Recent U.S. and Israeli air strikes on Iranian targets, along with the retaliatory strikes from Iran鈥檚 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鈥檚 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) 色色研究所
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
research initiative
with lead researcher, Dr. Arman Mahmoudian, GNSI Resident Research Fellow
A six-month research project that explores Iran鈥檚 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: (February 2023)
Published by the Washington Institute
Written by: General (Ret) Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr
At the Boundary Podcast
" with guest Dr. Arman Mahmoudian (June 2025)
with guest Dr. Arman Mahmoudian (April 2025)
with guests Ali Alfoneh and Dr. Arman Mahmoudian (November 2024)
with guest Negar Mortazavi (July 2024)
with guest Dr. Frank Sobchak (July 2024)
with guests Dr. Vali Nasr and Dr. Arman Mahmoudian (June 2024)
with guests Dr. Mohsen Milani and Dr. Arman Mahmoudian (May 2024)
media
Wall Street Journal (January 2024)
Guest Opinion Essay written by General (Ret) Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr
Wall Street Journal (April 2024)
Guest Opinion Essay written by General (Ret) Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr
New York Times (March 2026)
Guest Opinion Essay written by General (Ret) Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr
BBC World Interview (February 2026)
featuring Dr. Arman Mahmoudian
BBC World Interview (March 2026)
featuring Dr. Arman Mahmoudian
Australian Broadcasting Corporation Interview (February 2026)
featuring Dr. Arman Mahmoudian
BBC World Interview (February 2026)
featuring Dr. Arman Mahmoudian
CGTN America Interview (February 2026)
featuring Dr. Arman Mahmoudian
BNN Bloomberg (Canada) Interview (February 2026)
featuring Dr. Arman Mahmoudian
CNN Interview (January 2026)
featuring Dr. Arman Mahmoudian