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By: Mukhlis Mukhlis June 14, 2026 As the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran edge toward a momentous diplomatic framework to conclude their recent conflict, a dangerous triumphalism has taken hold in Washington. The emerging architecture, anchored by a temporary truce, the reopening of the heavily blockaded Strait of Hormuz, and technical talks to freeze Tehran's battered nuclear facilities, is being framed by the administration as a historic victory. However, a so

By Mukhlis Mukhlis The declaration that U.S. military action against Iran “terminated” on May 1, 2026, is political craftsmanship—but it is also a strategic contradiction. The Executive Branch may tell Congress the War Powers clock has stopped, yet the situation on the water and ashore in the Arab Gulf is far more complicated. The conflict has not ended; it has shifted. What follows is a transition from open kinetic warfare to a period of sustained geo‑strategic constriction.

By: Mukhlis Mukhlis Background The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), known in Arabic as Hashd al-Shaabi, were established in 2014 following a fatwa issued by Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani to combat the rise of ISIS. By 2016, the PMF had evolved into a formalized paramilitary force integrated within Iraq's security framework. The PMF encompasses approximately 67 factions, representing a diverse spectrum of ethnic and sectarian groups, though it is predominantly composed

The spectacular failure of the "High-Stakes Accord" in Islamabad on April 11–12, 2026, between U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Iranian Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, marks a watershed moment in 21st-century geopolitics. While the Beltway remains focused on the collapse of the formal agenda, the true significance of the summit lies in its exposure of a long-denied reality: Pakistan’s role as the indispensable "Nuclear Flank" of the Iranian Revolutionary state. For decades,

The first quarter of 2026 has witnessed a fundamental phase shift in the Middle Eastern security architecture. Following the intensive kinetic degradation of Tehran’s conventional ballistic and nuclear infrastructure during Operation Epic Fury, the Iranian regime has retreated into a doctrine of "Strategic Sustainment and Attrition." This is no longer a war of state-on-state parity, but a desperate, decentralized struggle for regime survival. By weaponizing the temporal dimen

The Kurdistan Region: A Strategic Anchor for Stability The False Narrative of Centralization As we navigate the opening months of 2026, the Middle Eastern Area of Operations (AO) is shivering under the weight of a profound geopolitical realignment. Legacy regimes are flickering out across the map, and in the resulting power vacuum, a seductive but hazardous diplomatic ghost has resurfaced in high-level policy circles: the doctrine of the "Benevolent Centralizer." This narrat

By: Mukhlis Mukhlis As we near the end of 2025, Iran is deeply entrenched in a complex crisis marked by serious economic and social upheaval. Much of this turmoil stems from the cumulative effects of international sanctions and a steep decline in oil revenues, which have long been the cornerstone of the Iranian economy. The value of the Iranian rial has plummeted to alarming lows against the U.S. dollar, sparking widespread protests in urban areas and increasing pressure on t

In the realm of national security and counterterrorism, collaborative initiatives play a crucial role in developing effective strategies to combat threats effectively. As threats continue to evolve in an ever-changing geopolitical landscape, it is imperative for stakeholders from various sectors to come together to share knowledge, resources, and expertise. This collaboration between academia, government, and the private sector can lead to innovative solutions and insightful

In today's ever-evolving geopolitical landscape, national security is of paramount importance. As threats continue to emerge and adapt, the need for innovative solutions to address these challenges has never been more critical. The National Council for Strategic Defense Research is at the forefront of providing insightful analysis and comprehensive research to aid policymakers and defense professionals in navigating these complex issues. Through a combination of in-depth rese

In the ever-evolving landscape of U.S. Middle Eastern affairs, it is crucial to continuously enhance strategies to effectively navigate the complex challenges faced by policymakers and defense professionals. The National Council for Strategic Defense Research, comprised of a team of experts, scholars, and practitioners, is dedicated to advancing the understanding and implementation of impactful strategies in this key area. Through in-depth research, policy analysis, and colla