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Pezeshkian’s Official Visit to Baku and Iran-Azerbaijan Relations
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s official visit to Azerbaijan is a significant step towards restoring bilateral relations between Tehran and Baku after years of tensions. Several cooperation agreements signal a cautious but realignment of Iranian-Azerbaijani relations in a highly competitive geopolitical landscape.
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Afghanistan: Is Iran Seeking an Alternative to Syria?
This report examines Iran’s evolving strategic posture in Afghanistan following the erosion of its influence in Syria. The loss of key proxy leaders, Israel’s war in Gaza, and Syria’s collapse as a reliable geographical link force Tehran to seek alternative arenas. The aim of this report is to assess whether Afghanistan could emerge as Iran’s…
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Islamic State’s Video Accused al-Sharaa and the Syrian Transition Government of Apostasy
The Islamic State has issued a new propaganda video denouncing the Syrian transitional leadership under Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known by his nom de guerre Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, to be apostate and illegitimate under Islamic law. This report analyse the video’s narrative and its impact on Syrian and regional security.
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Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2025 and Turkey’s Use of Cultural and Religious Diplomacy
The Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2025 served as a strategic platform for Turkey to advance its ambitions as a revisionist middle power, pursuing influence through non-coercive means across regions of historical and ideological significance. This report highlighted that Turkey’s growing foreign policy assertiveness, fuelled by the Antalya Diplomacy Forum mixed to TIKA and Diyanet’ activities, may…
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From Missiles to Militias: Decoding Iran’s Multi-Dimensional Deterrence in the Gulf
For Iran, protecting its maritime borders and the safeguarding of its industrial, military, and oil infrastructure along the coastline constitute a geostrategic imperative. In light of increasing Israeli hostility and the push for direct confrontation between the Tel Aviv–Washington axis and the Islamic Republic of Iran, assessing Tehran’s deterrence strategy in the region has become…
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Erdogan in the Crosshairs: Wrestling with New Wave of Protests, Economic Recession, and International Pressure
This report examines Turkey’s multifaceted crisis triggered by the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, which has sparked the largest protests in a decade. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s administration is struggling with economic recession, widespread demonstrations, and increasing international scrutiny. The converging challenges threaten to undermine Erdogan’s 22-year grip on power.
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US Military Build-Up on Diego Garcia: Show of Force or Prelude to Conflict with Iran?
The United States has significantly reinforced its military presence in Diego Garcia, issuing an ultimatum to Iran for a new nuclear deal. This move raises concerns about a potential military confrontation. The aim of this report is to assess whether this escalation is a strategic bluff to push Tehran into negotiations or a genuine prelude…
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Silicon Persia: Iran’s AI Aspirations and the Global Tech Order
This report examines Iran’s strategic advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), as President Pezeshkian has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing this sector. The Iranian government has committed $115 million to AI research and aims to position itself as a regional leader in this field.
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The Kurds’ Gamble for Survival in The New Syria
The developments in the Middle East over the past year have been rapid and surprising. One of these surprises is the friendship between two former rivals. The Syrian transitional president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, held a meeting with the commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi.
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“Maritime Security Belt 2025” Naval Exercise: Developing Security Architecture Of The Indian Ocean
The seventh annual trilateral naval exercise “Maritime Security Belt 2025” started on March 10th, 2025, near Chabahar, Iran, encompassing anti-piracy, search-and-rescue, and naval combat exercises. The presence of Russia, China hosted by Iran in the strategically significant Gulf of Oman underscores their shared interest in countering Western influence and safeguarding themselves against an increasingly assertive…
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Syria: Violence Against the Alawites Underlines the Country’s Security and Sectarian Problems
This report assesses the security risks in Syria following recent sectarian violence in Latakia and Tartus, where factions linked to the transitional government reportedly targeted Alawite civilians. Local sources report hundreds killed in what they describe as mass executions.
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Makhachkala Port and Beyond: How Dagestan Connects Iran and Russia in a Shifting Eurasian Landscape
The report outlines the strategic relationship between Dagestan and Iran, highlighting recent developments during a delegation’s visit aimed at enhancing trade and economic collaboration
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Navigating Sanctions: Orenburg and Iran’s Economic Partnership
The report analyses recent economic and diplomatic activities involving the Orenburg Region of Russia and Iran, focusing on the deepening ties and joint cooperation opportunities. On February 21st-24th, 2025, a delegation representing Russia’s Oregon region, headed by Vice-Governor Ignat Petukhov, took part in the international EURASIA EXPO-2025 exhibition in Tehran.
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Beyond Sanctions: Iran’s Complex Quest for Economic Stabilisation
This report examines Iran’s ongoing efforts to stabilise its economy in the face of severe currency fluctuations, inflation, and external economic pressures
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Renewed Maximum Pressure: The US Returns to Confrontation with Iran
Persian Files ISSN 2975-0598 Volume 30 Issue 2 Author: Silvia Boltuc Executive Summary On February 4th, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed a National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM) restoring maximum pressure on the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.