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Iran, the Middle East and the World

Analyzing Iran's role in the region
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Iran is a political, military, and economic power across the Middle East with rippling impact globally. Its Axis of Resistance—a network of allies in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen—has transformed the regional balance of power, even sparked wars. Its military ties with Russia and economic trade with China have altered global alliances. Its nuclear advances worry much of the world. Understanding the ideology, strategy and goals of the Islamic Republic are critical to effective and enduring foreign policy decisions.

Latest Insight & Analysis

Iran Missile Hits Israeli School
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Israel Vows to Respond to Missile Attack
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Security and Defense
Israel Weighs Retaliation After Massive Iranian Missile Barrage
3:02
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Anti-Western Influence Campaigns in Latin America: Understanding the Russia-Venezuela-Iran Triangle
Blog post
Women & Gender
Reflections on the Death of Mahsa Amini & the Irreversible Wave of Dissent in Iran
By Merissa Khurma on September 19, 2024
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Regional Context

Isfahan Mosque

The Iran Primer

See the latest on Iran's possible involvement in the Hamas attack and its continued diplomacy and reactions to the fallout.

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The Islamists

Learn more about Hamas and how it relates to similarly aligned organizations throughout the region. 

Smoke trails from rockets fired from Gaza at night

The Hamas-Israel War and Regional Security in MENA

Hamas' unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7 and the ongoing Hamas-Israel war in Gaza will have political and security implications across the Middle East and North Africa region. The humanitarian dimension with surging death tolls amongst innocent civilians in Israel and in Gaza is at the heart of this conflict.

Video & Audio

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Iran Missile Hits Israeli School
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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at podium
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Iranian President Raisi
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Security and Defense
Israel Weighs Retaliation After Massive Iranian Missile Barrage
3:02
Democracy
Reformist Masoud Pezeshkian is Inaugurated as Iran’s New President
2:11
Democratic Transition
Helicopter Crash Claims Life of Iranian President Raisi and Key Government Officials
2:17
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Experts

Featured
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Robin Wright

Distinguished Fellow;
Author and columnist for The New Yorker
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Haleh Esfandiari

Distinguished Fellow; Director Emerita, Middle East Program 
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James F. Jeffrey

James F. Jeffrey

Chair of the Middle East Program, Slater Family Distinguished Fellow;
Former ambassador to Iraq and Turkey, and Special Envoy to the Global Coalition To Defeat ISIS
David Hale

David Hale

Global Fellow;
Former Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs; Former Ambassador to Pakistan, Lebanon, and Jordan