Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
While diversionary conflict is necessary in some cases to maintain stability in the face of domestic upheaval, in Iran’s case, a “diversionary peace” is a more likely solution.
The recent agreement between Iran and China promotes a strategic partnership that goes beyond economic objectives as China continues to focus on achieving its geopolitical interests in the Middle East, Eurasia, and the Indian Ocean.
For years Raisi has been considered one of the three most promising candidates to succeed Khamenei. As president, Raisi is in prime position to succeed Khamenei.
The fruitless protracted blockade of Qatar not only failed to reform Doha’s “destabilizing behaviors,” but also strengthened Iranian-Qatari relations for the foreseeable future.
GCC countries are caught up in Chinese-U.S. competition over tech infrastructure. A failure to appease both powers risks endangering critical relationships.
Iran’s economic crisis remains heavily connected to its enmity with the United States. The best tool for economic diversification and sustainable development is an end to the four decades of animosity between Tehran and Washington.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi is likely heading toward a confrontation with the Iran-backed paramilitaries, which could threaten his fledgling coalition.
Despite economic obstacles facing the two countries, Turkey and Iran strive to cement economic relations and maintain their multifaceted relations.
Following the Riyadh Agreement, Iran’s approach to conflict resolution in Yemen takes a multilateral form.
Water scarcity in Iran threatens not just its agricultural self-sufficiency but may also strain its energy exports in the long term, two sectors it hopes to rely on to weather new economic sanctions.
Impending sanctions on Iran will make Turkey’s energy imports more expensive and contribute to the devaluation of the lira.
Its economic future in question, Tehran is looking to maintain and increase its influence in Iraq by investing in schemes and projects linked with loyal paramilitary forces.
Four experts examine the causes of Iran’s protests and what implications they may have for Iran’s regional ambitions, domestic political rivalries, and future for human rights.
As Riyadh’s rivalry with Tehran in the Levant turns to Lebanon, its increasing pressure on Hezbollah threatens to severely destabilize the country.
Escalating tensions surrounding the Kurdish independence referendum are encouraging Iran to accelerate efforts to diversify trade to Iraq.
The rapid escalation of tensions over the past few weeks carries significant implications for unity, security, and balance of power in the Gulf.
Iran’s weak economic recovery eroded Rouhani’s voter base, but municipal victories for his reformist and centrist allies may help his agenda and boost chances for future electoral victories.
Iranian support for the Houthis has been marginal and does not shape their decisionmaking as much as local alliances and conflict dynamics do.
While the Rouhani administration tries to find the right balance of financial reforms, the banking sector challenges continue to hamper sustainable economic growth.
Regional competition and the lack of a cooperation strategy with its neighbors are compounding Saudi Arabia’s inability to act as an oil price setter.