This assessment analyses how renewed United States tariffs on countries trading with Tehran, combined with internal instability in Iran, affect Armenia’s economic resilience and strategic posture.
This report assesses the drivers, dynamics, and strategic implications of the current wave of arrests and nationwide unrest in Iran amid acute economic collapse and heightened external pressure.
The Iranian state is formalising a transition to a “war conditions” framework under Article 79, signalling a shift toward emergency command-and-control measures to address the systemic exhaustion of fiscal buffers and the “terminal volatility” of the rial.
Il presente report valuta il rischio geopolitico in Medio Oriente per il 2026, un anno che potrebbe essere caratterizzato dalla precaria “pace armata” a seguito dell’escalation militare tra Israele e Iran del 2025 e dal primo anniversario della transizione siriana.
This report evaluates the Middle East’s geopolitical risk for 2026, a year defined by the precarious “armed peace” following the 2025 Israel-Iran kinetic escalation and the first anniversary of the Syrian transition.
Central Asia will enter 2026 with relative surface stability because of better regional coordination and no immediate interstate conflict.
This report examines the structural convergence between project-management principles and the methodologies employed in intelligence analysis, threat assessment, and corporate-security practices.
This report examines Iran’s long-term strategy to become a key link between Asian and European markets via the Marand–Cheshmeh Soraya rail corridor.
This report examines the current state of Iran’s water crisis and its implications for the country’s political trajectory.
This report provides an analytical overview of the recently adopted United Nations Security Council resolution extending the mandate of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO).
The report analyses the immediate economic and geopolitical effects of current events in Iran, encompassing the private sector’s formal appeal to President Masoud Pezeshkian for urgent currency and regulatory reform amid a “neither war nor peace” climate, alongside a significant strengthening of Central Bank actions against rial-based stablecoin channels.
The formation of the Islamic Resistance Front in Syria (Ouli al-Ba’s) marks the emergence of a new actor within the Syrian conflict, positioning itself as a nationalist and religiously inspired “resistance” front opposing Israeli, Turkish, and Western presence in southern Syria.
This report evaluates the likelihood and drivers of a renewed Israeli strike against Iran. It examines Tel Aviv’s strategic objectives, Tehran’s vulnerabilities and deterrence efforts, the evolving political environment, and the interplay between military procurement and information warfare.
This report assesses Iran’s developing strategic posture amid renewed geopolitical encirclement, with a focus on the implications of a potential US return to Bagram airbase, regional infrastructure realignments, and shifting alliances in South and Central Asia.
The current phase of negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program is marked by heightened European pressure, Iranian mistrust, and competing political objectives within Tehran.
SpeciaEurasia met with Michele Muratori, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Parliament of San Marino and Representative of the Republic of San Marino at the OSCE, recently visited Cyprus in the framework of parliamentary cooperation among small European states.
This report assesses the recent Iranian counterterrorism operations in Sistan and Baluchestan Province targeting Jaish al-Adl, a Sunni militant organisation with a record of insurgency and cross-border activity.
This report analyses the official visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Armenia, which resulted in the signing of ten memorandums covering political, economic, cultural, and scientific cooperation.
This report analyses Tehran’s recent upgrades in its military and air defence network, especially after unveiling the Rastakhiz missile, signalling readiness to deter or respond to future hostilities.
SpecialEurasia ha intervistato il nuovo Ambasciatore della Repubblica d’Armenia in Italia, S.E. Vladimir Karapetyan, per raccogliere considerazioni sulla sua visione e sullo stato attuale delle relazioni estere e delle opportunità interne del Paese.
SpecialEurasia recently interviewed the new Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to Italy, H.E. Vladimir Karapetyan, to acquire insights into his vision and the current state of Armenia’s foreign relations and domestic opportunities.
Russia and Iran’s joint naval exercise, CASAREX 2025, in the Caspian Sea, strongly asserts their military presence in the strategically important region.
The Islamic Republic of Iran started increased its diplomatic and economic pivot towards the East, engaging intensively with Russia, China, and India during the recent SCO Summit and in the aftermath of the conflict with Israel in June 2025.
This report analyses the strategic implications of the Israel–Iran conflict on China’s regional interests, focusing on the disruption of Beijing’s energy, logistical, and geopolitical investments.
This report analyses the strategic and security implications of Israel-Iran ongoing conflict for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), highlighting a significant escalation in regional hostilities.
This report analyses the developing geopolitical dynamics involving the South Caucasus, especially Armenia and Azerbaijan, set against the backdrop of the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. It explores the threats posed to both Armenia and Iran by Israel’s military cooperation with Baku and examines the broader implications for regional stability.
This report assesses the June 13, 2025, Israeli-Iranian military conflict, analysing key operational events such as Tehran’s military retaliations and Tel Aviv’s strategic achievements, identified defence weaknesses, and increased geopolitical risks.
This report assesses the strategic significance of establishing multiple foreign consular missions in Armenia’s Syunik region and along the prospective corridor. The report examines also the deepening defence cooperation between Yerevan and Paris in the context of renewed Azerbaijani threats to Armenian sovereignty.
This report offers an analytical overview of the official visit by the Italian delegation to Iran for the fifth round of bilateral political consultations, highlighting a desire to advance the bilateral partnership amid a complex geopolitical landscape.
This report analyses the strategic implications of a significant potential breach within Israel’s intelligence domain, stemming from Iran’s claimed acquisition of highly sensitive Israeli military and nuclear-related documents.
This report evaluates the strategic implications of the new China-Iran railway corridor. It highlights Iran’s geopolitical importance as a multimodal Eurasian hub and analyses the competing interests of major powers vying for influence over Iranian ports.
This report analyses the Iranian corporation Shasta’s involvement and interests in the Makhachkala Sea Trade Port in the Republic of Dagestan. The report also outlines potential benefits and challenges tied to these efforts.
This report examines Iran’s strategic posture in the South Caucasus following Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh’s remarks at the Yerevan Dialogue 2025 forum.
This report presents an assessment of the 2nd Yerevan Dialogue held on 26–27 May 2025, following SpecialEurasia’s official visit to Armenia, participation at the event, and direct engagement with local representatives.
This report analyses the approval of Iran’s National Artificial Intelligence Plan by the Islamic Consultative Assembly on 18 May 2025, outlining the legislative, institutional, and geopolitical dimensions of the initiative. The report details internal debate over authority, finances, and bureaucracy because of delayed government action.
The recent regional developments, particularly surrounding President Donald Trump’s diplomatic tour of the Gulf, have deepened existing geopolitical fault lines in the Middle East. This report assesses the impact of these dynamics on the Islamic Republic of Iran.
SpecialEurasia has interviewed Khibla Amichba, the Plenipotentiary Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia in Germany, to discuss the role of the Abkhaz diaspora in Europe, cultural diplomacy, enduring relationship with the homeland and the challenges of representation abroad.
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.
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 next strategic frontier following Syria’s decline.
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 critical.
On 10 April 2025, the Republic of San Marino will host a significant event dedicated to the discussion of human rights, focusing on the condition of women in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. The association Libera San Marino, within the framework of the “Libera la Cultura” (Free the Culture) project, organised the roundtable scheduled to begin at 20:30 at the Sala Montelupo in Domagnano
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 to military action.
This report examines the strategic importance of the North Caucasus region for Russia, focusing on its role as a critical energy transit hub and local energy production area. Following the Ukraine conflict and the rising energy demands, the enhancement of energy infrastructure, including both local and transnational oil and gas pipelines, has become a key focus of the Kremlin policy.
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 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 Western bloc.
Armenia has frozen its participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) since February 2024. The country has also ceased financial contributions and engagement in CSTO activities. This report evaluates the geopolitical and security implications of Armenia’s stance and the potential outcomes for regional stability.
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.
The report, based on local sources and meetings held during our visit to Baden-Württemberg, aims to analyse Germany’s political landscape after the elections , assessing the impact of the results, party dynamics, and potential implications for governance and stability.
SpecialEurasia, reporting directly from Germany, is closely monitoring developments on the ground to assess their implications for governance, economic policies, and foreign relations. The elections will determine the next Bundestag composition and government leadership, shaping Germany’s fiscal policies, security strategies, and diplomatic posture.
This report aims to analyse the key outcomes of the election, the potential shifts in Abkhazia’s foreign and domestic policies, and the broader implications for regional stability. The results were as follows: Gunba 46.38%, Ardzinba 36.92%, Bartstits 4.04%, Arshba 7.53%, and Khurkhumal 0.91%. As no candidate obtained more than 50% of the vote, a second round will be held on March 1st, 2025.
This report examines Iran’s ongoing efforts to stabilise its economy in the face of severe currency fluctuations, inflation, and external economic pressures
This report examines Turkey’s increasing influence in Abkhazia, especially in the context of the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for February 2025. The analysis explores Ankara’s broader geopolitical ambitions in the South Caucasus, where its growing presence challenges Russia’s traditional dominance and exhibits a significant anti-Armenian stance.
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.
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.
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.
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 after years of strained ties.
The Sirjan Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is a strategic hub for industrial, commercial, and transit activities in Iran. Established in the 1990s, it offers significant legal and economic advantages aimed at attracting domestic and foreign investment. Located near key transportation infrastructure, it provides a logistical nexus for trade between the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia.
Iran has launched significant initiatives to enhance its oil refining capacity and optimise its global export strategy. This includes plans to modernise existing refineries, construct new facilities, and expand export destinations, with a focus on Asian, African, and Latin American markets.
The dynamics of Iran-Afghanistan relations have shifted significantly since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan in 2021. Although Iran has refrained from formally recognising the Taliban government, it has engaged pragmatically, establishing cooperative frameworks for trade, transit, and other bilateral engagements.
This report provides an analytical review of the developing relationship between Iran and Japan, focusing on areas of mutual interest and the strategic and diplomatic challenges that may affect this cooperation. The analysis also highlights complexities arising from Japan’s alignment with the United States and ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
The recent 13th meeting of the Ministers of Economy and Trade of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) in Bishkek underscored Turkey’s growing role in Central Asia. This report analyses how Ankara’s ambitions are reshaping the geopolitical landscape of Central Asia, with direct consequences for Moscow and Beijing.
This report primarily aims to evaluate the growth of trade between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), particularly focusing on non-oil exports.
This report assesses the opening of the Iran Trade Centre in Yerevan, Armenia, on October 1st, 2024. The centre represents Tehran’s largest permanent trade facility abroad, aimed at facilitating economic engagement with the Armenian and Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) markets.
On the evening of September 27th, 2024, Israeli airstrike killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict and highlighting the effectiveness of Israeli intelligence operations.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s first official visit to Iraq resulted in the signing of 14 cooperation agreements across various sectors, reinforcing Tehran’s strategic and economic ties with Baghdad. This report highlights Iraq’s significance in Tehran’s regional strategy and its influence on Baghdad’s political, economic, and security future.
This report analyses the outcomes of the “Central Asia + Germany” summit held on September 17th, 2024, in Astana, focusing on the strategic economic, infrastructure, and security agreements reached between Central Asian countries and Germany.
The recent knife attack in Solingen, Germany, underscores Islamist terrorism’s persistent threat within the country, particularly from individuals with radical convictions linked to the Islamic State, and increases the regional’s security risk.
This report provides an analytical overview of Khorramshahr Port’s operations. It assesses the port’s recent performance, key developments, and future outlook.
Cyprus, a historically and culturally rich island nation situated at the nexus of the Eastern Mediterranean, embodies a unique blend of European and Asian influences. This report delves into the complexities of Cyprus’s geopolitical scenario, examining the multifaceted affects of its division, international relations, and resource discoveries.
During our official visit to Yerevan, SpecialEurasia met with Paruyr Hovhannisyan, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, with whom we discussed Yerevan’s regional and foreign policy.
Silvia Boltuc, Managing Director of SpecialEurasia, recently provided an interview on Radar, a TV programme of Cusano News7, hosted by Flavio Tassotti. The discussion centred on the recent presidential elections in Iran and the political situation in Armenia, offering a comprehensive analysis of these complex geopolitical issues.
Armenia’s strategic location, bridging Europe and Asia, has significantly contributed to its economic resurgence, catching the attention of global observers. SpecialEurasia recently convened with Levon Ohanesyan, CEO of Enterprise Armenia, in Yerevan to evaluate the nation’s investment landscape.
The death of President Raisi and his delegation in a helicopter crash on May 19th, 2024, near the village of Uzi in East Azerbaijan, has significantly altered Iran’s political landscape. This tragic event precipitated snap presidential elections, originally scheduled for 2025, now set for June 28th, 2024
In a surprising turn of events, Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa signalled a potential thaw in relations with Iran during his recent visit to Russia. This development follows the recent rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, suggesting a broader trend of regional reconciliation.
Morocco’s geopolitical landscape has undergone a substantial transformation in recent years, driven by assertive foreign policy measures and strategic alliances with global powers such as the United States and Israel. This report explores the geopolitical context, risk scenarios, and strategic implications of Morocco’s actions and the Western Sahara conflict.
Despite geopolitical complexities and risks associated with Western Sahara’s disputed status, the Dakhla Altantic Port presents opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and strengthening Morocco’s influence in the region, though challenges remain regarding international recognition and security concerns.
SpecialEurasia’s official visit to Morocco started on April 29th, 2024, in the city of Agadir. The purpose of this visit is to attend SIMUN 2024 and explore the country’s political, economic, and social landscape, as well as Rabat’s strategy towards Western Sahara.
In questo episodio di Geopolitical Report Podcast Antonello Sacchetti, esperto conoscitore di Iran, analizza insieme a Silvia Boltuc, Managing Director di SpecialEurasia, le attuali dinamiche geopolitiche della Repubblica Islamica dell’Iran così come la crescente tensione in Medio Oriente.
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Islam has played a new role in the nation-building process in the Central Asian Republic of Uzbekistan. The region is witnessing a rising popularity of radical Salafi Islamism, marked by its fervent pursuit of overthrowing secular governments.
Amidst the palpable shortcomings of international diplomacy, the longstanding, albeit restrained, conflict between Israel and Iran has escalated, prompting apprehension within the global community regarding a broader conflagration throughout the Middle East.
With the recent terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall in Moscow, committed by fighters from the SCO region, and in Kerman, Iran, the organisation created to combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism increased the intelligence cooperation and the alert level
In this episode of Geopolitical Report Podcast, we discussed the local elections in Turkey on March 31st, 2024, that signalled a significant shift in the country’s political dynamics, marking the ruling AK Party’s most severe electoral setback under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s leadership.
his merged document represents the culmination of months of intensive work and investigation of the project Persian Files ISSN 2975-0598, serving as an alternative guide for comprehending Iran. By offering an in-depth exploration of various facets of the nation, we aim to provide our audience with a comprehensive and insightful resource that goes beyond the conventional narratives surrounding Iran.
The upcoming Russian presidential elections, scheduled for March 15th-17th, 2024, are a pivotal moment in the nation’s domestic politics. Despite Western claims of irregularities, these elections represent a significant opportunity for Vladimir Putin to reaffirm his leadership and governance.
In questo nuovo episodio Giuliano Bifolchi, Research Manager di SpecialEurasia, analizza gli eventi e le dinamiche geopolitiche inerenti al conflitto israelo-palestinese e alla Striscia di Gaza insieme a Matteo Meloni, giornalista e analista geopolitico specializzato in Medio Oriente direttore responsabile di TocToc Sardegna, e Silvia Boltuc, Managing Director di SpecialEurasia.
Following the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan and the subsequent establishment of the Islamic Emirate, the country has witnessed a surge in terrorist attacks targeting the Taliban, ethnic minorities, and foreigners and a rise in al-Qaeda’s activities.
SpecialEurasia had a conversation with Maggie Arutyunyan, Esq., who serves as a member of the Board of Directors at the US-based Center for Truth and Justice (CFTJ), along with Narine Vlasyan, Project Coordinator. The purpose of the discussion is to gain a deeper understanding of the recent events in the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh/Artsakh and attempt to anticipate potential future developments.
The recent suggestion to open an Eurasian Economic Union Trading House in Iran underlined the organisation’s commitment to increase trade and cooperation with the Islamic Republic and the positive and increasing relations between Moscow and Tehran on different issues related to the Eurasian geopolitical chessboard.
The recent satellite launches at the Imam Khomeini Space Centre in Iran’s Semnan Province serve as evidence of Tehran’s progress in its 10-year space vision plan, aimed at fulfilling both civilian and military requirements.
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has decided not to ratify the credentials of the Azerbaijani delegation, citing concerns about the country’s failure to fulfil major commitments related to democratic processes, human rights, and the Nagorno-Karabakh situation. Azerbaijan has subsequently suspended its cooperation with PACE.
Tensions between Turkey and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have escalated following the killing of two Turkish soldiers and 17 mercenaries by SDF operations. The SDF has conducted a series of targeted military operations against Turkish military forces and mercenaries, resulting in casualties on both sides.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s official visit to Italy marks a pivotal moment in bilateral relations, emphasising shared interests in energy diversification, technology, and infrastructure. The visit resulted in significant progress, with seven intergovernmental agreements, and 16 commercial memoranda signed. Key projects, including a joint venture between Eni and KazMunayGas for a hybrid power plant, underscore the expanding economic ties.
The United States is escalating its military involvement in the Middle East to counter the resurgence of the Islamic State. This includes a substantial deployment in Syria and Iraq. Concurrently, the Red Sea crisis involving Houthis’ attacks poses a multifaceted challenge, impacting regional stability and exacerbating geopolitical tensions. The situation is further complicated by the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and the broader dynamics of the Middle East.
While the North Caucasus Federal District demonstrates resilience, potential risks include external geopolitical influences and the need for sustained economic stability. The region’s dependency on tourism growth demands careful management to avoid overreliance on a single sector. Additionally, monitoring external pressures on the Russian economy remains crucial for sustained development.
In this paper published in Geopolitical Report ISSN 2532-845X Vol. 4 Year 2023, the author Silvia Boltuc offer a concise overview of the principal ethnic minorities existing in contemporary Iran, shedding light on their religious backgrounds and historical trajectories.
The recent telephonic exchange between Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi marks a significant moment that underscores the potential emergence of a new chapter in the relations between Iran and Egypt.
In our latest publication, Geopolitical Report ISSN 2532-845X Volume 4 Year 2023, SpecialEurasia delves into the complex tapestry of international relations, focusing on ethnic minorities, indigenous populations, and the intricate web of bilateral relations and security issues.
SpecialEurasian, in collaboration with CeSEM – Centro Studi Eurasia Mediterraneo, published the English and Italian version of Geopolitical Report 2532-845X Special Issue 2 Year 2023 titled “Kazakhstan’s Role in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and Its Contribution to Stabilise Central Asia”.
Since 1979, Iran has been the primary advocate of the Palestinian cause. This alignment originates from an ideological convergence between the principles of the Iranian Revolution and the Palestinian struggle for freedom. Starting from current events, this report aims to explore the reasons behind Tehran’s unwavering support.