Iran

The regime’s failure to create an open and prosperous society for Iranians is leading Iran’s richest and brightest to reconsider their future in their country.

Iran may look to emulate Saudi Arabia in its efforts to reorient its foreign policy and establish a more balanced position in relations with the great powers of the East and West.

While a regional naval alliance remains distant, de-escalation has created an opening for maritime security cooperation.

Recent Iranian claims have again raised questions over the contested Dorra gas field.

On July 6, AGSIW hosted a discussion on the historical rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Iran’s newly appointed Supreme National Security Council secretary appears to be part of the unofficial collective leadership of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. As such, he cannot be expected to play the role of an honest broker among the regime’s competing factions.

As SNSC secretary, Rear Admiral Ali Akbar Ahmadian will doubtlessly try to put his experiences and writings to good use, but on all counts, he is likely to side with his comrades in the IRGC.

A thaw with Egypt may help an economically besieged Iranian government rattled by popular protests boost its regional standing.