As Israel and Iran traded blows, would Moscow and Beijing truly back Tehran if conflict escalated—or is the “Axis” narrative overstated? In a July 10 webinar, Dr. Richard Weitz examined China and Russia’s cautious reactions, the lessons learned, and what the limits of this partnership reveal. Despite rhetoric of solidarity, the Israel-Iran war exposed the transactional nature of the axis, raising questions about its resilience in a shifting global order.

Iran faces its most critical juncture since the Islamic Revolution. Following Israeli strikes on its nuclear and missile programs, Tehran must decide between restraint and escalation as succession looms and the IRGC gains influence. Dr. Raz Zimmt analyzes Iran’s next moves, from rebuilding deterrence to risking a nuclear breakout. Will Iran stabilize under pressure, or will it spiral into deeper conflict? The choices made now will shape the region’s future.

Following a 12-day war with Israel, Iran faces a turning point in its strategic and domestic trajectory. In this expert webinar, Dr. Sina Azodi analyzes the breakdown of Iran’s defense doctrine, rising influence of the IRGC, and the regime’s internal dilemma between repression and reform. With its nuclear program under pressure and regional alliances strained, Tehran must now choose between escalation, diplomacy, or deeper isolation.

Six months after Assad’s fall, Syria faces a fragile transition led by former jihadist Ahmed al-Shara. In a recent webinar, Charles Lister examined the country’s uncertain path—balancing newfound international legitimacy with economic collapse, armed fragmentation, and regional tensions. Can Syria avoid renewed conflict and rebuild, or is the entire transition resting on a single man’s shoulders? Read key insights from the discussion.

As Israel escalates strikes on Iran’s nuclear program, Tehran’s leadership faces a critical dilemma: preserve ideological purity or ensure regime survival. In a June 20 webinar, Dr. Saeid Golkar analyzed the regime’s internal calculations, elite fractures, and growing civilian unrest. He revealed why Iran’s leaders may prefer military defeat over political humiliation—and what this means for the region’s future.

Israel's June 13, 2025 strike on Iran—Operation Rising Lion—marked a turning point in Middle East security, targeting nuclear facilities, IRGC leadership, and missile infrastructure. In this report, Wikistrat analyzes the operation’s objectives, strategic timing, and regional implications, including the collapse of nuclear negotiations and the risk of wider conflict. Read the full report for expert insights and forward-looking scenarios.

As 2025 begins, wildcard scenarios loom, threatening to upend the status quo and reshape global dynamics in unpredictable ways.

Dr. Sina Azodi, an expert on U.S.-Iran relations, examined the evolving dynamics between the Trump administration and Iran.

Iran expert Dr. Raz Zimmt discusses how recent developments are shaping Iran's security strategy and Israel's potential responses

Following the attacks on Fuad Shukr and Ismail Haniyeh, Wikistrat CEO hosted an expert panel with ME experts Neil Quilliam and Sina Azodi

On 19 May 2024, an Iranian Air Force helicopter crashed, killing all on board, including Iran’s President, Ebrahim Raisi, and the...

In a groundbreaking retaliation on the night of April 13th, Iran launched its first ever direct strike against Israeli territory,...

As the war between Hamas and Israel continues, Iran's next moves remain unclear. To better understand Iran's motives and potential...

On March 10, Saudi Arabia and Iran announced that they had agreed to resume diplomatic relations and re-open embassies in each other's...

The death of 22-year-old Kurdish woman Jina Mahsa Amini on September 16 sparked demonstrations and violent crackdowns on the streets of...

In light of the nuclear talks in Vienna, Wikistrat ran an interactive simulation with 30 leading Iran and Middle East experts in order to...

How is the current Saudi-Iranian situation different from previous reports of such moves? How likely is it that Saudi Arabia and Iran...

Wikistrat ran an interactive simulation to assess how the nuclear talks will impact the US, Iran, the Gulf States, and Israel.

On March 17 Wikistrat hosted a webinar that discussed the implications of a renewed US engagement with Iran for the Gulf States.