Iran–Iraq War

November 17, 2025 | Kenan Arkan, Isaac A. Harris, RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, Cdre. (Ret.) Peter Olive, Craig Singleton

Maritime Protection of Taiwan’s Energy Vulnerability

October 24, 2025 | Behnam Ben Taleblu, Bridget Toomey

Don’t Fall for the Islamic Republic’s Attempt at “Christian-Washing”

On a recent trip to Israel, Mark Walker, President Trump’s nominee to be Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, did not mince words about the administration’s priorities. “We want...

August 23, 2025 | Behnam Ben Taleblu |

Iran Reshuffles the Deck. Will it Matter?

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has restructured the Islamic Republic’s national security apparatus to cover up Iran’s gaping weaknesses.

August 15, 2025 | Janatan Sayeh |

Israel intensifies outreach to Iranians as Tehran anticipates another war

As many Iranians blame the regime’s policies for deepening the country’s water crisis, which “[threatens] millions of residents,” Israel is seizing the moment to voice support...

July 23, 2025 | Reuel Marc Gerecht, Ray Takeyh

Beware Iran’s New Ruling Elite

The country’s recent military humiliation opens the door for hard-liners who won’t compromise on their nuclear ambitions.

July 17, 2025 | Janatan Sayeh |

Mysterious wave of explosions, sudden IRGC death disrupt post-ceasefire calm in Iran

Israel and Iran indirectly agreed to a ceasefire on June 24, yet a wave of explosions and the sudden death of an IRGC general over the past week have disturbed the relative calm in Iran. The...

June 17, 2025 | Joe Truzman |

Israeli airstrikes eliminate senior Iranian military officials

Since the beginning of Israel’s military campaign against Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, the Israeli military has targeted and eliminated key figures belonging to the Islamic...

June 17, 2025 | Mariam Wahba |

Egyptian Media Turns Israeli Operation Against Iran Into Anti-Israel Messaging Tool

Egyptian media has painted a picture of Israel’s Operation Rising Lion that bears little resemblance to reality. While American media have reported on Israel’s military gains, Tehran’s limited...

April 19, 2025 | Reuel Marc Gerecht, Ray Takeyh

The Iranian Negotiating Tactic the Trump Administration Doesn’t Get

Sanctions and ‘maximum pressure’ have never made the clerical regime abandon its nuclear ambitions.

March 14, 2025 | Orde Kittrie, Andrea Stricker, Behnam Ben Taleblu

Iran’s Nuclear Disarmament

The Only Deal That Protects U.S. and Allied Security

March 6, 2025 | Saeed Ghasseminejad, Behnam Ben Taleblu

Bridging the Atlantic to Counter Tehran

Trump’s return to the White House shakes global alliances but creates a crucial chance to unite against Iran’s growing threat. Saeed Ghasseminejad and Behnam Ben Taleblu lay out a bold plan to counter Tehran’s nuclear drive and regional aggression.

February 3, 2025 | Saeed Ghasseminejad |

Cracks in the Core? The Meaning Behind Iran’s Assassinations

As Iran’s economic, regional, and domestic standing deteriorates, senior and junior officials alike will begin to realize that the regime cannot ensure their safety.

January 31, 2025 | Behnam Ben Taleblu |

The Potential Challenges of Deterring a Nuclear Iran

Excerpt Unpacking the importance of deterrence to Iranian security policy can help the United States and others to devise strategies aimed at having a deterrent effecton Tehran. Deterrence is an obsession...

December 3, 2024 | Jonathan Schanzer, David Adesnik, Bill Roggio, Joe Dougherty

What’s next for Syria? Assad, Jihadist terrorist groups, and chemical weapons

October 29, 2024 | Behnam Ben Taleblu, Jonathan Schanzer, Bradley Bowman, Saeed Ghasseminejad, Elizabeth Robbins

Israel’s Retaliatory Strike on Iran and What’s Ahead

October 28, 2024 | Seth J. Frantzman |

How many air defense systems does Iran have?

Iran has seemingly focused on gaining a large quantity of defense systems - but it is unclear if any are actually effective.

August 29, 2024 | Orde Kittrie, Bradley Bowman, Behnam Ben Taleblu

Deterring Iran’s Dash to the Bomb

July 3, 2024 | Behnam Ben Taleblu, Janatan Sayeh

Iran’s ‘election’ seeks to consolidate regime control

Iran’s Guardian Council, a 12-person body appointed by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei that approves candidates for office, permitted six out of 80 potential candidates to run in the special presidential...

June 24, 2024 | Behnam Ben Taleblu, Janatan Sayeh

Iran’s Presidential Selection

Knowing the Candidates

June 22, 2024 | Behnam Ben Taleblu, Janatan Sayeh

Iran’s Presidential ‘Election’ Seeks to Consolidate Regime’s Control

Iran’s Guardian Council, a 12-person body appointed by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei that approves candidates for office, has permitted six out of 80 potential candidates to run in the special presidential...