Middle East & Africa
Iranian pro-government supporters shout anti-Israel slogans while waving the Palestine flag at Palestine Square in Tehran, on April 14, 2024, in a celebration of the early morning Iran's IRGC attack on Israel.
Iran fired over 100 drones and ballistic missiles on Saturday, April 14, 2024, in retaliation to an attack on a building attached to the country's consular annex in Damascus that killed seven members of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on April 01, 2024. Iran has blamed Israel for the attack on April 5, 2024 in Tehran. (Photo by Hossein Beris / Middle East Images / Middle East Images via AFP) (Photo by HOSSEIN BERIS/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)
Iranian pro-government supporters shout anti-Israel slogans while waving the Palestine flag at Palestine Square in Tehran, on April 14, 2024, in a celebration of the early morning Iran's IRGC attack on Israel. Iran fired over 100 drones and ballistic missiles on Saturday, April 14, 2024, in retaliation to an attack on a building attached to the country's consular annex in Damascus that killed seven members of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on April 01, 2024. Iran has blamed Israel for the attack on April 5, 2024 in Tehran. (Photo by Hossein Beris / Middle East Images / Middle East Images via AFP) (Photo by HOSSEIN BERIS/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)

The Domestic Pressures Impacting Iran and Israel

How to think about an escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Two members of the Iranian navy stand at attention as a truck carries a massive anti-U.S. billboard during a military parade in Tehran, Iran.
Two members of the Iranian navy stand at attention as a truck carries a massive anti-U.S. billboard during a military parade in Tehran, Iran.

Have Israel and the United States Done Enough to Deter Iran?

U.S. allies intercepted hundreds of Iranian drones and missiles, and then Israeli forces counterattacked in a limited strike—but the threat of regional war remains.

Newspapers in Tehran feature news about the China-brokered deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia to restore ties.
Newspapers in Tehran feature news about the China-brokered deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia to restore ties.

How Much Leverage Does China Really Have Over Iran?

Washington wants Beijing to rein in Tehran, but experts say it’s not that simple.

People gather for a picnic under a bridge in Iran's central city of Isfahan, after a reported Israeli strike in the area.
People gather for a picnic under a bridge in Iran's central city of Isfahan, after a reported Israeli strike in the area.

Iran Shrugs off Israeli Strike, Allaying Escalation Fears—for Now

Experts say the attack was designed to showcase Israel’s capabilities without further provoking Tehran.

Jordanian soldiers stand guard near the “Gate of Peace” at the Jordan Valley site of Baqura, east of the Jordan River, with the Israeli flag flying over the Israeli side of the border.
Jordanian soldiers stand guard near the “Gate of Peace” at the Jordan Valley site of Baqura, east of the Jordan River, with the Israeli flag flying over the Israeli side of the border.

Why Arab States Haven’t Broken With Israel

Arabs across the region are angry, but regimes can’t afford to sever ties.

Iranians visit Azadi Square in Tehran.
Iranians visit Azadi Square in Tehran.

Iran’s Nuclear Crisis Has No Military Solution

Whether Tehran weaponizes its program remains tied to threat perceptions by political leadership.

An Iranian military truck carries surface-to-air missiles past a portrait of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a parade on the occasion of the country's annual army day on April 18, 2018, in Tehran.
An Iranian military truck carries surface-to-air missiles past a portrait of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a parade on the occasion of the country's annual army day on April 18, 2018, in Tehran.

Iran Has Defined Its Red Line With Israel

With last weekend's attack, Tehran has undertaken a strategic shift in the region.

An Israeli army vehicle moves along the border with the Gaza Strip on Feb. 28, amid ongoing fighting between Israel and Hamas militants.
An Israeli army vehicle moves along the border with the Gaza Strip on Feb. 28, amid ongoing fighting between Israel and Hamas militants.

Israel’s Military Risks Being Overstretched

It’s been at war for six months—and now faces another front with Iran.

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, a middle-aged woman wearing a bright red suit jacket, sits in front of a microphone onstage at an IMF meeting in Washington, D.C. A large screen behind her shows the name of the session in colorful lettering: "Global Policy Agenda 2024."
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, a middle-aged woman wearing a bright red suit jacket, sits in front of a microphone onstage at an IMF meeting in Washington, D.C. A large screen behind her shows the name of the session in colorful lettering: "Global Policy Agenda 2024."

African Lending Needs a Better World Bank

The Bretton Woods institutions are due a revamp from their colonial roots.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Jordan's King Abdullah II, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi talk to delegates during the Arab League's Summit for Jerusalem in Cairo, on Feb. 12, 2023.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Jordan's King Abdullah II, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi talk to delegates during the Arab League's Summit for Jerusalem in Cairo, on Feb. 12, 2023.

Arab Countries Have Israel’s Back—for Their Own Sake

Last weekend’s security cooperation in the Middle East doesn’t indicate a new future for the region.

Gilad Erdan, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, shows a video of Iranian missiles being intercepted over Al-Aqsa Mosque during an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
Gilad Erdan, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, shows a video of Iranian missiles being intercepted over Al-Aqsa Mosque during an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

Can Israel Harness Its Rare Moment of Regional Support?

Israel has launched a diplomatic offensive to further isolate Iran after its attack.

A white-haired man in a suit and tie puts his hand to his mouth and squints. He is flanked by multiple alternating flags of Israel and the United States.
A white-haired man in a suit and tie puts his hand to his mouth and squints. He is flanked by multiple alternating flags of Israel and the United States.

The Moral Hazard of Biden’s Support for Israel

The U.S. president can’t stop Israel from retaliating against Iran, but he can choose whether to help Israel manage the consequences.

Children play near tents at a camp in southern Gedaref, Sudan.
Children play near tents at a camp in southern Gedaref, Sudan.

Sudan Is Not a Lost Cause

A year into the conflict, fatalistic rhetoric continues to limit the world’s attention—and actions—toward Sudan.

Motorists and pedestrians travel on a paved road beneath a massive billboard in Tehran. The billboard depicts a fleet of missiles standing upright against a background of orange flames, along with text in Persian and Arabic.
Motorists and pedestrians travel on a paved road beneath a massive billboard in Tehran. The billboard depicts a fleet of missiles standing upright against a background of orange flames, along with text in Persian and Arabic.

The Next Israel-Iran Fight Could Be in Cyberspace

The two countries have a long history of online offensives against each other, which may come into play as Israel mulls retaliation for Iran's attack.

A protester holding a Palestinian flag stands up at the back of an audience of people seated in a U.S. congressional committee hearing room. Other protesters sitting around him raise up hands painted red to signify blood. In the foreground and slightly out-of-focus, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin wears a serious expression as he sits in front of a microphone.
A protester holding a Palestinian flag stands up at the back of an audience of people seated in a U.S. congressional committee hearing room. Other protesters sitting around him raise up hands painted red to signify blood. In the foreground and slightly out-of-focus, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin wears a serious expression as he sits in front of a microphone.

Iran’s Attack Complicates Efforts to Condition U.S. Military Aid to Israel

Calls to curb U.S. support for Israel’s war in Gaza over the humanitarian crisis risk being upended by Israel’s pressing security needs.

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