FARHAD REZAEI

The writer is a Senior Research Fellow at The Philos Project, where his work focuses on Iran and violations against religious minorities in the Middle East.

 THEN-IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER Hossein Amir-Abdollahian meets with Houthi official Mohammed Abdul-Salam in Muscat, Oman, last year. The most effective way to curb Houthi aggression is through direct action against the regime in Tehran, the writer maintains.

Israel must confront Iran to weaken the Houthis - opinion

CHILDREN HOLD flags next to a sculpture of Druze warrior Sultan Pasha al-Atrash after Syrian rebels announced the ousting of president Bashar Assad, in the Druze village of Majdal Shams, Golan Heights, earlier this month.

Iran's declining power opens door for US, Israel to support Iranian people seeking change - opinion

 IRAN’S PRESIDENT Masoud Pezeshkian (right) meets with IAEA director-general Rafael Grossi in Tehran, last month. Iran’s nuclear weapons program has reached a critical stage, says the writer.

Iran’s nuclear threat: key steps the US and Israel must take to prevent war – opinion


Islamic Republic is in a Solomon-sized dilemma after Israel's retaliation - opinion

Although the full extent of the damage is not yet known, it is quite clear that the regime’s efforts to develop nuclear weapons and delivery systems have been significantly set back.

 ISLAMIC REVOLUTIONARY Guard Corps Commander-in-Chief Maj.-Gen. Hossein Salami speaks during an anti-Israel protest in Tehran last year.

Yahya Sinwar’s death shakes Iran, echoing the collapse of tyranny – opinion

Hamas leader Sinwar’s death marks the beginning of the end of Iran’s ‘unity of fronts’ strategy against Israel.

 The flag of Iran is shown behind Palestinian terrorist group Hamas leader Yehya Sinwar in the Gaza Strip at a rally marking the 35th anniversary of the Hamas Islamic movement on December 14, 2022

Iran's calculated inaction: Why Tehran stands by as Hezbollah falters - opinion

Despite Hezbollah's critical role as Iran's regional proxy, Tehran remains hesitant to intervene as Israel cripples the group—economic, political, and strategic factors explain why.

 IRAN’S PRESIDENT Masoud Pezeshkian addresses the UN General Assembly, last week. The writer asks: Why does Iran look paralyzed with indecision as the IDF continues to cripple Hezbollah?

Why sanctioning Ayatollah Khamenei is critical for US security and diplomacy - opinion

As Iranian threats against US officials intensify, sanctioning Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, has become essential in safeguarding American security and deterring further aggression.

 THREE DAYS after the attempt on the life of Donald Trump, US intelligence disclosed that it had recently obtained information regarding a plot by Iran to assassinate the former president, the writer asserts.

The West should be cautious of Iran's reformist rhetoric - opinion

At this juncture, playing into the regime’s game could only enable Iran to breakout with an actual bomb, an outcome no Western country should desire.

 MASOUD PEZESHKIAN greets supporters at a gathering following his victory in the second round of the Iranian presidential election, in Tehran, earlier this month.

Israel shouldn't attack Hezbollah until after US elections - opinion

Israel faces escalating Hezbollah attacks but must delay major military action due to multiple fronts and US distractions, focusing instead on countering Iran's nuclear threat until January 2025.

 ISRAELI FORCES secure a road following a rocket attack from Lebanon, near Kiryat Shmona, last month.

Iran consistently violates diplomatic protection and international law - opinion

To deter future Israeli attacks, Iran would need to retaliate directly against Israel. However, such action could provoke a severe response from the IDF.

 IRAN’S AMBASSADOR to the UN Zahra Ershadi speaks at a Security Council meeting on threats to international peace and security, on April 2, the day after an airstrike destroyed the Iranian Consulate in Damascus.

Attacks on Iranian gas lines effective, but not enough - opinion

For Israel, this marks a critical moment to assess the broader consequences of these actions and the apparent reluctance of the Iranian regime to escalate tensions by assigning blame.

 IRAN’S OIL Minister Javad Owji speaks to media ahead of the Extraordinary Ministerial Meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), in Algiers, earlier this month.

Iran controls its proxies despite regime's narrative - opinion

Western analysts and policymakers, perpetuated the charade that the terror groups are somehow independent decision–makers by their willing suspension of disbelief. 

 Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi visits the military equipment of IRGC Navy in Bandar Abbas, Iran, February 2, 2024

Why are Iran's proxies targeting US military bases? - opinion

The fruit of Tehran’s strategy is evident in the recently announced US plan to pull all its remaining troops from Iraq.

 Satellite view of the US military outpost known as Tower 22, in Rukban, Rwaished District, Jordan October 12, 2023 in this handout image.