Iran Archives - Robert Lansing Institute

The U.S. Sanctions on the Russian-Iranian Shadow Fleet: Strategic Implications and Challenges

In mid-2025, the United States expanded its sanctions regime to target the so-called “shadow fleet” — an extensive network of vessels operated covertly to circumvent oil and gas embargoes imposed…

July 31, 2025Iran, Russia

Intelligence ops

Espionage and Distrust Between Russia and Iran — A Comparative Analysis with Chinese Intelligence Activities in Russia

While Russia and Iran publicly portray themselves as strategic partners—especially in shared theaters like Syria—their relationship is characterized by a deep undercurrent of mistrust, particularly in intelligence and security domains. Both…

July 18, 2025China, Iran, Russia

Conflict Geopolitics

Russia and Iran After the Escalation with Israel: Strategic Partners, Conditional Allies

Executive Summary Despite years of strategic alignment, Russia did not provide direct military or political support to Iran during its recent confrontation with Israel. This reflects a calculated restraint rooted in Russia’s own geopolitical…

June 19, 2025Iran, Israel, Russia, USA

Conflict Geoeconomics Geopolitics

Escalating Tensions Between Iran and Israel (June 2025): Timing, Scenarios, and Global Implications

Recent weeks have seen a dramatic intensification of tensions between Iran and Israel, marked by tit-for-tat military threats, cyberattacks, and covert operations across the region. With the specter of direct…

June 13, 2025Iran, Israel, USA

Geopolitics

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

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