Iran Primer

In 2024, #Iran took steps that dramatically expanded its capacity to enrich uranium and its production of uranium that’s enriched to near weapons-grade levels. @KelseyDav of @ArmsControlNow explains upcoming challenges for 2025: iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2025/jan/…

President Trump has signaled his interest in a new nuclear deal with #Iran. The clock is ticking for a diplomatic solution to the crisis. Why is October 2025 so critical? Read here: iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2025/jan/…

"Given what #Iran has learned about its missiles and the degradation of Hamas and Hezbollah on the borders of Israel, it may perceive nuclear weapons as necessary to deter future attacks." @KelseyDav explains factors in Tehran's calculus and more: iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2025/jan/…

#Iran could attempt to break out using covert, undeclared sites by developing illicit facilities for converting uranium ore to gas form for enrichment or by siphoning off uranium from its declared enrichment sites, @KelseyDav warns. iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2025/jan/…

.@KelseyDav of @ArmsControlNow analyzes the coming Iranian nuclear challenge in 2025, including potential openings for diplomacy and the risks of escalation. iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2025/jan/…

The toppling of the Assad regime is a major loss for #Iran, which has not been so isolated or vulnerable in the region since the 1980-1988 war with Iraq. #Syria was Iran’s only close state ally in the Middle East. iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2024/dec/…

The toppling of the Assad regime is a major loss for #Iran, which has not been so isolated or vulnerable in the region since the 1980-1988 war with Iraq. #Syria was the linchpin of Tehran’s ability to project power in the Levant. iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2024/dec/…

#Iran’s second direct attack on #Israel in five months was retaliation for the killing of Ismail Haniyeh (Hamas), Hassan Nasrallah (Hezbollah) and Abbas Nilforoushan (IRGC). iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2024/oct/…

Ibrahim Aqil, commander of #Hezbollah's elite Radwan unit, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut today. A rundown of notable Hezbollah losses since October 2023: iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2024/aug/…

Supreme Leader Khamenei told President Pezeshkian’s cabinet that there was “no barrier” to engaging with Iran’s “enemy,” a term often used to describe the US. But he also warned against trusting the adversary. iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2024/aug/…

#Iran has transferred weapons to Lebanese #Hezbollah via land, sea and air corridors for years. Info on its arsenal and threat to #Israel here. iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2024/jul/…

#Iran’s parliament approved all 19 cabinet nominees submitted by President Pezeshkian, a reformist who won the snap presidential election in July. Profiles of incoming ministers: iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2024/aug/…

The assassination of #Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was just the latest in a string of alleged Israeli operations in #Iran going back more than a decade. iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2022/aug/…

With the help of #Iran, a shadowy militia evolved into the world’s most heavily armed non-state actor over the course of four decades. A rundown of #Hezbollah's arsenal: iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2024/jul/…

Between 2010 and 2024, Israel allegedly conducted dozens of operations – including targeted assassinations, drone strikes, and cyberattacks – on Iran. The attacks increased in both range and sophistication. iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2022/aug/…

Background and context on the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran: iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2024/jul/…

The Houthis could be even more useful than other Iranian allies, according to @Mikeknightsiraq. Hezbollah has long provided Iran with “specialized, close-range deterrence against Israel,” he said. But Yemen could be a springboard for broader operations. iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2024/jul/…

During the first eight months of the Gaza conflict, the Houthis attacked U.S. Navy or commercial vessels more than 190 times, according to the Pentagon. The attacks significantly boosted the group's global profile. iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2024/jul/…

#Houthi ideology is a mix of Zaydi revivalism, anti-imperialism, and Yemeni nationalism, @YemeniFatima told The Iran Primer. It also borrows elements from Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the late revolutionary leader of #Iran. More: iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2024/jul/…

Since at least 2015, #Iran has provided short- and medium-range ballistic and cruise missiles that have allowed the Houthis to hit land and sea targets from great distances. More on Houthi ties to Tehran: iranprimer.usip.org/blog/2024/jul/…