Recent U.S. and Israeli air strikes on Iranian targets, along with the retaliatory strikes from Iran’s military forces across multiple theaters in the Middle East, mark a significant escalation in a region that is both volatile and fragile. These developments did not emerge in isolation. Over the last few years, GNSI has examined Iran’s internal dynamics through sustained research and public engagement. We invite you to explore this body of work to better understand the current crisis.
academic conference
The Iran Enigma: Navigating Strategy and Security Conference
(April 10, 2024) University of South Florida
Academic conference featuring speakers Dr. Mohsen Milani, Dr. Vali Nasr, Dr. Sanam
Vakil, Major General Sean Salene, Dr. Sina Azodi, Negar Mortazavi and others. Conference videos available here.
research initiative
"Axis of Resistance" with lead researcher, Dr. Arman Mahmoudian, GNSI Resident Research Fellow
A six-month research project that explores Iran’s influence across Iraq, Syria, Lebanon,
and Yemen, focusing on its proxy strategy, revolutionary ideology, and evolving geopolitical
reach.
publications
Research Article: "A 2024 Guide to Assessing Resiliency and Resistance in Iran"
Written by: Dr. Robert Burrell and Dr. David Diorio
This essay applies a data-driven and human-centric methodology to examine resiliency
and resistance aspects in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Decision Brief: "What Keeps the U.S. in the Middle East?"
Written by: Dr. Arman Mahmoudian and Dr. Tad Schnaufer, II
The US had minimal involvement in the Middle East until the compounding interests
of oil, great power competition, fighting terrorism, and the resource needs of allies
fully engaged it.
Research Report: "Striking Back: Iran and the Rise of Asymmetric Drone Warfare in the Middle East" (February 2023)
Published by the Washington Institute
Written by: General (Ret) Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr
At the Boundary Podcast
Special Episode 87: "Iran's Breaking Point" with guest Dr. Arman Mahmoudian (June 2025)
Episode 78: "Iran's Axis of Resistance: Can it Shift the Balance of Power?" with guest Dr. Arman Mahmoudian (April 2025)
Episode 54: "The Decline of Clerics and the Rise of the IRGC" with guests Ali Alfoneh and Dr. Arman Mahmoudian (November 2024)
Episode 37: "Iran's New President: Exploring the Impacts of Recent Political Shifts" with guest Negar Mortazavi (July 2024)
Episode 36: "Aftermath of October 7: Israel's Survival Mindset" with guest Dr. Frank Sobchak (July 2024)
Episode 29: "How Sanctions Work: Iran and the Impact of Economic Warfare" with guests Dr. Vali Nasr and Dr. Arman Mahmoudian (June 2024)
Special Episode 28: "The Death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and its Potential Effects on Iran's Relations with the U.S." with guests Dr. Mohsen Milani and Dr. Arman Mahmoudian (May 2024)
media
Wall Street Journal "Lesson of the Strike that Killed Soleimani" (January 2024)
Guest Opinion Essay written by General (Ret) Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr
Wall Street Journal "Iran's Attack is a Show of Weakness" (April 2024)
Guest Opinion Essay written by General (Ret) Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr
New York Times "Iran Got Trump All Wrong" (March 2026)
Guest Opinion Essay written by General (Ret) Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr
BBC World Interview (February 2026)
featuring Dr. Arman Mahmoudian (interview link)
Australian Broadcasting Corporation Interview (February 2026)
featuring Dr. Arman Mahmoudian (interview link)
BBC World Interview (February 2026)
featuring Dr. Arman Mahmoudian (interview link)
CGTN America Interview (February 2026)
featuring Dr. Arman Mahmoudian (interview link)
BNN Bloomberg (Canada) Interview (February 2026)
featuring Dr. Arman Mahmoudian (interview link)
CNN Interview (January 2026)
featuring Dr. Arman Mahmoudian (interview link)