SCFR Online – Opinion: In the war between Iran and the United States, the main battlefield was not defined solely in the military domain; rather, the battle of narratives in cyberspace—particularly through memes—reached a decisive level.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Only one month after the beginning of the Ramadan War, maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz decreased dramatically, with Bloomberg announcing a reduction of 103 vessels; Brent oil prices rose by more than 50 percent, and gasoline prices in the United States increased by 31.4 percent. Additionally, benchmark gas prices in Europe showed a 73.4 percent increase.
SCFR Online – Note: After approximately five months of political deadlock and institutional confusion, Ali al-Zaydi has finally been selected as Iraq’s Prime Minister. Al-Zaydi’s selection as Prime Minister represents a positive sign of the completion of the government formation process and the beginning of a new phase in Iraqi politics and governance. The emergence of a young, technocratic figure from the third generation of politicians—in a context where the country has been administered by traditional figures for decades—revives hope that Iraq may perhaps distance itself from the repetitive cycle of crises and experience a new path of stability, efficiency, and regional convergence.
SCFR Online – Note: Europe’s refusal to align with the United States in the war against Iran is not a temporary tactic, but rather a sign of strategic divergence and a move toward forced autonomy.
SCFR Online – Note: The militarization of artificial intelligence has eroded the boundaries of ethics and responsibility in warfare, transforming contemporary conflicts into arenas where human decision-making has become increasingly marginalized.
SCFR Online – Note: Over recent decades, support for the Zionist regime has been one of the few issues commanding bipartisan consensus in US foreign policy. Since the Cold War era, Republicans and Democrats have generally agreed on the necessity of preserving the security and survival of the Zionist regime as Washington’s most strategic ally in West Asia—and indeed, globally. However, developments in recent years—particularly the Gaza war, escalating regional conflicts, the expansion of tensions into Lebanon, and this regime’s recent warmongering against Iran—have caused this traditional consensus, especially within the Democratic Party, to face significant fractures.
SCFR Online – Note: Following the resumption of the US and Israeli regime’s war against Iran on February 28, certain divisions have emerged within the United States regarding this issue, both among the public and among political factions.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The internal situation of the Israeli regime during the 40-day war can be analyzed from several perspectives. The popularity levels of Benjamin Netanyahu, the Likud Party, and the ruling coalition led by Netanyahu until February 28, 2026, remained approximately the same as during the preceding year. The most recent factor that had somewhat increased Netanyahu’s popularity was the advancement of the 2024 war with Hezbollah Lebanon. Subsequently, his popularity temporarily increased during the 12-day war with Iran, but after the war, it returned to its previous state.
Strategic Council Online—Interview: A former Iranian diplomat considered the French plan to create an international coalition to fight Hamas as a delusional, imaginary, and unrealistic plan, adding that this plan would increase the military presence of extra-regional forces in the Eastern Mediterranean, intensify military conflicts in the region, expand the war and internationalize it. This situation aggravates instability in the region, and of course, this is the same situation that Western countries benefit from and pursue their interests in.
Strategic Council Online—Interview: An expert of West Asian affairs says internal differences among the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council members will be further deepened and evident with the announcement of Qatar as the main ally of the United States outside NATO, adding that such announcement will cause political and even security repercussions.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Former Iranian ambassador to Lebanon said that Saudi Arabia in any case seeks to create chaos, form a kind of political vacuum and create crisis in Lebanon. Riyadh also intends to lead the Resistance to the civil war and tarnish its image in that country. He noted: The main problem of Riyadh is the presence of Hezbollah in Lebanon, and with the resignation of Mr. Qardahi, Saudi Arabia will not take a positive step to solve Lebanon’s economic problems.
Strategic Council Online- Interview: Former Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon commented on the remarks made by Lebanese Prime Minister as saying Iranian fuel shipments imported by the initiative of Hezbollah was a breach of Lebanon’s national sovereignty, as completely biased and in line with meeting the West’s satisfaction. He added:” Having made a miscalculation, Lebanese Prime Minister conceives that such positions could minimize the pressures against Lebanon”.
Strategic Council Online – A former ambassador and Middle East affairs analyst says the roadmap drawn by France is a clear interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs, adding that what France is proposing is completely contrary to the goals of changing the structure or the Lebanese-Lebanese talks. Mr. Macron has entered the Lebanese arena with the false hope that he can take effective measure in the interest of France.
Strategic Council Online – A former Iranian diplomat, referring to the different stances of France and the United States regarding the role and status of Hezbollah in Lebanon, said: Hezbollah is a 100% and undeniable reality that exists and is present in Lebanon. No action in this country can succeed without taking the role of Hezbollah into account.
Strategic Council Online – A former Iranian diplomat emphasized that Saudi Arabia despite its interventions and tension generation in its neighbouring countries, as well as disturbing the regional and international stability is not accountable. He said: If a country with this amount of direct political and military intervention one day gains more power and becomes nuclear, it will cause great tragedy that will destroy the region.
Strategic Council Online: “The United States is trying to undermine the authority of the central governments in Lebanon and Iraq by open interference in the internal affairs of these countries and creating guided anarchy in the Axis of Resistance,” said a former ambassador and analyst on Middle East affairs, referring to US actions in Iraq and Lebanon as the two states were wrestling with the coronavirus crisis.
SCFR Online – Opinion: In the war between Iran and the United States, the main battlefield was not defined solely in the military domain; rather, the battle of narratives in cyberspace—particularly through memes—reached a decisive level.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Only one month after the beginning of the Ramadan War, maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz decreased dramatically, with Bloomberg announcing a reduction of 103 vessels; Brent oil prices rose by more than 50 percent, and gasoline prices in the United States increased by 31.4 percent. Additionally, benchmark gas prices in Europe showed a 73.4 percent increase.
SCFR Online – Note: After approximately five months of political deadlock and institutional confusion, Ali al-Zaydi has finally been selected as Iraq’s Prime Minister. Al-Zaydi’s selection as Prime Minister represents a positive sign of the completion of the government formation process and the beginning of a new phase in Iraqi politics and governance. The emergence of a young, technocratic figure from the third generation of politicians—in a context where the country has been administered by traditional figures for decades—revives hope that Iraq may perhaps distance itself from the repetitive cycle of crises and experience a new path of stability, efficiency, and regional convergence.
SCFR Online – Note: Europe’s refusal to align with the United States in the war against Iran is not a temporary tactic, but rather a sign of strategic divergence and a move toward forced autonomy.
SCFR Online – Note: The militarization of artificial intelligence has eroded the boundaries of ethics and responsibility in warfare, transforming contemporary conflicts into arenas where human decision-making has become increasingly marginalized.
SCFR Online – Note: Over recent decades, support for the Zionist regime has been one of the few issues commanding bipartisan consensus in US foreign policy. Since the Cold War era, Republicans and Democrats have generally agreed on the necessity of preserving the security and survival of the Zionist regime as Washington’s most strategic ally in West Asia—and indeed, globally. However, developments in recent years—particularly the Gaza war, escalating regional conflicts, the expansion of tensions into Lebanon, and this regime’s recent warmongering against Iran—have caused this traditional consensus, especially within the Democratic Party, to face significant fractures.
SCFR Online – Note: Following the resumption of the US and Israeli regime’s war against Iran on February 28, certain divisions have emerged within the United States regarding this issue, both among the public and among political factions.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The internal situation of the Israeli regime during the 40-day war can be analyzed from several perspectives. The popularity levels of Benjamin Netanyahu, the Likud Party, and the ruling coalition led by Netanyahu until February 28, 2026, remained approximately the same as during the preceding year. The most recent factor that had somewhat increased Netanyahu’s popularity was the advancement of the 2024 war with Hezbollah Lebanon. Subsequently, his popularity temporarily increased during the 12-day war with Iran, but after the war, it returned to its previous state.
Strategic Council Online—Interview: A former Iranian diplomat considered the French plan to create an international coalition to fight Hamas as a delusional, imaginary, and unrealistic plan, adding that this plan would increase the military presence of extra-regional forces in the Eastern Mediterranean, intensify military conflicts in the region, expand the war and internationalize it. This situation aggravates instability in the region, and of course, this is the same situation that Western countries benefit from and pursue their interests in.
Strategic Council Online—Interview: An expert of West Asian affairs says internal differences among the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council members will be further deepened and evident with the announcement of Qatar as the main ally of the United States outside NATO, adding that such announcement will cause political and even security repercussions.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Former Iranian ambassador to Lebanon said that Saudi Arabia in any case seeks to create chaos, form a kind of political vacuum and create crisis in Lebanon. Riyadh also intends to lead the Resistance to the civil war and tarnish its image in that country. He noted: The main problem of Riyadh is the presence of Hezbollah in Lebanon, and with the resignation of Mr. Qardahi, Saudi Arabia will not take a positive step to solve Lebanon’s economic problems.
Strategic Council Online- Interview: Former Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon commented on the remarks made by Lebanese Prime Minister as saying Iranian fuel shipments imported by the initiative of Hezbollah was a breach of Lebanon’s national sovereignty, as completely biased and in line with meeting the West’s satisfaction. He added:” Having made a miscalculation, Lebanese Prime Minister conceives that such positions could minimize the pressures against Lebanon”.
Strategic Council Online – A former ambassador and Middle East affairs analyst says the roadmap drawn by France is a clear interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs, adding that what France is proposing is completely contrary to the goals of changing the structure or the Lebanese-Lebanese talks. Mr. Macron has entered the Lebanese arena with the false hope that he can take effective measure in the interest of France.
Strategic Council Online – A former Iranian diplomat, referring to the different stances of France and the United States regarding the role and status of Hezbollah in Lebanon, said: Hezbollah is a 100% and undeniable reality that exists and is present in Lebanon. No action in this country can succeed without taking the role of Hezbollah into account.
Strategic Council Online – A former Iranian diplomat emphasized that Saudi Arabia despite its interventions and tension generation in its neighbouring countries, as well as disturbing the regional and international stability is not accountable. He said: If a country with this amount of direct political and military intervention one day gains more power and becomes nuclear, it will cause great tragedy that will destroy the region.
Strategic Council Online: “The United States is trying to undermine the authority of the central governments in Lebanon and Iraq by open interference in the internal affairs of these countries and creating guided anarchy in the Axis of Resistance,” said a former ambassador and analyst on Middle East affairs, referring to US actions in Iraq and Lebanon as the two states were wrestling with the coronavirus crisis.
Strategic Council Online—Interview: A former Iranian diplomat considered the French plan to create an international coalition to fight Hamas as a delusional, imaginary, and unrealistic plan, adding that this plan would increase the military presence of extra-regional forces in the Eastern Mediterranean, intensify military conflicts in the region, expand the war and internationalize it. This situation aggravates instability in the region, and of course, this is the same situation that Western countries benefit from and pursue their interests in.
Strategic Council Online—Interview: An expert of West Asian affairs says internal differences among the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council members will be further deepened and evident with the announcement of Qatar as the main ally of the United States outside NATO, adding that such announcement will cause political and even security repercussions.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Former Iranian ambassador to Lebanon said that Saudi Arabia in any case seeks to create chaos, form a kind of political vacuum and create crisis in Lebanon. Riyadh also intends to lead the Resistance to the civil war and tarnish its image in that country. He noted: The main problem of Riyadh is the presence of Hezbollah in Lebanon, and with the resignation of Mr. Qardahi, Saudi Arabia will not take a positive step to solve Lebanon’s economic problems.
Strategic Council Online- Interview: Former Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon commented on the remarks made by Lebanese Prime Minister as saying Iranian fuel shipments imported by the initiative of Hezbollah was a breach of Lebanon’s national sovereignty, as completely biased and in line with meeting the West’s satisfaction. He added:” Having made a miscalculation, Lebanese Prime Minister conceives that such positions could minimize the pressures against Lebanon”.
Strategic Council Online – A former ambassador and Middle East affairs analyst says the roadmap drawn by France is a clear interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs, adding that what France is proposing is completely contrary to the goals of changing the structure or the Lebanese-Lebanese talks. Mr. Macron has entered the Lebanese arena with the false hope that he can take effective measure in the interest of France.
Strategic Council Online – A former Iranian diplomat, referring to the different stances of France and the United States regarding the role and status of Hezbollah in Lebanon, said: Hezbollah is a 100% and undeniable reality that exists and is present in Lebanon. No action in this country can succeed without taking the role of Hezbollah into account.
Strategic Council Online – A former Iranian diplomat emphasized that Saudi Arabia despite its interventions and tension generation in its neighbouring countries, as well as disturbing the regional and international stability is not accountable. He said: If a country with this amount of direct political and military intervention one day gains more power and becomes nuclear, it will cause great tragedy that will destroy the region.
Strategic Council Online: “The United States is trying to undermine the authority of the central governments in Lebanon and Iraq by open interference in the internal affairs of these countries and creating guided anarchy in the Axis of Resistance,” said a former ambassador and analyst on Middle East affairs, referring to US actions in Iraq and Lebanon as the two states were wrestling with the coronavirus crisis.
SCFR Online – Opinion: In the war between Iran and the United States, the main battlefield was not defined solely in the military domain; rather, the battle of narratives in cyberspace—particularly through memes—reached a decisive level.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Only one month after the beginning of the Ramadan War, maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz decreased dramatically, with Bloomberg announcing a reduction of 103 vessels; Brent oil prices rose by more than 50 percent, and gasoline prices in the United States increased by 31.4 percent. Additionally, benchmark gas prices in Europe showed a 73.4 percent increase.
SCFR Online – Note: After approximately five months of political deadlock and institutional confusion, Ali al-Zaydi has finally been selected as Iraq’s Prime Minister. Al-Zaydi’s selection as Prime Minister represents a positive sign of the completion of the government formation process and the beginning of a new phase in Iraqi politics and governance. The emergence of a young, technocratic figure from the third generation of politicians—in a context where the country has been administered by traditional figures for decades—revives hope that Iraq may perhaps distance itself from the repetitive cycle of crises and experience a new path of stability, efficiency, and regional convergence.
SCFR Online – Note: Europe’s refusal to align with the United States in the war against Iran is not a temporary tactic, but rather a sign of strategic divergence and a move toward forced autonomy.
SCFR Online – Note: The militarization of artificial intelligence has eroded the boundaries of ethics and responsibility in warfare, transforming contemporary conflicts into arenas where human decision-making has become increasingly marginalized.
SCFR Online – Note: Over recent decades, support for the Zionist regime has been one of the few issues commanding bipartisan consensus in US foreign policy. Since the Cold War era, Republicans and Democrats have generally agreed on the necessity of preserving the security and survival of the Zionist regime as Washington’s most strategic ally in West Asia—and indeed, globally. However, developments in recent years—particularly the Gaza war, escalating regional conflicts, the expansion of tensions into Lebanon, and this regime’s recent warmongering against Iran—have caused this traditional consensus, especially within the Democratic Party, to face significant fractures.
SCFR Online – Note: Following the resumption of the US and Israeli regime’s war against Iran on February 28, certain divisions have emerged within the United States regarding this issue, both among the public and among political factions.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The internal situation of the Israeli regime during the 40-day war can be analyzed from several perspectives. The popularity levels of Benjamin Netanyahu, the Likud Party, and the ruling coalition led by Netanyahu until February 28, 2026, remained approximately the same as during the preceding year. The most recent factor that had somewhat increased Netanyahu’s popularity was the advancement of the 2024 war with Hezbollah Lebanon. Subsequently, his popularity temporarily increased during the 12-day war with Iran, but after the war, it returned to its previous state.
Strategic Council Online—Interview: A former Iranian diplomat considered the French plan to create an international coalition to fight Hamas as a delusional, imaginary, and unrealistic plan, adding that this plan would increase the military presence of extra-regional forces in the Eastern Mediterranean, intensify military conflicts in the region, expand the war and internationalize it. This situation aggravates instability in the region, and of course, this is the same situation that Western countries benefit from and pursue their interests in.
Strategic Council Online—Interview: An expert of West Asian affairs says internal differences among the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council members will be further deepened and evident with the announcement of Qatar as the main ally of the United States outside NATO, adding that such announcement will cause political and even security repercussions.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Former Iranian ambassador to Lebanon said that Saudi Arabia in any case seeks to create chaos, form a kind of political vacuum and create crisis in Lebanon. Riyadh also intends to lead the Resistance to the civil war and tarnish its image in that country. He noted: The main problem of Riyadh is the presence of Hezbollah in Lebanon, and with the resignation of Mr. Qardahi, Saudi Arabia will not take a positive step to solve Lebanon’s economic problems.
Strategic Council Online- Interview: Former Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon commented on the remarks made by Lebanese Prime Minister as saying Iranian fuel shipments imported by the initiative of Hezbollah was a breach of Lebanon’s national sovereignty, as completely biased and in line with meeting the West’s satisfaction. He added:” Having made a miscalculation, Lebanese Prime Minister conceives that such positions could minimize the pressures against Lebanon”.
Strategic Council Online – A former ambassador and Middle East affairs analyst says the roadmap drawn by France is a clear interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs, adding that what France is proposing is completely contrary to the goals of changing the structure or the Lebanese-Lebanese talks. Mr. Macron has entered the Lebanese arena with the false hope that he can take effective measure in the interest of France.
Strategic Council Online – A former Iranian diplomat, referring to the different stances of France and the United States regarding the role and status of Hezbollah in Lebanon, said: Hezbollah is a 100% and undeniable reality that exists and is present in Lebanon. No action in this country can succeed without taking the role of Hezbollah into account.
Strategic Council Online – A former Iranian diplomat emphasized that Saudi Arabia despite its interventions and tension generation in its neighbouring countries, as well as disturbing the regional and international stability is not accountable. He said: If a country with this amount of direct political and military intervention one day gains more power and becomes nuclear, it will cause great tragedy that will destroy the region.
Strategic Council Online: “The United States is trying to undermine the authority of the central governments in Lebanon and Iraq by open interference in the internal affairs of these countries and creating guided anarchy in the Axis of Resistance,” said a former ambassador and analyst on Middle East affairs, referring to US actions in Iraq and Lebanon as the two states were wrestling with the coronavirus crisis.
SCFR Online – Opinion: In the war between Iran and the United States, the main battlefield was not defined solely in the military domain; rather, the battle of narratives in cyberspace—particularly through memes—reached a decisive level.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Only one month after the beginning of the Ramadan War, maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz decreased dramatically, with Bloomberg announcing a reduction of 103 vessels; Brent oil prices rose by more than 50 percent, and gasoline prices in the United States increased by 31.4 percent. Additionally, benchmark gas prices in Europe showed a 73.4 percent increase.
SCFR Online – Note: After approximately five months of political deadlock and institutional confusion, Ali al-Zaydi has finally been selected as Iraq’s Prime Minister. Al-Zaydi’s selection as Prime Minister represents a positive sign of the completion of the government formation process and the beginning of a new phase in Iraqi politics and governance. The emergence of a young, technocratic figure from the third generation of politicians—in a context where the country has been administered by traditional figures for decades—revives hope that Iraq may perhaps distance itself from the repetitive cycle of crises and experience a new path of stability, efficiency, and regional convergence.
SCFR Online – Note: Europe’s refusal to align with the United States in the war against Iran is not a temporary tactic, but rather a sign of strategic divergence and a move toward forced autonomy.
SCFR Online – Note: The militarization of artificial intelligence has eroded the boundaries of ethics and responsibility in warfare, transforming contemporary conflicts into arenas where human decision-making has become increasingly marginalized.
SCFR Online – Note: Over recent decades, support for the Zionist regime has been one of the few issues commanding bipartisan consensus in US foreign policy. Since the Cold War era, Republicans and Democrats have generally agreed on the necessity of preserving the security and survival of the Zionist regime as Washington’s most strategic ally in West Asia—and indeed, globally. However, developments in recent years—particularly the Gaza war, escalating regional conflicts, the expansion of tensions into Lebanon, and this regime’s recent warmongering against Iran—have caused this traditional consensus, especially within the Democratic Party, to face significant fractures.
SCFR Online – Note: Following the resumption of the US and Israeli regime’s war against Iran on February 28, certain divisions have emerged within the United States regarding this issue, both among the public and among political factions.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The internal situation of the Israeli regime during the 40-day war can be analyzed from several perspectives. The popularity levels of Benjamin Netanyahu, the Likud Party, and the ruling coalition led by Netanyahu until February 28, 2026, remained approximately the same as during the preceding year. The most recent factor that had somewhat increased Netanyahu’s popularity was the advancement of the 2024 war with Hezbollah Lebanon. Subsequently, his popularity temporarily increased during the 12-day war with Iran, but after the war, it returned to its previous state.
Strategic Council Online—Interview: A former Iranian diplomat considered the French plan to create an international coalition to fight Hamas as a delusional, imaginary, and unrealistic plan, adding that this plan would increase the military presence of extra-regional forces in the Eastern Mediterranean, intensify military conflicts in the region, expand the war and internationalize it. This situation aggravates instability in the region, and of course, this is the same situation that Western countries benefit from and pursue their interests in.
Strategic Council Online—Interview: An expert of West Asian affairs says internal differences among the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council members will be further deepened and evident with the announcement of Qatar as the main ally of the United States outside NATO, adding that such announcement will cause political and even security repercussions.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Former Iranian ambassador to Lebanon said that Saudi Arabia in any case seeks to create chaos, form a kind of political vacuum and create crisis in Lebanon. Riyadh also intends to lead the Resistance to the civil war and tarnish its image in that country. He noted: The main problem of Riyadh is the presence of Hezbollah in Lebanon, and with the resignation of Mr. Qardahi, Saudi Arabia will not take a positive step to solve Lebanon’s economic problems.
Strategic Council Online- Interview: Former Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon commented on the remarks made by Lebanese Prime Minister as saying Iranian fuel shipments imported by the initiative of Hezbollah was a breach of Lebanon’s national sovereignty, as completely biased and in line with meeting the West’s satisfaction. He added:” Having made a miscalculation, Lebanese Prime Minister conceives that such positions could minimize the pressures against Lebanon”.
Strategic Council Online – A former ambassador and Middle East affairs analyst says the roadmap drawn by France is a clear interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs, adding that what France is proposing is completely contrary to the goals of changing the structure or the Lebanese-Lebanese talks. Mr. Macron has entered the Lebanese arena with the false hope that he can take effective measure in the interest of France.
Strategic Council Online – A former Iranian diplomat, referring to the different stances of France and the United States regarding the role and status of Hezbollah in Lebanon, said: Hezbollah is a 100% and undeniable reality that exists and is present in Lebanon. No action in this country can succeed without taking the role of Hezbollah into account.
Strategic Council Online – A former Iranian diplomat emphasized that Saudi Arabia despite its interventions and tension generation in its neighbouring countries, as well as disturbing the regional and international stability is not accountable. He said: If a country with this amount of direct political and military intervention one day gains more power and becomes nuclear, it will cause great tragedy that will destroy the region.
Strategic Council Online: “The United States is trying to undermine the authority of the central governments in Lebanon and Iraq by open interference in the internal affairs of these countries and creating guided anarchy in the Axis of Resistance,” said a former ambassador and analyst on Middle East affairs, referring to US actions in Iraq and Lebanon as the two states were wrestling with the coronavirus crisis.
SCFR Online – Opinion: In the war between Iran and the United States, the main battlefield was not defined solely in the military domain; rather, the battle of narratives in cyberspace—particularly through memes—reached a decisive level.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Only one month after the beginning of the Ramadan War, maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz decreased dramatically, with Bloomberg announcing a reduction of 103 vessels; Brent oil prices rose by more than 50 percent, and gasoline prices in the United States increased by 31.4 percent. Additionally, benchmark gas prices in Europe showed a 73.4 percent increase.
SCFR Online – Note: After approximately five months of political deadlock and institutional confusion, Ali al-Zaydi has finally been selected as Iraq’s Prime Minister. Al-Zaydi’s selection as Prime Minister represents a positive sign of the completion of the government formation process and the beginning of a new phase in Iraqi politics and governance. The emergence of a young, technocratic figure from the third generation of politicians—in a context where the country has been administered by traditional figures for decades—revives hope that Iraq may perhaps distance itself from the repetitive cycle of crises and experience a new path of stability, efficiency, and regional convergence.
SCFR Online – Note: Europe’s refusal to align with the United States in the war against Iran is not a temporary tactic, but rather a sign of strategic divergence and a move toward forced autonomy.
SCFR Online – Note: The militarization of artificial intelligence has eroded the boundaries of ethics and responsibility in warfare, transforming contemporary conflicts into arenas where human decision-making has become increasingly marginalized.
SCFR Online – Note: Over recent decades, support for the Zionist regime has been one of the few issues commanding bipartisan consensus in US foreign policy. Since the Cold War era, Republicans and Democrats have generally agreed on the necessity of preserving the security and survival of the Zionist regime as Washington’s most strategic ally in West Asia—and indeed, globally. However, developments in recent years—particularly the Gaza war, escalating regional conflicts, the expansion of tensions into Lebanon, and this regime’s recent warmongering against Iran—have caused this traditional consensus, especially within the Democratic Party, to face significant fractures.
SCFR Online – Note: Following the resumption of the US and Israeli regime’s war against Iran on February 28, certain divisions have emerged within the United States regarding this issue, both among the public and among political factions.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The internal situation of the Israeli regime during the 40-day war can be analyzed from several perspectives. The popularity levels of Benjamin Netanyahu, the Likud Party, and the ruling coalition led by Netanyahu until February 28, 2026, remained approximately the same as during the preceding year. The most recent factor that had somewhat increased Netanyahu’s popularity was the advancement of the 2024 war with Hezbollah Lebanon. Subsequently, his popularity temporarily increased during the 12-day war with Iran, but after the war, it returned to its previous state.
Strategic Council Online—Interview: A former Iranian diplomat considered the French plan to create an international coalition to fight Hamas as a delusional, imaginary, and unrealistic plan, adding that this plan would increase the military presence of extra-regional forces in the Eastern Mediterranean, intensify military conflicts in the region, expand the war and internationalize it. This situation aggravates instability in the region, and of course, this is the same situation that Western countries benefit from and pursue their interests in.
Strategic Council Online—Interview: An expert of West Asian affairs says internal differences among the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council members will be further deepened and evident with the announcement of Qatar as the main ally of the United States outside NATO, adding that such announcement will cause political and even security repercussions.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Former Iranian ambassador to Lebanon said that Saudi Arabia in any case seeks to create chaos, form a kind of political vacuum and create crisis in Lebanon. Riyadh also intends to lead the Resistance to the civil war and tarnish its image in that country. He noted: The main problem of Riyadh is the presence of Hezbollah in Lebanon, and with the resignation of Mr. Qardahi, Saudi Arabia will not take a positive step to solve Lebanon’s economic problems.
Strategic Council Online- Interview: Former Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon commented on the remarks made by Lebanese Prime Minister as saying Iranian fuel shipments imported by the initiative of Hezbollah was a breach of Lebanon’s national sovereignty, as completely biased and in line with meeting the West’s satisfaction. He added:” Having made a miscalculation, Lebanese Prime Minister conceives that such positions could minimize the pressures against Lebanon”.
Strategic Council Online – A former ambassador and Middle East affairs analyst says the roadmap drawn by France is a clear interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs, adding that what France is proposing is completely contrary to the goals of changing the structure or the Lebanese-Lebanese talks. Mr. Macron has entered the Lebanese arena with the false hope that he can take effective measure in the interest of France.
Strategic Council Online – A former Iranian diplomat, referring to the different stances of France and the United States regarding the role and status of Hezbollah in Lebanon, said: Hezbollah is a 100% and undeniable reality that exists and is present in Lebanon. No action in this country can succeed without taking the role of Hezbollah into account.
Strategic Council Online – A former Iranian diplomat emphasized that Saudi Arabia despite its interventions and tension generation in its neighbouring countries, as well as disturbing the regional and international stability is not accountable. He said: If a country with this amount of direct political and military intervention one day gains more power and becomes nuclear, it will cause great tragedy that will destroy the region.
Strategic Council Online: “The United States is trying to undermine the authority of the central governments in Lebanon and Iraq by open interference in the internal affairs of these countries and creating guided anarchy in the Axis of Resistance,” said a former ambassador and analyst on Middle East affairs, referring to US actions in Iraq and Lebanon as the two states were wrestling with the coronavirus crisis.
SCFR Online – Opinion: In the war between Iran and the United States, the main battlefield was not defined solely in the military domain; rather, the battle of narratives in cyberspace—particularly through memes—reached a decisive level.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Only one month after the beginning of the Ramadan War, maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz decreased dramatically, with Bloomberg announcing a reduction of 103 vessels; Brent oil prices rose by more than 50 percent, and gasoline prices in the United States increased by 31.4 percent. Additionally, benchmark gas prices in Europe showed a 73.4 percent increase.
SCFR Online – Note: After approximately five months of political deadlock and institutional confusion, Ali al-Zaydi has finally been selected as Iraq’s Prime Minister. Al-Zaydi’s selection as Prime Minister represents a positive sign of the completion of the government formation process and the beginning of a new phase in Iraqi politics and governance. The emergence of a young, technocratic figure from the third generation of politicians—in a context where the country has been administered by traditional figures for decades—revives hope that Iraq may perhaps distance itself from the repetitive cycle of crises and experience a new path of stability, efficiency, and regional convergence.
SCFR Online – Note: Europe’s refusal to align with the United States in the war against Iran is not a temporary tactic, but rather a sign of strategic divergence and a move toward forced autonomy.
SCFR Online – Note: The militarization of artificial intelligence has eroded the boundaries of ethics and responsibility in warfare, transforming contemporary conflicts into arenas where human decision-making has become increasingly marginalized.
SCFR Online – Note: Over recent decades, support for the Zionist regime has been one of the few issues commanding bipartisan consensus in US foreign policy. Since the Cold War era, Republicans and Democrats have generally agreed on the necessity of preserving the security and survival of the Zionist regime as Washington’s most strategic ally in West Asia—and indeed, globally. However, developments in recent years—particularly the Gaza war, escalating regional conflicts, the expansion of tensions into Lebanon, and this regime’s recent warmongering against Iran—have caused this traditional consensus, especially within the Democratic Party, to face significant fractures.
SCFR Online – Note: Following the resumption of the US and Israeli regime’s war against Iran on February 28, certain divisions have emerged within the United States regarding this issue, both among the public and among political factions.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The internal situation of the Israeli regime during the 40-day war can be analyzed from several perspectives. The popularity levels of Benjamin Netanyahu, the Likud Party, and the ruling coalition led by Netanyahu until February 28, 2026, remained approximately the same as during the preceding year. The most recent factor that had somewhat increased Netanyahu’s popularity was the advancement of the 2024 war with Hezbollah Lebanon. Subsequently, his popularity temporarily increased during the 12-day war with Iran, but after the war, it returned to its previous state.
Strategic Council Online—Interview: A former Iranian diplomat considered the French plan to create an international coalition to fight Hamas as a delusional, imaginary, and unrealistic plan, adding that this plan would increase the military presence of extra-regional forces in the Eastern Mediterranean, intensify military conflicts in the region, expand the war and internationalize it. This situation aggravates instability in the region, and of course, this is the same situation that Western countries benefit from and pursue their interests in.
Strategic Council Online—Interview: An expert of West Asian affairs says internal differences among the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council members will be further deepened and evident with the announcement of Qatar as the main ally of the United States outside NATO, adding that such announcement will cause political and even security repercussions.
Strategic Council Online – Interview: Former Iranian ambassador to Lebanon said that Saudi Arabia in any case seeks to create chaos, form a kind of political vacuum and create crisis in Lebanon. Riyadh also intends to lead the Resistance to the civil war and tarnish its image in that country. He noted: The main problem of Riyadh is the presence of Hezbollah in Lebanon, and with the resignation of Mr. Qardahi, Saudi Arabia will not take a positive step to solve Lebanon’s economic problems.
Strategic Council Online- Interview: Former Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon commented on the remarks made by Lebanese Prime Minister as saying Iranian fuel shipments imported by the initiative of Hezbollah was a breach of Lebanon’s national sovereignty, as completely biased and in line with meeting the West’s satisfaction. He added:” Having made a miscalculation, Lebanese Prime Minister conceives that such positions could minimize the pressures against Lebanon”.
Strategic Council Online – A former ambassador and Middle East affairs analyst says the roadmap drawn by France is a clear interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs, adding that what France is proposing is completely contrary to the goals of changing the structure or the Lebanese-Lebanese talks. Mr. Macron has entered the Lebanese arena with the false hope that he can take effective measure in the interest of France.
Strategic Council Online – A former Iranian diplomat, referring to the different stances of France and the United States regarding the role and status of Hezbollah in Lebanon, said: Hezbollah is a 100% and undeniable reality that exists and is present in Lebanon. No action in this country can succeed without taking the role of Hezbollah into account.
Strategic Council Online – A former Iranian diplomat emphasized that Saudi Arabia despite its interventions and tension generation in its neighbouring countries, as well as disturbing the regional and international stability is not accountable. He said: If a country with this amount of direct political and military intervention one day gains more power and becomes nuclear, it will cause great tragedy that will destroy the region.
Strategic Council Online: “The United States is trying to undermine the authority of the central governments in Lebanon and Iraq by open interference in the internal affairs of these countries and creating guided anarchy in the Axis of Resistance,” said a former ambassador and analyst on Middle East affairs, referring to US actions in Iraq and Lebanon as the two states were wrestling with the coronavirus crisis.
SCFR Online – Opinion: In the war between Iran and the United States, the main battlefield was not defined solely in the military domain; rather, the battle of narratives in cyberspace—particularly through memes—reached a decisive level.
SCFR Online – Opinion: Only one month after the beginning of the Ramadan War, maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz decreased dramatically, with Bloomberg announcing a reduction of 103 vessels; Brent oil prices rose by more than 50 percent, and gasoline prices in the United States increased by 31.4 percent. Additionally, benchmark gas prices in Europe showed a 73.4 percent increase.
SCFR Online – Note: After approximately five months of political deadlock and institutional confusion, Ali al-Zaydi has finally been selected as Iraq’s Prime Minister. Al-Zaydi’s selection as Prime Minister represents a positive sign of the completion of the government formation process and the beginning of a new phase in Iraqi politics and governance. The emergence of a young, technocratic figure from the third generation of politicians—in a context where the country has been administered by traditional figures for decades—revives hope that Iraq may perhaps distance itself from the repetitive cycle of crises and experience a new path of stability, efficiency, and regional convergence.
SCFR Online – Note: Europe’s refusal to align with the United States in the war against Iran is not a temporary tactic, but rather a sign of strategic divergence and a move toward forced autonomy.
SCFR Online – Note: The militarization of artificial intelligence has eroded the boundaries of ethics and responsibility in warfare, transforming contemporary conflicts into arenas where human decision-making has become increasingly marginalized.
SCFR Online – Note: Over recent decades, support for the Zionist regime has been one of the few issues commanding bipartisan consensus in US foreign policy. Since the Cold War era, Republicans and Democrats have generally agreed on the necessity of preserving the security and survival of the Zionist regime as Washington’s most strategic ally in West Asia—and indeed, globally. However, developments in recent years—particularly the Gaza war, escalating regional conflicts, the expansion of tensions into Lebanon, and this regime’s recent warmongering against Iran—have caused this traditional consensus, especially within the Democratic Party, to face significant fractures.
SCFR Online – Note: Following the resumption of the US and Israeli regime’s war against Iran on February 28, certain divisions have emerged within the United States regarding this issue, both among the public and among political factions.
SCFR Online – Opinion: The internal situation of the Israeli regime during the 40-day war can be analyzed from several perspectives. The popularity levels of Benjamin Netanyahu, the Likud Party, and the ruling coalition led by Netanyahu until February 28, 2026, remained approximately the same as during the preceding year. The most recent factor that had somewhat increased Netanyahu’s popularity was the advancement of the 2024 war with Hezbollah Lebanon. Subsequently, his popularity temporarily increased during the 12-day war with Iran, but after the war, it returned to its previous state.