Written by 
By Simin Fadaee, Senior Lecturer in Sociology, University of Manchester Israel’s recent surprise attack on Iran was ostensibly aimed at neutralising Iran’s nuclear programme, but it didn’t just damage nuclear installations. It killed scientists, engineers and senior military personnel. Meanwhile, citizens with no ties to the government or military, became “collateral damage”. For 11 days, … Continue reading “Iran’s history has been blighted by interference from foreign powers”
By John Hawkins, Head, Canberra School of Government, University of Canberra It looks, at least for now, as though tensions in the Middle East are easing somewhat. It appears much less likely Iran will try to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which flows about a fifth of the world’s oil. In response, oil prices … Continue reading “Wild swings in the oil price make the Reserve Bank’s job harder”
By Ali Mamouri, Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University After 12 days of war, US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran that would bring to an end the most dramatic, direct conflict between the two nations in decades. Israel and Iran both agreed to adhere to the ceasefire, though they … Continue reading “Will the fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel hold? One factor could be crucial to it sticking”
By Ali Mamouri, Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University After 12 days of war, US President Donald Trump has announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran that would bring to an end the most dramatic, direct conflict between the two nations in decades. Israel and Iran both agreed to adhere to the ceasefire, though … Continue reading “Iran and Israel agree to a fragile ceasefire. One factor could be crucial to it sticking”
By Sahar Maranlou, Lecturer in Law and Socio-legal Studies, Royal Holloway University of London Ali Khamenei was born in Mashhad, Iran, in 1939, as the second son of a local religious leader, Javad Khamenei, and he grew up in relative poverty. He learned to read the Qur’an in early childhood before attending a theological seminary … Continue reading “Who is Iran’s leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei?”
By Nakissa Jahanbani, Adjunct Lecturer, Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Israel’s air assault on Iran has focused largely on degrading the Islamic Republic’s military and would-be nuclear capabilities. In the space of several days, Israel has totally or partially destroyed at least two nuclear sites, destroyed numerous air defense capabilities in a number of cities … Continue reading “A militarily degraded Iran may turn to asymmetrical warfare – raising risk of proxy and cyber attacks”
By James Horncastle, Assistant Professor and Edward and Emily McWhinney Professor in International Relations, Simon Fraser University As the war between Israel and Iran escalates, Israel is increasing its calls on the United States to become involved in the conflict. Former Israeli officials are appearing on U.S. news outlets, exhorting the American public to support … Continue reading “Why Israel — and potentially the U.S. — is sure to encounter the limits of air power in Iran”
By Farhang Morady, Principal Lecturer in International Development, University of Westminster The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has said that his country’s campaign in Iran “could certainly” lead to regime change. In an interview with Fox News on June 15, he called the government in Tehran “very weak” and added that, given the opportunity, “80% … Continue reading “Israel’s attacks have exposed weaknesses in Iran, but it’s in little danger of collapsing”
By Sam Phelps, Commissioning Editor, International Affairs This article was first published in The Conversation UK’s World Affairs Briefing email newsletter. Sign up to receive weekly analysis of the latest developments in international relations, direct to your inbox. Israel’s attack on Iranian nuclear facilities and military leadership last week has quickly escalated into the most … Continue reading “Israel’s conflict with Iran escalates as Trump considers US involvement”
By Ali Mamouri, Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University As Israel continues its attacks on Iran, US President Donald Trump and other global leaders are hardening their stance against the Islamic Republic. While considering a US attack on Iran’s nuclear sites, Trump has threatened Iran’s supreme leader, claiming to know his location and calling … Continue reading “Who are Iran’s allies? And would any help if the US joins Israel in its war?”