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Iran's Foreign Policy

Policy Analysis on Iran's Foreign Policy

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Tehran Eyes Lifting of Arms Embargo

The regime senses a major win in the forthcoming move, perceiving an isolated and weakened United States and opportunities for escalation on many fronts.

Farzin Nadimi

Sunset of the Iran Arms Embargo:

The Narrow Path to a Policy Compromise

Delinking the embargo from the nuclear deal could offer the best hope of reducing tensions within the P5+1 while also limiting Iran’s access to sophisticated weaponry.

Michael Singh

Maps & Graphics

In-Depth Reports

Green Without Borders:

The Operational Benefits of Hezbollah's Environmental NGO

In this illuminating Policy Note -- complete with detailed maps and satellite imagery -- Matthew Levitt and Samantha Stern tell the story of the Lebanese NGO Green Without Borders and explain why the mandate for the UN Interim Force in Lebanon must be reworked.

Matthew Levitt
Samantha Stern

Maps & Graphics

In-Depth Reports

Iran's Evolving Approach to Asymmetric Naval Warfare:

Strategy and Capabilities in the Persian Gulf

A military expert offers historical context and present-day specifics on Iran's naval activities in the Gulf, using maps and other graphics to outline its capabilities and intentions during a perilously unstable time.

Farzin Nadimi

Maps & Graphics

In-Depth Reports

Honored, Not Contained:

The Future of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces

In this detailed Policy Focus, meant as a primer for Iraqi and international agencies, leading scholars examine the current status of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces.

Michael Knights
Hamdi Malik
Aymenn Jawad Al-Tamimi

In-Depth Reports

Reading Trump in Tehran

A week after Donald Trump was elected president in November 2016, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei played coy, remarking, “I have no judgment on the American election...[Both parties have been] naughty toward us.” Of course, his true reaction was far more complex. On one hand, he saw in the president-elect—who

Mehdi Khalaji

Articles & Testimony

How Soleimani’s Killing Could Make a Stronger Iraq

As Iraq signals its willingness to evict U.S. forces following the airstrike, the time has come for discipline and a focus on shared interests.

Michael Knights

Articles & Testimony

Iran Retains Its Ability to Launch Terror Attacks Despite Assassination

Soleimani had multiple deputies with years of experience, and the Iranian security establishment has a tradition of rewarding brazen initiative.

Matthew Levitt

Articles & Testimony

Iraqi Freedom Confronts Iranian Domination

The United States has turned toward realpolitik, but it has a strategic interest in backing demonstrators.

Bilal Wahab

Iran’s Nuclear Steps and the New IAEA Chief

The steady weakening by Tehran of its international nuclear commitments will be the most immediate challenge for the next head of the world’s nuclear watchdog.

Simon Henderson
Elana DeLozier

Articles & Testimony

Iran Is Losing the Middle East, Protests in Lebanon and Iraq Show

Recent upsurges in dissent cross sectarian lines and reveal the governing incompetence at the core of Iranian proxy leadership.

Hanin Ghaddar

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei delivers public remarks.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Putting ‘Heroic Flexibility’ Aside

Khamenei’s latest high-profile speech may indicate his growing confidence that Iran can cope with U.S. pressure and set a high bar for resuming talks.

Omer Carmi

Houthis Kill Top UAE-Backed Separatist Yemeni Commander

Coming just weeks after Abu Dhabi's drawdown from the anti-Houthi fight, the provocative attack could be a pivotal moment for Yemen’s future.

Elana DeLozier

Articles & Testimony

Will Iran 'Break Out' for a Nuclear Weapon, and What Can Trump Do?

Seeing that the president wants out of “endless Middle East wars,” Tehran seems to think that raising the pressure might get him to back off.

Dennis Ross

U.S.-Qatar Talks Likely to be Crucial to Iran Policy

The Oval Office meeting between President Trump and Emir Tamim could have many agenda items, but the regional tension with Tehran will be foremost.

Simon Henderson

Articles & Testimony

The Problem with the U.S.-Backed Opposition Outside Iran

The international community must take steps to empower civil society within the Islamic Republic and protect it from being systematically persecuted and oppressed.

Mehdi Khalaji

Articles & Testimony

Iran's Aggressions the Focus of 'Emergency' Arab Summit

Despite the challenges that usually accompany these high-level talks, Gulf countries seem keener than ever to counter the threat across the Persian Gulf.

Simon Henderson

Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamanei, gestures while speaking

The Most Important Speech of the Year in Iran: Hostile to the West, No Concessions at Home

Historically a reliable indicator of Khamenei’s thinking, the Supreme Leader’s annual Mashhad address focused mainly on foreign policy, especially why the West should not be trusted, along with his usual call for Iran to develop its non-oil economy.

Patrick Clawson

Protesters display Iranian, Syrian, Palestinian, and Hezbollah flags - source: Reuters

Articles & Testimony

Hezbollah’s Procurement Channels: Leveraging Criminal Networks and Partnering with Iran

A February visit to Tehran by Syrian president Bashar al-Assad showcased just how close the Qods Force-Hezbollah alliance is when it comes to acquiring weapons.

Matthew Levitt

In-Depth Reports

The Supreme Leader and the Guard:

Civil-Military Relations and Regime Survival in Iran

As the Islamic Republic of Iran turns forty, the dream of a unified theocratic state remains elusive. The national leadership faces three converging threats: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's uncertain health and the prospect of a destabilizing succession process; domestic dissatisfaction, manifested in daily protests across the country; and economic struggles brought

Saeid Golkar

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