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…
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…
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.
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…
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Will USAID Shutdown Impact U.S. Soft Power in the Middle East and the Post-Soviet Space?

Trump Administration’s decision to dismantle the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) significantly affects the U.S. foreign policy, with immediate consequences for the Middle East and the post-Soviet space where local countries have relied on U.S. aid for stability and development.
Syria: Turkey’s Growing Influence and Military Cooperation with Transitional Government

Following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Turkey has solidified its strategic position in Syria through a series of agreements with the new transitional government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Crypto Under Control: The Geopolitical Drivers of Iran’s New Regulation

This report assesses the key developments in Iran’s cryptocurrency policies, their implications for domestic and international actors, and the potential risks associated with these changes.
Water, Security, and Cooperation: Iran and Afghanistan Address the Helmand River Dispute

This report examines the geopolitical dynamics between Iran and Afghanistan, focusing on shared challenges and opportunities in the areas of water management, security, and migration. The ongoing dispute over the Helmand River’s water allocation represents a critical element of their relationship.
Iran and Tajikistan Forged a Strategic Alliance with 22 New Agreements

In January 2025, Iran and Tajikistan significantly deepened their bilateral ties by signing 22 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) during high-level meetings in Dushanbe. These agreements span multiple sectors, including trade, energy, infrastructure, cultural exchange, and security. This development represents a pivotal moment in their diplomatic relationship, marked by the restoration of trust and mutual interest…
Putin-Pezeshkian’s Meeting in Moscow: Analysis of Russia-Iran’s Strategic Partnership

This report, based on local and international sources and SpecialEurasia’ previous investigations, analyse Putin-Pezeshkian’s meeting and the impact of an increasing Russia-Iran’s cooperation in the Eurasian geopolitical chessboard.

Tag: Middle East