SCFR Online – Opinion: The direct war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, disruption of nuclear inspections, and intensification of great power competition have taken the non-proliferation crisis beyond the issue of Iran’s nuclear program.
SCFR Online – Opinion: In the Iran–U.S. equation, China pursues a cautious balance between its energy and transit interests with Tehran and considerations related to sanctions and competition with Washington.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The simultaneity of pressure on the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb has turned the geography of energy and shipping into a new arena for the emergence of new risks, costs, and leverage.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Makkah Pact, signed on August 7, 2026, between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, is more than an answer to geopolitical vacuums; in practice, it faces a “deterrence dilemma” and “differing threat perception.” While this pact symbolizes a transition toward regional self-reliance, its first field tests and the complexities of relations with regional actors will determine its real meaning.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The reason for Washington’s reluctance to enter directly into war with Ansarullah is military and economic limitations, electoral considerations, and concern about the expansion of the crisis at two energy chokepoints.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Ansarullah’s recent lightning-fast operation and surprise advances on Yemen’s western coast have rapidly transformed the equations of the war in that country and developments in West Asia, and have challenged the calculations of Saudi Arabia, the United States, the West, and the Israeli regime.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The intensification of U.S. sanctions against Iran on the eve of the U.S. midterm elections indicates Washington’s inability to achieve its war objectives.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The competition between Washington and Beijing over chips and artificial intelligence, simultaneously with the shifting of technological balances, has taken on new economic and security dimensions.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior European affairs analyst stated that Germany’s support for the Israeli regime in the 12-day war against Iran stems from its historical commitment to this regime. Friedrich Merz, Germany’s Chancellor from the Christian Democratic Party, firmly backed the Israeli regime’s attacks on Iran in June 2025, calling them a “dirty job for everyone’s benefit” and part of the Israeli regime’s “self-defense.” This stance is rooted in Germany’s historical commitment to the security of the Israeli regime (Staatsräson), which has been reinforced since the Holocaust and Angela Merkel’s 2008 speech at the Knesset. At the G7 summit and a conference in Berlin, Merz cited Iran’s underground facilities, arguing that the attacks were necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Germany’s Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, also reiterated support for the Israeli regime’s “right to self-defense.” This position has faced domestic and international criticism. Germany’s unconditional support, aligned with Western geopolitical interests against Iran, signals a shift toward a more aggressive foreign policy. This stance has sparked criticism both at home and abroad.
Strategic Council Online – Guest Opinion: The recent nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, which are being conducted through the mediation of Oman, have once again attracted the attention of the international community. Although in the past, Iran, due to its differences and problems with the United States, mostly entered into negotiations on nuclear issues with European countries, especially the United Kingdom, France and Germany (EU3), in this period, due to specific regional and international conditions, and mainly due to the US President Donald Trump’s approach these negotiations have been limited to Iran and the United States, and other world powers are not present in the talks at the moment.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Recent attacks by the Yemeni army on the UAE have become one of the fundamental developments in the regional equations.
Hossein Sayyahi – Researcher on international affairs
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: After the conclusion of French weapons deal with the UAE, we witnessed a wave of internal and external critiques which assessed the French military attitude contrary to human rights attitude of the European Union, but due to some reservations, the European Union affiliated institutions remained tight-lipped in this respect.
Dr. Abbass Sarvestani, Graduated in European Studies, Tehran University
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Financial Committee of the Zionist regime parliament (Knesset) on December 23, 2021 added an amendment article to the budget bill for 2022 based on which the sum of $ 2.9 billion was added to the military budget of the Zionist regime for preparedness of the military attack against Iran’s nuclear facilities and installations.
Fatemeh Nekoo La’al Azad, Researcher of International Affairs
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The recent visit of the national security adviser of the UAE, Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to Iran after years of tension and cold relations between the two countries, caused the public opinion and the international media to evaluate the purpose of this trip in line with de-escalation and also the beginning of a new era between Tehran and Abu Dhabi and even the region.
Hossein Sayyahi – Researcher on international affairs
Strategic Council Online- Opinion: It seems that the U.S. is happy with sabotage measures of the Zionist regime against Iran, because such measures will hamper Iran’s nuclear program at the Zionist regime’s cost.
Dr. Tahmoores Gholami, Expert on America
Strategic Council Online – The Vice President of the Washington based Middle East Institute (MEI), Gerald M. Feierstein says that growth of Chinese influence in the Persian Gulf is more a recognition of China’s growing economic and commercial power than it is a reflection of declining U.S. influence.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The direct war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, disruption of nuclear inspections, and intensification of great power competition have taken the non-proliferation crisis beyond the issue of Iran’s nuclear program.
SCFR Online – Opinion: In the Iran–U.S. equation, China pursues a cautious balance between its energy and transit interests with Tehran and considerations related to sanctions and competition with Washington.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The simultaneity of pressure on the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb has turned the geography of energy and shipping into a new arena for the emergence of new risks, costs, and leverage.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Makkah Pact, signed on August 7, 2026, between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, is more than an answer to geopolitical vacuums; in practice, it faces a “deterrence dilemma” and “differing threat perception.” While this pact symbolizes a transition toward regional self-reliance, its first field tests and the complexities of relations with regional actors will determine its real meaning.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The reason for Washington’s reluctance to enter directly into war with Ansarullah is military and economic limitations, electoral considerations, and concern about the expansion of the crisis at two energy chokepoints.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Ansarullah’s recent lightning-fast operation and surprise advances on Yemen’s western coast have rapidly transformed the equations of the war in that country and developments in West Asia, and have challenged the calculations of Saudi Arabia, the United States, the West, and the Israeli regime.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The intensification of U.S. sanctions against Iran on the eve of the U.S. midterm elections indicates Washington’s inability to achieve its war objectives.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The competition between Washington and Beijing over chips and artificial intelligence, simultaneously with the shifting of technological balances, has taken on new economic and security dimensions.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior European affairs analyst stated that Germany’s support for the Israeli regime in the 12-day war against Iran stems from its historical commitment to this regime. Friedrich Merz, Germany’s Chancellor from the Christian Democratic Party, firmly backed the Israeli regime’s attacks on Iran in June 2025, calling them a “dirty job for everyone’s benefit” and part of the Israeli regime’s “self-defense.” This stance is rooted in Germany’s historical commitment to the security of the Israeli regime (Staatsräson), which has been reinforced since the Holocaust and Angela Merkel’s 2008 speech at the Knesset. At the G7 summit and a conference in Berlin, Merz cited Iran’s underground facilities, arguing that the attacks were necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Germany’s Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, also reiterated support for the Israeli regime’s “right to self-defense.” This position has faced domestic and international criticism. Germany’s unconditional support, aligned with Western geopolitical interests against Iran, signals a shift toward a more aggressive foreign policy. This stance has sparked criticism both at home and abroad.
Strategic Council Online – Guest Opinion: The recent nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, which are being conducted through the mediation of Oman, have once again attracted the attention of the international community. Although in the past, Iran, due to its differences and problems with the United States, mostly entered into negotiations on nuclear issues with European countries, especially the United Kingdom, France and Germany (EU3), in this period, due to specific regional and international conditions, and mainly due to the US President Donald Trump’s approach these negotiations have been limited to Iran and the United States, and other world powers are not present in the talks at the moment.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Recent attacks by the Yemeni army on the UAE have become one of the fundamental developments in the regional equations.
Hossein Sayyahi – Researcher on international affairs
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: After the conclusion of French weapons deal with the UAE, we witnessed a wave of internal and external critiques which assessed the French military attitude contrary to human rights attitude of the European Union, but due to some reservations, the European Union affiliated institutions remained tight-lipped in this respect.
Dr. Abbass Sarvestani, Graduated in European Studies, Tehran University
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Financial Committee of the Zionist regime parliament (Knesset) on December 23, 2021 added an amendment article to the budget bill for 2022 based on which the sum of $ 2.9 billion was added to the military budget of the Zionist regime for preparedness of the military attack against Iran’s nuclear facilities and installations.
Fatemeh Nekoo La’al Azad, Researcher of International Affairs
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The recent visit of the national security adviser of the UAE, Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to Iran after years of tension and cold relations between the two countries, caused the public opinion and the international media to evaluate the purpose of this trip in line with de-escalation and also the beginning of a new era between Tehran and Abu Dhabi and even the region.
Hossein Sayyahi – Researcher on international affairs
Strategic Council Online- Opinion: It seems that the U.S. is happy with sabotage measures of the Zionist regime against Iran, because such measures will hamper Iran’s nuclear program at the Zionist regime’s cost.
Dr. Tahmoores Gholami, Expert on America
Strategic Council Online – The Vice President of the Washington based Middle East Institute (MEI), Gerald M. Feierstein says that growth of Chinese influence in the Persian Gulf is more a recognition of China’s growing economic and commercial power than it is a reflection of declining U.S. influence.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior European affairs analyst stated that Germany’s support for the Israeli regime in the 12-day war against Iran stems from its historical commitment to this regime. Friedrich Merz, Germany’s Chancellor from the Christian Democratic Party, firmly backed the Israeli regime’s attacks on Iran in June 2025, calling them a “dirty job for everyone’s benefit” and part of the Israeli regime’s “self-defense.” This stance is rooted in Germany’s historical commitment to the security of the Israeli regime (Staatsräson), which has been reinforced since the Holocaust and Angela Merkel’s 2008 speech at the Knesset. At the G7 summit and a conference in Berlin, Merz cited Iran’s underground facilities, arguing that the attacks were necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Germany’s Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, also reiterated support for the Israeli regime’s “right to self-defense.” This position has faced domestic and international criticism. Germany’s unconditional support, aligned with Western geopolitical interests against Iran, signals a shift toward a more aggressive foreign policy. This stance has sparked criticism both at home and abroad.
Strategic Council Online – Guest Opinion: The recent nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, which are being conducted through the mediation of Oman, have once again attracted the attention of the international community. Although in the past, Iran, due to its differences and problems with the United States, mostly entered into negotiations on nuclear issues with European countries, especially the United Kingdom, France and Germany (EU3), in this period, due to specific regional and international conditions, and mainly due to the US President Donald Trump’s approach these negotiations have been limited to Iran and the United States, and other world powers are not present in the talks at the moment.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Recent attacks by the Yemeni army on the UAE have become one of the fundamental developments in the regional equations.
Hossein Sayyahi – Researcher on international affairs
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: After the conclusion of French weapons deal with the UAE, we witnessed a wave of internal and external critiques which assessed the French military attitude contrary to human rights attitude of the European Union, but due to some reservations, the European Union affiliated institutions remained tight-lipped in this respect.
Dr. Abbass Sarvestani, Graduated in European Studies, Tehran University
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Financial Committee of the Zionist regime parliament (Knesset) on December 23, 2021 added an amendment article to the budget bill for 2022 based on which the sum of $ 2.9 billion was added to the military budget of the Zionist regime for preparedness of the military attack against Iran’s nuclear facilities and installations.
Fatemeh Nekoo La’al Azad, Researcher of International Affairs
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The recent visit of the national security adviser of the UAE, Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to Iran after years of tension and cold relations between the two countries, caused the public opinion and the international media to evaluate the purpose of this trip in line with de-escalation and also the beginning of a new era between Tehran and Abu Dhabi and even the region.
Hossein Sayyahi – Researcher on international affairs
Strategic Council Online- Opinion: It seems that the U.S. is happy with sabotage measures of the Zionist regime against Iran, because such measures will hamper Iran’s nuclear program at the Zionist regime’s cost.
Dr. Tahmoores Gholami, Expert on America
Strategic Council Online – The Vice President of the Washington based Middle East Institute (MEI), Gerald M. Feierstein says that growth of Chinese influence in the Persian Gulf is more a recognition of China’s growing economic and commercial power than it is a reflection of declining U.S. influence.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The direct war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, disruption of nuclear inspections, and intensification of great power competition have taken the non-proliferation crisis beyond the issue of Iran’s nuclear program.
SCFR Online – Opinion: In the Iran–U.S. equation, China pursues a cautious balance between its energy and transit interests with Tehran and considerations related to sanctions and competition with Washington.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The simultaneity of pressure on the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb has turned the geography of energy and shipping into a new arena for the emergence of new risks, costs, and leverage.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Makkah Pact, signed on August 7, 2026, between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, is more than an answer to geopolitical vacuums; in practice, it faces a “deterrence dilemma” and “differing threat perception.” While this pact symbolizes a transition toward regional self-reliance, its first field tests and the complexities of relations with regional actors will determine its real meaning.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The reason for Washington’s reluctance to enter directly into war with Ansarullah is military and economic limitations, electoral considerations, and concern about the expansion of the crisis at two energy chokepoints.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Ansarullah’s recent lightning-fast operation and surprise advances on Yemen’s western coast have rapidly transformed the equations of the war in that country and developments in West Asia, and have challenged the calculations of Saudi Arabia, the United States, the West, and the Israeli regime.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The intensification of U.S. sanctions against Iran on the eve of the U.S. midterm elections indicates Washington’s inability to achieve its war objectives.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The competition between Washington and Beijing over chips and artificial intelligence, simultaneously with the shifting of technological balances, has taken on new economic and security dimensions.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior European affairs analyst stated that Germany’s support for the Israeli regime in the 12-day war against Iran stems from its historical commitment to this regime. Friedrich Merz, Germany’s Chancellor from the Christian Democratic Party, firmly backed the Israeli regime’s attacks on Iran in June 2025, calling them a “dirty job for everyone’s benefit” and part of the Israeli regime’s “self-defense.” This stance is rooted in Germany’s historical commitment to the security of the Israeli regime (Staatsräson), which has been reinforced since the Holocaust and Angela Merkel’s 2008 speech at the Knesset. At the G7 summit and a conference in Berlin, Merz cited Iran’s underground facilities, arguing that the attacks were necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Germany’s Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, also reiterated support for the Israeli regime’s “right to self-defense.” This position has faced domestic and international criticism. Germany’s unconditional support, aligned with Western geopolitical interests against Iran, signals a shift toward a more aggressive foreign policy. This stance has sparked criticism both at home and abroad.
Strategic Council Online – Guest Opinion: The recent nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, which are being conducted through the mediation of Oman, have once again attracted the attention of the international community. Although in the past, Iran, due to its differences and problems with the United States, mostly entered into negotiations on nuclear issues with European countries, especially the United Kingdom, France and Germany (EU3), in this period, due to specific regional and international conditions, and mainly due to the US President Donald Trump’s approach these negotiations have been limited to Iran and the United States, and other world powers are not present in the talks at the moment.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Recent attacks by the Yemeni army on the UAE have become one of the fundamental developments in the regional equations.
Hossein Sayyahi – Researcher on international affairs
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: After the conclusion of French weapons deal with the UAE, we witnessed a wave of internal and external critiques which assessed the French military attitude contrary to human rights attitude of the European Union, but due to some reservations, the European Union affiliated institutions remained tight-lipped in this respect.
Dr. Abbass Sarvestani, Graduated in European Studies, Tehran University
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Financial Committee of the Zionist regime parliament (Knesset) on December 23, 2021 added an amendment article to the budget bill for 2022 based on which the sum of $ 2.9 billion was added to the military budget of the Zionist regime for preparedness of the military attack against Iran’s nuclear facilities and installations.
Fatemeh Nekoo La’al Azad, Researcher of International Affairs
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The recent visit of the national security adviser of the UAE, Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to Iran after years of tension and cold relations between the two countries, caused the public opinion and the international media to evaluate the purpose of this trip in line with de-escalation and also the beginning of a new era between Tehran and Abu Dhabi and even the region.
Hossein Sayyahi – Researcher on international affairs
Strategic Council Online- Opinion: It seems that the U.S. is happy with sabotage measures of the Zionist regime against Iran, because such measures will hamper Iran’s nuclear program at the Zionist regime’s cost.
Dr. Tahmoores Gholami, Expert on America
Strategic Council Online – The Vice President of the Washington based Middle East Institute (MEI), Gerald M. Feierstein says that growth of Chinese influence in the Persian Gulf is more a recognition of China’s growing economic and commercial power than it is a reflection of declining U.S. influence.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The direct war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, disruption of nuclear inspections, and intensification of great power competition have taken the non-proliferation crisis beyond the issue of Iran’s nuclear program.
SCFR Online – Opinion: In the Iran–U.S. equation, China pursues a cautious balance between its energy and transit interests with Tehran and considerations related to sanctions and competition with Washington.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The simultaneity of pressure on the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb has turned the geography of energy and shipping into a new arena for the emergence of new risks, costs, and leverage.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Makkah Pact, signed on August 7, 2026, between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, is more than an answer to geopolitical vacuums; in practice, it faces a “deterrence dilemma” and “differing threat perception.” While this pact symbolizes a transition toward regional self-reliance, its first field tests and the complexities of relations with regional actors will determine its real meaning.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The reason for Washington’s reluctance to enter directly into war with Ansarullah is military and economic limitations, electoral considerations, and concern about the expansion of the crisis at two energy chokepoints.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Ansarullah’s recent lightning-fast operation and surprise advances on Yemen’s western coast have rapidly transformed the equations of the war in that country and developments in West Asia, and have challenged the calculations of Saudi Arabia, the United States, the West, and the Israeli regime.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The intensification of U.S. sanctions against Iran on the eve of the U.S. midterm elections indicates Washington’s inability to achieve its war objectives.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The competition between Washington and Beijing over chips and artificial intelligence, simultaneously with the shifting of technological balances, has taken on new economic and security dimensions.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior European affairs analyst stated that Germany’s support for the Israeli regime in the 12-day war against Iran stems from its historical commitment to this regime. Friedrich Merz, Germany’s Chancellor from the Christian Democratic Party, firmly backed the Israeli regime’s attacks on Iran in June 2025, calling them a “dirty job for everyone’s benefit” and part of the Israeli regime’s “self-defense.” This stance is rooted in Germany’s historical commitment to the security of the Israeli regime (Staatsräson), which has been reinforced since the Holocaust and Angela Merkel’s 2008 speech at the Knesset. At the G7 summit and a conference in Berlin, Merz cited Iran’s underground facilities, arguing that the attacks were necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Germany’s Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, also reiterated support for the Israeli regime’s “right to self-defense.” This position has faced domestic and international criticism. Germany’s unconditional support, aligned with Western geopolitical interests against Iran, signals a shift toward a more aggressive foreign policy. This stance has sparked criticism both at home and abroad.
Strategic Council Online – Guest Opinion: The recent nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, which are being conducted through the mediation of Oman, have once again attracted the attention of the international community. Although in the past, Iran, due to its differences and problems with the United States, mostly entered into negotiations on nuclear issues with European countries, especially the United Kingdom, France and Germany (EU3), in this period, due to specific regional and international conditions, and mainly due to the US President Donald Trump’s approach these negotiations have been limited to Iran and the United States, and other world powers are not present in the talks at the moment.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Recent attacks by the Yemeni army on the UAE have become one of the fundamental developments in the regional equations.
Hossein Sayyahi – Researcher on international affairs
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: After the conclusion of French weapons deal with the UAE, we witnessed a wave of internal and external critiques which assessed the French military attitude contrary to human rights attitude of the European Union, but due to some reservations, the European Union affiliated institutions remained tight-lipped in this respect.
Dr. Abbass Sarvestani, Graduated in European Studies, Tehran University
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Financial Committee of the Zionist regime parliament (Knesset) on December 23, 2021 added an amendment article to the budget bill for 2022 based on which the sum of $ 2.9 billion was added to the military budget of the Zionist regime for preparedness of the military attack against Iran’s nuclear facilities and installations.
Fatemeh Nekoo La’al Azad, Researcher of International Affairs
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The recent visit of the national security adviser of the UAE, Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to Iran after years of tension and cold relations between the two countries, caused the public opinion and the international media to evaluate the purpose of this trip in line with de-escalation and also the beginning of a new era between Tehran and Abu Dhabi and even the region.
Hossein Sayyahi – Researcher on international affairs
Strategic Council Online- Opinion: It seems that the U.S. is happy with sabotage measures of the Zionist regime against Iran, because such measures will hamper Iran’s nuclear program at the Zionist regime’s cost.
Dr. Tahmoores Gholami, Expert on America
Strategic Council Online – The Vice President of the Washington based Middle East Institute (MEI), Gerald M. Feierstein says that growth of Chinese influence in the Persian Gulf is more a recognition of China’s growing economic and commercial power than it is a reflection of declining U.S. influence.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The direct war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, disruption of nuclear inspections, and intensification of great power competition have taken the non-proliferation crisis beyond the issue of Iran’s nuclear program.
SCFR Online – Opinion: In the Iran–U.S. equation, China pursues a cautious balance between its energy and transit interests with Tehran and considerations related to sanctions and competition with Washington.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The simultaneity of pressure on the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb has turned the geography of energy and shipping into a new arena for the emergence of new risks, costs, and leverage.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Makkah Pact, signed on August 7, 2026, between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, is more than an answer to geopolitical vacuums; in practice, it faces a “deterrence dilemma” and “differing threat perception.” While this pact symbolizes a transition toward regional self-reliance, its first field tests and the complexities of relations with regional actors will determine its real meaning.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The reason for Washington’s reluctance to enter directly into war with Ansarullah is military and economic limitations, electoral considerations, and concern about the expansion of the crisis at two energy chokepoints.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Ansarullah’s recent lightning-fast operation and surprise advances on Yemen’s western coast have rapidly transformed the equations of the war in that country and developments in West Asia, and have challenged the calculations of Saudi Arabia, the United States, the West, and the Israeli regime.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The intensification of U.S. sanctions against Iran on the eve of the U.S. midterm elections indicates Washington’s inability to achieve its war objectives.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The competition between Washington and Beijing over chips and artificial intelligence, simultaneously with the shifting of technological balances, has taken on new economic and security dimensions.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior European affairs analyst stated that Germany’s support for the Israeli regime in the 12-day war against Iran stems from its historical commitment to this regime. Friedrich Merz, Germany’s Chancellor from the Christian Democratic Party, firmly backed the Israeli regime’s attacks on Iran in June 2025, calling them a “dirty job for everyone’s benefit” and part of the Israeli regime’s “self-defense.” This stance is rooted in Germany’s historical commitment to the security of the Israeli regime (Staatsräson), which has been reinforced since the Holocaust and Angela Merkel’s 2008 speech at the Knesset. At the G7 summit and a conference in Berlin, Merz cited Iran’s underground facilities, arguing that the attacks were necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Germany’s Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, also reiterated support for the Israeli regime’s “right to self-defense.” This position has faced domestic and international criticism. Germany’s unconditional support, aligned with Western geopolitical interests against Iran, signals a shift toward a more aggressive foreign policy. This stance has sparked criticism both at home and abroad.
Strategic Council Online – Guest Opinion: The recent nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, which are being conducted through the mediation of Oman, have once again attracted the attention of the international community. Although in the past, Iran, due to its differences and problems with the United States, mostly entered into negotiations on nuclear issues with European countries, especially the United Kingdom, France and Germany (EU3), in this period, due to specific regional and international conditions, and mainly due to the US President Donald Trump’s approach these negotiations have been limited to Iran and the United States, and other world powers are not present in the talks at the moment.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Recent attacks by the Yemeni army on the UAE have become one of the fundamental developments in the regional equations.
Hossein Sayyahi – Researcher on international affairs
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: After the conclusion of French weapons deal with the UAE, we witnessed a wave of internal and external critiques which assessed the French military attitude contrary to human rights attitude of the European Union, but due to some reservations, the European Union affiliated institutions remained tight-lipped in this respect.
Dr. Abbass Sarvestani, Graduated in European Studies, Tehran University
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Financial Committee of the Zionist regime parliament (Knesset) on December 23, 2021 added an amendment article to the budget bill for 2022 based on which the sum of $ 2.9 billion was added to the military budget of the Zionist regime for preparedness of the military attack against Iran’s nuclear facilities and installations.
Fatemeh Nekoo La’al Azad, Researcher of International Affairs
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The recent visit of the national security adviser of the UAE, Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to Iran after years of tension and cold relations between the two countries, caused the public opinion and the international media to evaluate the purpose of this trip in line with de-escalation and also the beginning of a new era between Tehran and Abu Dhabi and even the region.
Hossein Sayyahi – Researcher on international affairs
Strategic Council Online- Opinion: It seems that the U.S. is happy with sabotage measures of the Zionist regime against Iran, because such measures will hamper Iran’s nuclear program at the Zionist regime’s cost.
Dr. Tahmoores Gholami, Expert on America
Strategic Council Online – The Vice President of the Washington based Middle East Institute (MEI), Gerald M. Feierstein says that growth of Chinese influence in the Persian Gulf is more a recognition of China’s growing economic and commercial power than it is a reflection of declining U.S. influence.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The direct war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, disruption of nuclear inspections, and intensification of great power competition have taken the non-proliferation crisis beyond the issue of Iran’s nuclear program.
SCFR Online – Opinion: In the Iran–U.S. equation, China pursues a cautious balance between its energy and transit interests with Tehran and considerations related to sanctions and competition with Washington.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The simultaneity of pressure on the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb has turned the geography of energy and shipping into a new arena for the emergence of new risks, costs, and leverage.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Makkah Pact, signed on August 7, 2026, between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, is more than an answer to geopolitical vacuums; in practice, it faces a “deterrence dilemma” and “differing threat perception.” While this pact symbolizes a transition toward regional self-reliance, its first field tests and the complexities of relations with regional actors will determine its real meaning.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The reason for Washington’s reluctance to enter directly into war with Ansarullah is military and economic limitations, electoral considerations, and concern about the expansion of the crisis at two energy chokepoints.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Ansarullah’s recent lightning-fast operation and surprise advances on Yemen’s western coast have rapidly transformed the equations of the war in that country and developments in West Asia, and have challenged the calculations of Saudi Arabia, the United States, the West, and the Israeli regime.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The intensification of U.S. sanctions against Iran on the eve of the U.S. midterm elections indicates Washington’s inability to achieve its war objectives.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The competition between Washington and Beijing over chips and artificial intelligence, simultaneously with the shifting of technological balances, has taken on new economic and security dimensions.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: A senior European affairs analyst stated that Germany’s support for the Israeli regime in the 12-day war against Iran stems from its historical commitment to this regime. Friedrich Merz, Germany’s Chancellor from the Christian Democratic Party, firmly backed the Israeli regime’s attacks on Iran in June 2025, calling them a “dirty job for everyone’s benefit” and part of the Israeli regime’s “self-defense.” This stance is rooted in Germany’s historical commitment to the security of the Israeli regime (Staatsräson), which has been reinforced since the Holocaust and Angela Merkel’s 2008 speech at the Knesset. At the G7 summit and a conference in Berlin, Merz cited Iran’s underground facilities, arguing that the attacks were necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Germany’s Foreign Minister, Johann Wadephul, also reiterated support for the Israeli regime’s “right to self-defense.” This position has faced domestic and international criticism. Germany’s unconditional support, aligned with Western geopolitical interests against Iran, signals a shift toward a more aggressive foreign policy. This stance has sparked criticism both at home and abroad.
Strategic Council Online – Guest Opinion: The recent nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, which are being conducted through the mediation of Oman, have once again attracted the attention of the international community. Although in the past, Iran, due to its differences and problems with the United States, mostly entered into negotiations on nuclear issues with European countries, especially the United Kingdom, France and Germany (EU3), in this period, due to specific regional and international conditions, and mainly due to the US President Donald Trump’s approach these negotiations have been limited to Iran and the United States, and other world powers are not present in the talks at the moment.
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Recent attacks by the Yemeni army on the UAE have become one of the fundamental developments in the regional equations.
Hossein Sayyahi – Researcher on international affairs
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: After the conclusion of French weapons deal with the UAE, we witnessed a wave of internal and external critiques which assessed the French military attitude contrary to human rights attitude of the European Union, but due to some reservations, the European Union affiliated institutions remained tight-lipped in this respect.
Dr. Abbass Sarvestani, Graduated in European Studies, Tehran University
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: Financial Committee of the Zionist regime parliament (Knesset) on December 23, 2021 added an amendment article to the budget bill for 2022 based on which the sum of $ 2.9 billion was added to the military budget of the Zionist regime for preparedness of the military attack against Iran’s nuclear facilities and installations.
Fatemeh Nekoo La’al Azad, Researcher of International Affairs
Strategic Council Online – Opinion: The recent visit of the national security adviser of the UAE, Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to Iran after years of tension and cold relations between the two countries, caused the public opinion and the international media to evaluate the purpose of this trip in line with de-escalation and also the beginning of a new era between Tehran and Abu Dhabi and even the region.
Hossein Sayyahi – Researcher on international affairs
Strategic Council Online- Opinion: It seems that the U.S. is happy with sabotage measures of the Zionist regime against Iran, because such measures will hamper Iran’s nuclear program at the Zionist regime’s cost.
Dr. Tahmoores Gholami, Expert on America
Strategic Council Online – The Vice President of the Washington based Middle East Institute (MEI), Gerald M. Feierstein says that growth of Chinese influence in the Persian Gulf is more a recognition of China’s growing economic and commercial power than it is a reflection of declining U.S. influence.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The direct war of the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran, disruption of nuclear inspections, and intensification of great power competition have taken the non-proliferation crisis beyond the issue of Iran’s nuclear program.
SCFR Online – Opinion: In the Iran–U.S. equation, China pursues a cautious balance between its energy and transit interests with Tehran and considerations related to sanctions and competition with Washington.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The simultaneity of pressure on the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb has turned the geography of energy and shipping into a new arena for the emergence of new risks, costs, and leverage.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The Makkah Pact, signed on August 7, 2026, between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, is more than an answer to geopolitical vacuums; in practice, it faces a “deterrence dilemma” and “differing threat perception.” While this pact symbolizes a transition toward regional self-reliance, its first field tests and the complexities of relations with regional actors will determine its real meaning.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The reason for Washington’s reluctance to enter directly into war with Ansarullah is military and economic limitations, electoral considerations, and concern about the expansion of the crisis at two energy chokepoints.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Ansarullah’s recent lightning-fast operation and surprise advances on Yemen’s western coast have rapidly transformed the equations of the war in that country and developments in West Asia, and have challenged the calculations of Saudi Arabia, the United States, the West, and the Israeli regime.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The intensification of U.S. sanctions against Iran on the eve of the U.S. midterm elections indicates Washington’s inability to achieve its war objectives.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The competition between Washington and Beijing over chips and artificial intelligence, simultaneously with the shifting of technological balances, has taken on new economic and security dimensions.