Middle Orient

Russia Watches Iran War From the Sidelines

Amid its all-consuming war in Ukraine, Russia has repeatedly found itself struggling to shape other global events — from the Caucasus to the Middle East to Latin America. Moscow is now again watching from the sidelines as the United States and Israel seek to topple the regime in Iran, potentially …

Read More »

Iran’s Leadership Transition in the Shadow of War with the U.S. and Israel

U.S. President Donald Trump stated earlier today that, what he described as “the new Iranian leadership,” has expressed interest in negotiations. The operational authority over the security and military apparatus has reportedly become more concentrated within figures closely aligned with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the former Supreme …

Read More »

Iran’s Asymmetric Escalation After Khamenei

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the first American fatalities in the conflict with Iran, reporting that three U.S. service members were killed and five others wounded in attacks on regional bases. Despite the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s rapid and coordinated escalation demonstrates that regime command and …

Read More »