Council on Foreign Relations

Axis of Aggressors: H.R. McMaster on Defending America’s Interests

The members of this “axis of aggressors” are united in their determination to undermine the United States and counter its core interests. Though their methods may vary, these adversaries share a desire to sow chaos, erode the rule of law, and weaken the United States and its allies. To discuss the situations in Middle East, the Pacific, and Ukraine, as well as the path forward, FDD’s Center on Military and Political Power (CMPP) hosts CMPP Chairman LTG (Ret.) H.R. McMaster, a 34-year-veteran of the U.S. Army and a former U.S. National Security Advisor, in conversation with CMPP Senior Director Bradley Bowman.

Iran Counts on U.S. Weakness to Check Israeli Strength

The Biden administration has pressed the Jewish state for a cease-fire, so far without success.

Meet Iran’s New Boss, Same as the Old Boss

President-elect Masoud Pezeshkian is a kinder, softer regime loyalist. Khamenei and the Islamic Guard Corps still rule.

The Death of Iran’s President Does Not Bode Well

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has not always seen eye to eye with his country’s presidents. Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani nudged the Islamic Republic too close to the West for the supreme leader’s...

Iran’s Nuclear Calculus Has Now Become More Dangerous

Supreme Leader Khamenei must wonder if the Islamic Republic’s situation would be better if it had already tested a nuclear weapon. The West shouldn’t underestimate the ailing ayatollah’s need for a glorious legacy.

Putting U.S. Power Behind Israel Will Keep Iran at Bay

Until Iran’s barrage of missiles and drones against Israel, the two countries had avoided open military intrusions into each other’s territory. Tehran most often acted through proxies, and...

Post-Erdogan Turkey Is Finally Here

Last weekend’s elections offer a first glimpse of a political future beyond the reigning strongman.

Iran Is Winning the War

Right now things look good for Israel. But the Islamic Republic is playing the long game. And its advantages, alas, are many.

Khamenei’s Strategy to Dominate the Middle East Will Outlive Him

Iran’s aging supreme leader is ensuring that any successor will stay the course.

When Iran Goes Nuclear

The Islamic Republic will even more aggressive toward Israel and improve its standing with Russia and China.

Tightening the Belt or End of the Road? China’s BRI at 10

Iran’s Leaders Say They Don’t Want a War. Should We Believe Them?

The war in Gaza has now gone where many feared it would, expanding into conflict in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and the Red Sea. With America’s repeated strikes against the Houthis in Yemen this...

Forget the Bomb and Help Iranians Fight Their Regime

All the other options have failed.

Commanding Heights: Ensuring U.S. Leadership in the Critical and Emerging Technologies of the 21st Century

Countering Threats Posed by Nation-State Actors in Latin America to U.S. Homeland Security

Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence

The Stalinist approach to peacemaking

It’s simple, homicidal logic: No Israel, no problem

China and Russia Encourage Iran to Go Nuclear

An aloof U.S. leaves a regional vacuum that the Islamic Republic is exploiting brilliantly.

The United States and Saudi Arabia: A Possible Path Forward

Smears and Myths—The October Surprise Revisited

The New York Times revives the claim that Reagan won in 1980 by conspiring to prolong the Iran hostage crisis.

How Iran’s Regime Is Threatened by Its Clerics

A new wrinkle in the Islamic Republic’s continuing political crisis