Iran Archives - Robert Lansing Institute

Albania on the Frontline: Strategic Loyalty and the Escalating Risk of Iranian Retaliation

Albania is no longer a peripheral actor within NATO’s strategic landscape. It has consciously and decisively positioned itself on the frontline of an intensifying geopolitical confrontation with Iran. At a time…

March 20, 2026Albania, Iran, MEK

Propaganda and Disinformation

Disinformation and cyber threat narratives in Kosovo during the Iran crisis

In the contemporary security environment, conflicts increasingly unfold not only on physical battlefields but also within the digital information space. Cyber operations, disinformation campaigns, and strategic propaganda have become key…

March 13, 2026Cyberattacks, Iran, Kosovo, Serbia

National Security Nonproliferation

Russia’s Nuclear Shield for Iran: How Rosatom Is Undermining U.S. Pressure on Tehran

Russia is embedding itself deeply in Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.Through its state nuclear corporation Rosatom, Moscow is consolidating a long-term presence at the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, including personnel deployment, reactor construction, fuel…

March 13, 2026Iran, Russia, USA

Democracy Governance National Security

Beyond Decapitation: Why Iran’s Political System Is Built to Survive War

A recent classified assessment by the National Intelligence Council concludes that even a large-scale interstate war against Iran would be unlikely to remove or fundamentally transform the country’s ruling system. According to…

March 11, 2026Iran, USA

Governance

Iran’s New Supreme Leader: Strategic Outlook of Mojtaba Khamenei

The appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic marks the most significant leadership transition in Iran since 1989. Selected by the Assembly of Experts in March…

March 9, 2026Iran

Geopolitics

China–Russia Strategic Alignment and Its Implications for U.S. Global Influence

The recent statement by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi highlights a strategic reality that is increasingly difficult for Washington to ignore: Russia now possesses in China a powerful external pillar that enables…

March 9, 2026China, Iran, Russia

Conflict Geopolitics Warfare

U.S.–Israel Ground Operation Using Kurdish Forces: Probability, Effectiveness, Aims, and Consequences (March 2026)

A large-scale U.S.–Israel ground invasion of Iran is unlikely in the near term. What is plausible—and already being signaled in open reporting—is a limited “ground-enabled” campaign: air/missile strikes combined with Kurdish (and potentially other peripheral) armed groups opening…

March 5, 2026Iran, Kurdistan, USA

Conflict Economy Governance Warfare

War in Iran: Power Transition, Regime Stability, Regional Consequences, and the Oil Shock

Iran is fighting on two fronts at once: an external war (U.S.–Israel strikes and ensuing Iranian retaliation) and an internal succession crisis triggered by the killing of Supreme Leader Ali…

March 2, 2026Iran, Russia, USA

Conflict Estimates Warfare

Strengthening Iran’s Air Defenses: Strategic Implications of a Secret Russia–Iran Arms Contract

A secret contract between Russia and Iran strengthens Tehran’s air defenses and threatens U.S. influence in the Middle East. A secret agreement has been concluded between Iran and Russia. Under…

February 24, 2026Iran, Israel, Russia, USA

Conflict Geopolitics National Security Warfare

Russia and Iran Challenge U.S. Naval Dominance Near the Strait of Hormuz

Planned joint naval exercises between Iran and Russia are set to take place in the Sea of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean. The maneuver area lies close to strategically…

February 19, 2026Iran, Russia, USA

Iran