Written by 
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?”
By Ali Mamouri, Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University The scale of Israel’s strikes on multiple, sensitive Iranian military and nuclear sites on Friday was unprecedented. It was the biggest attack on Iran since the Iran–Iraq War in the 1980s. As expected, Iran responded swiftly, even as Israeli attacks on its territory continued. The … Continue reading “As war breaks out with Israel, Iran has run out of good options”
By Javed Ali, Associate Professor of Practice of Public Policy, University of Michigan Israel’s strike on Iranian nuclear and military facilities has pushed the Middle East one step closer to a far wider, more dangerous regional war. It also has implications for recent U.S. diplomatic efforts toward a deal with Tehran over its nuclear program. … Continue reading “What does Israel’s strike mean for US policy on Iran and prospects for a nuclear deal?”
By Saira Bano, Assistant Professor in Political Science, Thompson Rivers University In the wake of recent strikes by Israel and the United States on Iranian cities, military sites and nuclear facilities, a troubling paradox has emerged: actions intended to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons may actually be accelerating its pursuit of them and encouraging … Continue reading “U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran could fuel a new wave of nuclear proliferation”
By Garret Martin, Hurst Senior Professorial Lecturer, Co-Director Transatlantic Policy Center, American University School of International Service The U.S. bombing of three Iranian nuclear facilities on June 22, 2025, sent shock waves around the world. It marked a dramatic reversal for the Trump administration, which had just initiated negotiations with Tehran over its nuclear program. … Continue reading “Europe is stuck in a bystander role over Iran’s nuclear program after US, Israeli bombs establish facts on the ground”