentiments for supporting the Pashtuns in the Pashtun-populated and tribal areas and this will become a great challenge for the government of that country.
Strategic Council Online – Note: The initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway, beyond being a transportation project, constitutes an attempt to redefine geopolitics, the economy, and Turkey’s regional position; however, its realization appears to face significant financial, security, and institutional challenges.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Strait of Hormuz crisis is no longer merely the consequence of a military confrontation, but rather a sign of the transition from the US-centered maritime order to a new energy security structure involving the participation of emerging and influential powers.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that Iran’s hybrid and multidimensional diplomacy, if combined with a measured, flexible, and more effective approach, could lead to tangible domestic and international achievements. The world is transitioning toward a multipolar order in which power is more dispersed and distributed among multiple actors. In this context, Iran, by adopting an inclusive policy and emphasizing cooperation with alliances such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), seeks to reposition itself in the international system strategically. This policy goes beyond a reaction to the so-called Western-imposed isolation; it signifies a normative decision and choice to establish a fairer and more balanced order based on principles of justice, equality, and respect for national sovereignty. However, excessive reliance on specific alliances and blocs could limit Iran’s strategic options.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat said that the main challenges and concerns of the foreign ministers of neighboring countries of Afghanistan, which had been raised in the first meeting in Samarkand, were prominent in the second meeting as well, adding: The Taliban have come to power by force of arms and all the past concerns are still standing about the future situation of Afghanistan.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat said that currently Indians have a superior position and the upper hand against Pakistan and in response to Islamabad request for reconciliation, set conditions and terms. He added: Due to internal problems, now the relations with India and the issue of Kashmir is out of Pakistan’s priority and their main problem is the terrorist and extremist groups that threaten the Islamabad government in Pakistan. The government of Pakistan is interested in creating peace on the Kashmir front so that it can better deal with its internal problems.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat saying that the Pakistani government needs to create the necessary political environment to attract foreign investment, mobilize the economy, and solve people’s livelihood problems, noted: Although the new Pakistani government is trying to take steps to improve relations with India, the current situation in India and the will of the Pakistani military is a major challenge before this policy of the government.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat, stating that the silence of the Indian government has accused New Delhi of collaborating with Hindu extremist groups against Muslims, adding: This situation is ultimately to the detriment of the Indian government and drags the country towards radicalism and extremism.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Having elaborated the causes of the recent political tensions in Pakistan, former diplomat of our country said:” the disputes have been emerged after three years of peaceful relations between the Army and Imran Khan; in the coming 90 days, we will witness important developments. A quite election may be held and Imran khan will probably be re-elected, or following some unrests, a military coup will take place in the country.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat, stating that in the current situation we will be witness to the continuation of regional rivalries and differences between Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, said: Although the presence of the Taliban has reduced the level of tension and mistrust between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Taliban cannot treat Pakistan against their ethnic sentiments, and the two sides are trying to prevent tensions from escalating by managing differences.
Strategic Council Online-Opinion: Having considered the trend of current developments in Afghanistan, it seems that the country is witnessing an intra-Taliban bloody settlement of account from Eastern and Southern regions.
Mohsen Rouhi Sefat, former diplomat and analyst of International affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Explaining Russia’s approach to Afghanistan at the Moscow meeting on Afghanistan and reviewing its final statement, the former Iranian diplomat stressed the common goals of Iran and Russia regarding Afghanistan and the need for continuous consultations between Russia and Iran.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat considered Islamabad’s support for the Taliban coming to power in Kabul as a threat to Pakistan’s future and said: The coming to power of the Taliban in Kabul stimulates ethnic sentiments for supporting the Pashtuns in the Pashtun-populated and tribal areas and this will become a great challenge for the government of that country.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that Iran’s hybrid and multidimensional diplomacy, if combined with a measured, flexible, and more effective approach, could lead to tangible domestic and international achievements. The world is transitioning toward a multipolar order in which power is more dispersed and distributed among multiple actors. In this context, Iran, by adopting an inclusive policy and emphasizing cooperation with alliances such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), seeks to reposition itself in the international system strategically. This policy goes beyond a reaction to the so-called Western-imposed isolation; it signifies a normative decision and choice to establish a fairer and more balanced order based on principles of justice, equality, and respect for national sovereignty. However, excessive reliance on specific alliances and blocs could limit Iran’s strategic options.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat said that the main challenges and concerns of the foreign ministers of neighboring countries of Afghanistan, which had been raised in the first meeting in Samarkand, were prominent in the second meeting as well, adding: The Taliban have come to power by force of arms and all the past concerns are still standing about the future situation of Afghanistan.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat said that currently Indians have a superior position and the upper hand against Pakistan and in response to Islamabad request for reconciliation, set conditions and terms. He added: Due to internal problems, now the relations with India and the issue of Kashmir is out of Pakistan’s priority and their main problem is the terrorist and extremist groups that threaten the Islamabad government in Pakistan. The government of Pakistan is interested in creating peace on the Kashmir front so that it can better deal with its internal problems.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat saying that the Pakistani government needs to create the necessary political environment to attract foreign investment, mobilize the economy, and solve people’s livelihood problems, noted: Although the new Pakistani government is trying to take steps to improve relations with India, the current situation in India and the will of the Pakistani military is a major challenge before this policy of the government.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat, stating that the silence of the Indian government has accused New Delhi of collaborating with Hindu extremist groups against Muslims, adding: This situation is ultimately to the detriment of the Indian government and drags the country towards radicalism and extremism.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Having elaborated the causes of the recent political tensions in Pakistan, former diplomat of our country said:” the disputes have been emerged after three years of peaceful relations between the Army and Imran Khan; in the coming 90 days, we will witness important developments. A quite election may be held and Imran khan will probably be re-elected, or following some unrests, a military coup will take place in the country.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat, stating that in the current situation we will be witness to the continuation of regional rivalries and differences between Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, said: Although the presence of the Taliban has reduced the level of tension and mistrust between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Taliban cannot treat Pakistan against their ethnic sentiments, and the two sides are trying to prevent tensions from escalating by managing differences.
Strategic Council Online-Opinion: Having considered the trend of current developments in Afghanistan, it seems that the country is witnessing an intra-Taliban bloody settlement of account from Eastern and Southern regions.
Mohsen Rouhi Sefat, former diplomat and analyst of International affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Explaining Russia’s approach to Afghanistan at the Moscow meeting on Afghanistan and reviewing its final statement, the former Iranian diplomat stressed the common goals of Iran and Russia regarding Afghanistan and the need for continuous consultations between Russia and Iran.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat considered Islamabad’s support for the Taliban coming to power in Kabul as a threat to Pakistan’s future and said: The coming to power of the Taliban in Kabul stimulates ethnic sentiments for supporting the Pashtuns in the Pashtun-populated and tribal areas and this will become a great challenge for the government of that country.
Strategic Council Online – Note: The initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway, beyond being a transportation project, constitutes an attempt to redefine geopolitics, the economy, and Turkey’s regional position; however, its realization appears to face significant financial, security, and institutional challenges.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Strait of Hormuz crisis is no longer merely the consequence of a military confrontation, but rather a sign of the transition from the US-centered maritime order to a new energy security structure involving the participation of emerging and influential powers.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that Iran’s hybrid and multidimensional diplomacy, if combined with a measured, flexible, and more effective approach, could lead to tangible domestic and international achievements. The world is transitioning toward a multipolar order in which power is more dispersed and distributed among multiple actors. In this context, Iran, by adopting an inclusive policy and emphasizing cooperation with alliances such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), seeks to reposition itself in the international system strategically. This policy goes beyond a reaction to the so-called Western-imposed isolation; it signifies a normative decision and choice to establish a fairer and more balanced order based on principles of justice, equality, and respect for national sovereignty. However, excessive reliance on specific alliances and blocs could limit Iran’s strategic options.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat said that the main challenges and concerns of the foreign ministers of neighboring countries of Afghanistan, which had been raised in the first meeting in Samarkand, were prominent in the second meeting as well, adding: The Taliban have come to power by force of arms and all the past concerns are still standing about the future situation of Afghanistan.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat said that currently Indians have a superior position and the upper hand against Pakistan and in response to Islamabad request for reconciliation, set conditions and terms. He added: Due to internal problems, now the relations with India and the issue of Kashmir is out of Pakistan’s priority and their main problem is the terrorist and extremist groups that threaten the Islamabad government in Pakistan. The government of Pakistan is interested in creating peace on the Kashmir front so that it can better deal with its internal problems.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat saying that the Pakistani government needs to create the necessary political environment to attract foreign investment, mobilize the economy, and solve people’s livelihood problems, noted: Although the new Pakistani government is trying to take steps to improve relations with India, the current situation in India and the will of the Pakistani military is a major challenge before this policy of the government.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat, stating that the silence of the Indian government has accused New Delhi of collaborating with Hindu extremist groups against Muslims, adding: This situation is ultimately to the detriment of the Indian government and drags the country towards radicalism and extremism.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Having elaborated the causes of the recent political tensions in Pakistan, former diplomat of our country said:” the disputes have been emerged after three years of peaceful relations between the Army and Imran Khan; in the coming 90 days, we will witness important developments. A quite election may be held and Imran khan will probably be re-elected, or following some unrests, a military coup will take place in the country.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat, stating that in the current situation we will be witness to the continuation of regional rivalries and differences between Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, said: Although the presence of the Taliban has reduced the level of tension and mistrust between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Taliban cannot treat Pakistan against their ethnic sentiments, and the two sides are trying to prevent tensions from escalating by managing differences.
Strategic Council Online-Opinion: Having considered the trend of current developments in Afghanistan, it seems that the country is witnessing an intra-Taliban bloody settlement of account from Eastern and Southern regions.
Mohsen Rouhi Sefat, former diplomat and analyst of International affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Explaining Russia’s approach to Afghanistan at the Moscow meeting on Afghanistan and reviewing its final statement, the former Iranian diplomat stressed the common goals of Iran and Russia regarding Afghanistan and the need for continuous consultations between Russia and Iran.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat considered Islamabad’s support for the Taliban coming to power in Kabul as a threat to Pakistan’s future and said: The coming to power of the Taliban in Kabul stimulates ethnic sentiments for supporting the Pashtuns in the Pashtun-populated and tribal areas and this will become a great challenge for the government of that country.
Strategic Council Online – Note: The initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway, beyond being a transportation project, constitutes an attempt to redefine geopolitics, the economy, and Turkey’s regional position; however, its realization appears to face significant financial, security, and institutional challenges.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Strait of Hormuz crisis is no longer merely the consequence of a military confrontation, but rather a sign of the transition from the US-centered maritime order to a new energy security structure involving the participation of emerging and influential powers.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that Iran’s hybrid and multidimensional diplomacy, if combined with a measured, flexible, and more effective approach, could lead to tangible domestic and international achievements. The world is transitioning toward a multipolar order in which power is more dispersed and distributed among multiple actors. In this context, Iran, by adopting an inclusive policy and emphasizing cooperation with alliances such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), seeks to reposition itself in the international system strategically. This policy goes beyond a reaction to the so-called Western-imposed isolation; it signifies a normative decision and choice to establish a fairer and more balanced order based on principles of justice, equality, and respect for national sovereignty. However, excessive reliance on specific alliances and blocs could limit Iran’s strategic options.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat said that the main challenges and concerns of the foreign ministers of neighboring countries of Afghanistan, which had been raised in the first meeting in Samarkand, were prominent in the second meeting as well, adding: The Taliban have come to power by force of arms and all the past concerns are still standing about the future situation of Afghanistan.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat said that currently Indians have a superior position and the upper hand against Pakistan and in response to Islamabad request for reconciliation, set conditions and terms. He added: Due to internal problems, now the relations with India and the issue of Kashmir is out of Pakistan’s priority and their main problem is the terrorist and extremist groups that threaten the Islamabad government in Pakistan. The government of Pakistan is interested in creating peace on the Kashmir front so that it can better deal with its internal problems.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat saying that the Pakistani government needs to create the necessary political environment to attract foreign investment, mobilize the economy, and solve people’s livelihood problems, noted: Although the new Pakistani government is trying to take steps to improve relations with India, the current situation in India and the will of the Pakistani military is a major challenge before this policy of the government.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat, stating that the silence of the Indian government has accused New Delhi of collaborating with Hindu extremist groups against Muslims, adding: This situation is ultimately to the detriment of the Indian government and drags the country towards radicalism and extremism.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Having elaborated the causes of the recent political tensions in Pakistan, former diplomat of our country said:” the disputes have been emerged after three years of peaceful relations between the Army and Imran Khan; in the coming 90 days, we will witness important developments. A quite election may be held and Imran khan will probably be re-elected, or following some unrests, a military coup will take place in the country.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat, stating that in the current situation we will be witness to the continuation of regional rivalries and differences between Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, said: Although the presence of the Taliban has reduced the level of tension and mistrust between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Taliban cannot treat Pakistan against their ethnic sentiments, and the two sides are trying to prevent tensions from escalating by managing differences.
Strategic Council Online-Opinion: Having considered the trend of current developments in Afghanistan, it seems that the country is witnessing an intra-Taliban bloody settlement of account from Eastern and Southern regions.
Mohsen Rouhi Sefat, former diplomat and analyst of International affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Explaining Russia’s approach to Afghanistan at the Moscow meeting on Afghanistan and reviewing its final statement, the former Iranian diplomat stressed the common goals of Iran and Russia regarding Afghanistan and the need for continuous consultations between Russia and Iran.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat considered Islamabad’s support for the Taliban coming to power in Kabul as a threat to Pakistan’s future and said: The coming to power of the Taliban in Kabul stimulates ethnic sentiments for supporting the Pashtuns in the Pashtun-populated and tribal areas and this will become a great challenge for the government of that country.
Strategic Council Online – Note: The initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway, beyond being a transportation project, constitutes an attempt to redefine geopolitics, the economy, and Turkey’s regional position; however, its realization appears to face significant financial, security, and institutional challenges.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Strait of Hormuz crisis is no longer merely the consequence of a military confrontation, but rather a sign of the transition from the US-centered maritime order to a new energy security structure involving the participation of emerging and influential powers.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that Iran’s hybrid and multidimensional diplomacy, if combined with a measured, flexible, and more effective approach, could lead to tangible domestic and international achievements. The world is transitioning toward a multipolar order in which power is more dispersed and distributed among multiple actors. In this context, Iran, by adopting an inclusive policy and emphasizing cooperation with alliances such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), seeks to reposition itself in the international system strategically. This policy goes beyond a reaction to the so-called Western-imposed isolation; it signifies a normative decision and choice to establish a fairer and more balanced order based on principles of justice, equality, and respect for national sovereignty. However, excessive reliance on specific alliances and blocs could limit Iran’s strategic options.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat said that the main challenges and concerns of the foreign ministers of neighboring countries of Afghanistan, which had been raised in the first meeting in Samarkand, were prominent in the second meeting as well, adding: The Taliban have come to power by force of arms and all the past concerns are still standing about the future situation of Afghanistan.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat said that currently Indians have a superior position and the upper hand against Pakistan and in response to Islamabad request for reconciliation, set conditions and terms. He added: Due to internal problems, now the relations with India and the issue of Kashmir is out of Pakistan’s priority and their main problem is the terrorist and extremist groups that threaten the Islamabad government in Pakistan. The government of Pakistan is interested in creating peace on the Kashmir front so that it can better deal with its internal problems.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat saying that the Pakistani government needs to create the necessary political environment to attract foreign investment, mobilize the economy, and solve people’s livelihood problems, noted: Although the new Pakistani government is trying to take steps to improve relations with India, the current situation in India and the will of the Pakistani military is a major challenge before this policy of the government.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat, stating that the silence of the Indian government has accused New Delhi of collaborating with Hindu extremist groups against Muslims, adding: This situation is ultimately to the detriment of the Indian government and drags the country towards radicalism and extremism.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Having elaborated the causes of the recent political tensions in Pakistan, former diplomat of our country said:” the disputes have been emerged after three years of peaceful relations between the Army and Imran Khan; in the coming 90 days, we will witness important developments. A quite election may be held and Imran khan will probably be re-elected, or following some unrests, a military coup will take place in the country.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat, stating that in the current situation we will be witness to the continuation of regional rivalries and differences between Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, said: Although the presence of the Taliban has reduced the level of tension and mistrust between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Taliban cannot treat Pakistan against their ethnic sentiments, and the two sides are trying to prevent tensions from escalating by managing differences.
Strategic Council Online-Opinion: Having considered the trend of current developments in Afghanistan, it seems that the country is witnessing an intra-Taliban bloody settlement of account from Eastern and Southern regions.
Mohsen Rouhi Sefat, former diplomat and analyst of International affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Explaining Russia’s approach to Afghanistan at the Moscow meeting on Afghanistan and reviewing its final statement, the former Iranian diplomat stressed the common goals of Iran and Russia regarding Afghanistan and the need for continuous consultations between Russia and Iran.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat considered Islamabad’s support for the Taliban coming to power in Kabul as a threat to Pakistan’s future and said: The coming to power of the Taliban in Kabul stimulates ethnic sentiments for supporting the Pashtuns in the Pashtun-populated and tribal areas and this will become a great challenge for the government of that country.
Strategic Council Online – Note: The initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway, beyond being a transportation project, constitutes an attempt to redefine geopolitics, the economy, and Turkey’s regional position; however, its realization appears to face significant financial, security, and institutional challenges.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Strait of Hormuz crisis is no longer merely the consequence of a military confrontation, but rather a sign of the transition from the US-centered maritime order to a new energy security structure involving the participation of emerging and influential powers.
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.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: An international affairs expert stated that Iran’s hybrid and multidimensional diplomacy, if combined with a measured, flexible, and more effective approach, could lead to tangible domestic and international achievements. The world is transitioning toward a multipolar order in which power is more dispersed and distributed among multiple actors. In this context, Iran, by adopting an inclusive policy and emphasizing cooperation with alliances such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), seeks to reposition itself in the international system strategically. This policy goes beyond a reaction to the so-called Western-imposed isolation; it signifies a normative decision and choice to establish a fairer and more balanced order based on principles of justice, equality, and respect for national sovereignty. However, excessive reliance on specific alliances and blocs could limit Iran’s strategic options.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat said that the main challenges and concerns of the foreign ministers of neighboring countries of Afghanistan, which had been raised in the first meeting in Samarkand, were prominent in the second meeting as well, adding: The Taliban have come to power by force of arms and all the past concerns are still standing about the future situation of Afghanistan.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat said that currently Indians have a superior position and the upper hand against Pakistan and in response to Islamabad request for reconciliation, set conditions and terms. He added: Due to internal problems, now the relations with India and the issue of Kashmir is out of Pakistan’s priority and their main problem is the terrorist and extremist groups that threaten the Islamabad government in Pakistan. The government of Pakistan is interested in creating peace on the Kashmir front so that it can better deal with its internal problems.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat saying that the Pakistani government needs to create the necessary political environment to attract foreign investment, mobilize the economy, and solve people’s livelihood problems, noted: Although the new Pakistani government is trying to take steps to improve relations with India, the current situation in India and the will of the Pakistani military is a major challenge before this policy of the government.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat, stating that the silence of the Indian government has accused New Delhi of collaborating with Hindu extremist groups against Muslims, adding: This situation is ultimately to the detriment of the Indian government and drags the country towards radicalism and extremism.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Having elaborated the causes of the recent political tensions in Pakistan, former diplomat of our country said:” the disputes have been emerged after three years of peaceful relations between the Army and Imran Khan; in the coming 90 days, we will witness important developments. A quite election may be held and Imran khan will probably be re-elected, or following some unrests, a military coup will take place in the country.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat, stating that in the current situation we will be witness to the continuation of regional rivalries and differences between Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, said: Although the presence of the Taliban has reduced the level of tension and mistrust between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Taliban cannot treat Pakistan against their ethnic sentiments, and the two sides are trying to prevent tensions from escalating by managing differences.
Strategic Council Online-Opinion: Having considered the trend of current developments in Afghanistan, it seems that the country is witnessing an intra-Taliban bloody settlement of account from Eastern and Southern regions.
Mohsen Rouhi Sefat, former diplomat and analyst of International affairs
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Explaining Russia’s approach to Afghanistan at the Moscow meeting on Afghanistan and reviewing its final statement, the former Iranian diplomat stressed the common goals of Iran and Russia regarding Afghanistan and the need for continuous consultations between Russia and Iran.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A former Iranian diplomat considered Islamabad’s support for the Taliban coming to power in Kabul as a threat to Pakistan’s future and said: The coming to power of the Taliban in Kabul stimulates ethnic sentiments for supporting the Pashtuns in the Pashtun-populated and tribal areas and this will become a great challenge for the government of that country.
Strategic Council Online – Note: The initiative to revive the Hejaz Railway, beyond being a transportation project, constitutes an attempt to redefine geopolitics, the economy, and Turkey’s regional position; however, its realization appears to face significant financial, security, and institutional challenges.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Strait of Hormuz crisis is no longer merely the consequence of a military confrontation, but rather a sign of the transition from the US-centered maritime order to a new energy security structure involving the participation of emerging and influential powers.
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.