Content

Dispatches

Aug 7, 2026

Why Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey just signed a defense pact

By Atlantic Council experts

Each country pledged to defend the others, but each country also has its own motivations for joining the pact.

Conflict Iran

Timely Commentary & Analysis

Aug 6, 2026

Braw in TRT World Now on Iran, Oman agreement on Strait of Hormuz

By Elisabeth Braw

On August 6, Elisabeth Braw was interviewed by TRT World Now to discuss the reported agreement of a shipping route in the Strait of Hormuz between Iran and Oman, and the implications for negotiations with the US.

Iran Middle East

Timely Commentary & Analysis

Aug 6, 2026

Braw in DW News on the Iran-Oman deal for the Strait of Hormuz

By Elisabeth Braw

On August 6, Elisabeth Braw was interviewed by DW News to discuss the potential Iran-Oman deal for how ships enter the Strait of Hormuz and implications of the agreement for ongoing US-Iran negotiations.

Iran Middle East

Dispatches

Aug 4, 2026

Despite what Putin says, Russia and Iran are linking the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East

By Katherine Spencer

Capabilities and expertise developed on the Ukrainian battlefield are now flowing back to the Middle East.

Conflict Intelligence

MENASource

Aug 4, 2026

هل يتمكن الزيدي من فصل الدولة عن الطائفة؟

By Munqith Dagher

منقذ داغر ليس خافياً تأثير ما يجري في الجوار العراقي على السياسة والمجتمع والاقتصاد فيه. وعلى الرغم من ان التغيرات التي حصلت في المنطقة بعد أكتوبر 2023 انعكست على العراق بطريقة او بأخرى، الا ان التأثير الأكبر على سياسته سيظهر نتيجة تداعيات ما بعد 28 فبراير(شباط)2026 والتي تتكشف يوماً بعد الآخر. لقد أدى اغتيال السيد […]

Arabic Conflict

MENASource

Aug 3, 2026

Can al-Zaidi separate the sects from the state in Iraq?

By Munqith Dagher

The biggest challenge facing Iraq's prime minister is how to curb the role of sectarian institutions in shaping Iraq's state decisions.

Conflict Iran

Issue Brief

Jul 31, 2026

The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz is a heavy blow to the deteriorating maritime order

By Elisabeth Braw

Iran’s use of a maritime chokepoint as a geopolitical tool—implemented in response to a war that violates the United Nations Charter—and the United States’ inconsistent response dramatically undermine the global maritime order and open the door for further such closures.

Economy & Business Geopolitics & Energy Security

Dispatches

Jul 29, 2026

How Oman and Europe can open the Strait of Hormuz for good

By Jonathan Panikoff

Muscat should ask the British- and French-led maritime security mission to deploy to the strait within Omani territorial waters.

Conflict Europe & Eurasia

Dispatches

Jul 27, 2026

What the latest US sanctions bill means for Russia—and for China, India, and Iran

By Maia Nikoladze

If it passes, the bill would affect several major countries that currently trade with Russia, and those effects should be factored into US planning.

China Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

Dispatches

Jul 23, 2026

With a Saudi deal, the US begins ‘Plan C’ for nonproliferation in the Middle East

By William F. Wechsler

Washington is now attempting to achieve its nonproliferation objectives through deep political and commercial integration with partners’ nuclear programs.

Iran Nuclear Energy

Experts