A Strategic Conundrum: Pakistan’s Transit Corridor to Iran as Lifeline or Liability
The US-Iran standoff over the Strait of Hormuz — disruptive to global trade and energy flows, and devastating for debt-burdened economies — has handed Pakistan an unexpected geoeconomic opportunity, one that may persist even if the framework agreement announced on June 14 results in a lasting peace and permanent reopening of the strait. But seizing it will have interlocking consequences for Islamabad’s ties with Tehran, Washington, and the Gulf states.
Iran: What’s Next for US Policy as the Region Seeks to Move On
As the US and Iran move to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the war’s real lesson lies in how Gulf states rapidly adapted — building pipelines, ports, and rail to bypass the chokepoint. Washington should seize this momentum, pursuing a “long game” of regional connectivity that serves shared security and economic interests.
The Growing Conflict between Iran’s Intelligence Agencies
Competition between parallel government institutions with overlapping fields of responsibility is hardly a novelty in Iran. It predates the Islamic Republic and has traditionally helped Iranian rulers to play different power centers against each other and maintain control. Under Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, however, the conflict between the country’s intelligence agencies has reached an unprecedented level, which undermines public confidence not only in the government but also in Khamenei’s competence.
Iran Warns Europe against Siding with U.S. in Missile Dispute
The head of Iran’s powerful Judiciary ruled out any negotiations with the United States and other world powers over the country’s controversial missile program, and warned European countries not to side with Washington in the latest U.S.-Tehran standoff. “The Europeans should understand that if they cooperate with America, we will stand up against them the same way we have confronted the United States,” Ayatollah Sadegh Amoli Larijani said at a gathering of senior Iranian Judiciary officials.
Iran Seeks Closer Economic Ties with Africa to Minimize U.S. Sanctions
On Monday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif participated in the 13th Iran-South Africa Business Forum held in Pretoria, the Iranian media reported. Speaking at the event, the Iranian foreign minister called for expansion of economic and trade ties between the two countries and urged the South African government to resume banking relations with Iran.
Hamas: Tehran Visit “Practical Response” to Israeli Anger
The visit by the Hamas delegation to Tehran was a “practical response” to the Israeli government’s demand that Hamas cut its ties with Tehran, a senior spokesman for the Palestinian Hamas group said in an
Iran’s Double-Edged Track Record in Fighting Drug Trafficking
A senior Iranian officials claimed today that the country’s counter-narcotics police forces have captured more than 400 tons of illicit drugs in the past six months.
Iraqi Kurdish, Turkmen Leaders Accuse Iran-backed Group of Looting in Kirkuk
Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq (A.A.H.), an Iranian-backed Iraqi militia group, continues to play a role in political and security developments in the disputed province of Kirkuk. While the group is cultivating close relations with some leaders of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (P.U.K.), other Kurdish leaders and Kurdish residents of the disputed Kirkuk province accuse the militia group of looting government buildings in Kirkuk and promoting a sectarian agenda there.
Hamas Delegation Arrives in Tehran for High-Level Talks
A delegation of senior Hamas officials arrived in Tehran today to discuss bilateral issues as well as the latest Israeli-Palestinian developments, the Iranian media reported. Saleh al-Arouri, the deputy head of Hamas’ political bureau and a U.S.-designated founder of the group’s military wing, is heading the delegation. The two sides are also expected to discuss the implications of the latest reconciliation pact between Hamas and Fatah and the way forward. On Thursday, Yahya Sinwar, who was earlier this year appointed to lead Hamas in Gaza, said the group will not cut its ties with Iran.
Iran, Russia Discuss Ways to Boost Military Cooperation
Iranian and Russian defense ministers discussed ways to further enhance military cooperation between the two countries in a telephone conversation on Thursday, the Iranian media reported.
Iran Says Will Accelerate Missile Activity in Defiance of Trump
Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (I.R.G.C.) announced today that Iran will defy U.S. pressure and further enhance the country’s controversial missile program.
Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, a foreign policy advisor to Iran’s Parliamentary Speaker Ali Larijani, has cautioned against counting on European powers in Iran’s nuclear standoff with the United States. In an interview with Fars News Agency, an outlet affiliated with the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (I.R.G.C.), he said there is some convergence of interests between European countries and the United States and they would be willing to counter Iran’s regional ambitions, particularly to protect Israel.
Top Iranian General Meets Assad in Damascus to Expand Ties
Major General Mohammad Bagheri, the chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, today met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus to further enhance military cooperation and defense ties between the two countries, the Iranian media reported. Bagheri also presented Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s written message to Assad and pointed out that Iran’s leader always pray for the Syrian president’s safety and victory.
I.R.G.C. Leaders to Trump: We’ll Continue to Confront U.S. and Its Allies in Mideast
The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (I.R.G.C.) will defy U.S. pressure, expand its regional influence, enhance its defense power, and confront the United States and Israel, several top Iranian military officials warned in reaction to President Donald Trump’s anti-Iran speech.
Khamenei: Iran Will "Shred" Nuclear Deal If “Other Side” Leaves It
Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei today ruled out any negotiations with Western powers over Iran’s missile program and regional activities, and warned that Iran would rip the 2015 nuclear agreement to pieces if the “other side” walks away from it.
The oldest peer-reviewed publication dedicated to the study of the modern Middle East, MEI’s flagship journal covers politics, society, and culture in the region.
