Iran Archives - Robert Lansing Institute

Russia and Iran: The Limits of Strategic Partnership in the Face of Conflict

While Russia and Iran have deepened cooperation in recent years—especially through military-technical exchanges and shared opposition to Western influence—the Kremlin has signaled that it would not be obligated to support Iran…

April 8, 2025Iran, Russia

Geopolitics National Security

Shifting Alliances: The Fall of Assad and Iran’s Diminishing Influence in Syria

The overthrow of Syria's former President Bashar al-Assad, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)-backed coalition and interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa, marked a major regional shift and a significant blow…

March 18, 2025Iran, Israel, Syria

Geopolitics Governance

President Joseph Aoun’s Vision for Lebanon: Engaging Hezbollah and Iran Amid Regional Shifts

President Joseph Aoun's election is seen as a hopeful step towards recovery and reconstruction in Lebanon, with both domestic and international support bolstering prospects for positive change. Lebanon’s parliament elected a…

January 20, 2025Hezbollah, Iran, Lebanon

Conflict Geopolitics National Security Terrorism

Scenarios and Implications of Escalating Conflict Between Israel and the Houthis

The probability of a conflict between Israel and Yemen's Houthi rebels has escalated from potential to active engagement. Recent events indicate that hostilities are already underway, with both parties conducting…

January 10, 2025Houthis, Iran, Israel, Yemen

Conflict Geopolitics Governance

Implications of Assad’s Fall for Regional Stability in the Middle East

The fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria could profoundly impact the Middle East, influencing geopolitical alliances, regional stability, and the balance of power among global actors. Here's an overview…

December 12, 2024Iran, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Syria

Geopolitics Intelligence ops Terrorism

Assessing Russia’s Strategic Gamble with Houthi Cooperation

Since the 7 October Hamas attack on Israel, the Houthi movement (Ansar Allah, or 'Partisans of God') has emerged as one of the most active and capable members of Iran's so-called 'Axis of…

December 6, 2024GRU, Houthis, Iran, Russia, Yemen

Governance National Security Terrorism

Who is the New Hezbollah’s leader Naim Qassem?

In a leadership transition amid the ongoing wars in Lebanon and Gaza, Hezbollah’s Shura Council elected Shia cleric Naim Qassem as its new Secretary-General. The appointment follows the assassination by Israel of former…

November 6, 2024Hezbollah, Iran, Israel, Lebanon

Governance

The search for Ayatollah Khamenei’s successor and rumors regarding his health

Discussion around Ayatollah Khamenei's successor has picked up for several reasons, beyond just the rumors about his health. Khamenei has been in power since 1989, making him one of the…

October 29, 2024Iran

Geoeconomics Geopolitics Governance Terrorism

Analysis of the Taliban Regime’s resilience in 2024-2025

The Supreme Afghan Leader (Emir) Haibatullah Akhundzada has strengthened his grip to power, formulating new federal institutions functioning under his decree and implementing policies from his limited office in Kandahar. Under his…

October 16, 2024Afghanistan, China, Haqqani network, Iran, Russia, Taliban

Conflict Geopolitics

Iran and Foreign Red Sea ambitions in Sudan

Sudan’s civil war has become one more pivotal theatre for geopolitical rivalries as foreign powers compete for influence in the strategically vital Red Sea region. Sudan's location offers a chokehold over one of the…

October 14, 2024Iran, Russia, Sudan

Iran