The 22nd issue of the Journal for Iranian Studies (JIS) has been released, featuring seven in-depth research articles on critical regional and global developments: the rise of AI-driven warfare, major turning points in the Israel–Palestine conflict, shifting US–Iran nuclear diplomacy since the 7 October 2023 events, Tehran’s strategic options in post-Assad Syria, Iran’s foreign policy principles and international law, growing environmental threats in the Red Sea and the decline of French influence in the Sahel. Authored by prominent scholars, this latest issue underscores the interplay of technology, geopolitics and ideology in today’s rapidly evolving international landscape.
Naveed Ahmed, security policy fellow at the International Institute for Iranian Studies (Rasanah) explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in today’s warfare, highlighting how this rapidly evolving technology has been shaping the military policies of nation-states, from top-tier powers to disruptive ones. He further delves into the prospect of humans being taken out of the decision-making loop and the manner in which defense AI challenges the role of government leaders and military commanders alike.
Dr. Abu Bakr Fathi al-Dessouki, advisor at Al Siyasa Al Dawliya (International Politics) journal, Al Ahram Foundation examines Israeli-Iranian deterrence strategy shifts after the 12-Day War, which erupted on June 13, 2025, and their effects on regional security. The region faced ongoing threats following Operation Al-Aqsa Flood launched on October 7, 2023, with Israel retaliating against Hamas and weakening the Iran-backed “Axis of Resistance.” Israel demolished Gaza, limited Hezbollah and benefited from Syria’s fallen Assad regime, while Houthi threats persisted. The conflict revealed a shift from covert to overt deterrence, with both sides capable of territorial penetration and deterrence in action. Dessouki argues that these changes damaged regional security, led countries to pursue deterrent weapons and threatened Gulf stability, Qatar’s sovereignty, maritime routes and global energy security.
Prof. Dr. Farida Hamoum, professor of political science, Faculty of Law and Political Science, University of Jijel, explains the motivations for the United States and Iran to engage in Oman-mediated nuclear negotiations after Trump returned to the White House in early 2025. She argues that post-October 7 developments, including Iran’s declining influence in the Middle East and weakening alliances within the “Axis of Resistance” due to confrontations with Israel, influenced the talks. She concludes that future negotiations under Trump are likely but dependent on US conditions, with Iran risking renewed military conflict if it lacks regional and nuclear bargaining leverage.
Dr. Mohammed Mahmoud Mahdi, researcher in international relations, examines Iran’s strategic options regarding Syria and the broader region following the fall of the Assad regime in November 2024. He also explores the dimensions of Iran’s declining influence by addressing the contours of Iran’s clout in Syria prior to Assad’s fall, Iran’s vulnerabilities in this arena, the current conditions posing challenges to Iran’s efforts to restore its presence in Syria and the region and the strategic options available to Iran to mitigate the impact of this significant decline.
Prof. Dr. Baraka Mohamed, professor of international law and relations at the University of Djilali Liabes of Sidi Bel Abbes, analyzes, the interplay between the guiding principles of Iranian foreign policy, as stipulated in the Iranian Constitution and the peremptory norms of public international law that form the foundation for regulating international relations. He argues that Iranian foreign policy is grounded in a set of ideologically and religiously driven principles, including support for the oppressed (mustazafin), exporting the revolution, the Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist (Wilayat al-Faqih) and opposition to global oppressors (mustakbirin). These principles reflect the philosophy and objectives of the revolution in shaping Iran’s foreign relations. However, they raise legal challenges when compared to binding international norms, such as non-intervention in the internal affairs of states, sovereignty, sovereign equality and the prohibition of the use or threat of force in international relations.
Dr. Heba Sharawy, researcher in environmental economics at the Egyptian Ministry of Environment, explores the legislative framework for protecting the Red Sea’s marine environment, identifying key challenges to compliance and exploring opportunities that effective implementation of these frameworks could offer for regional cooperation and achieving sustainable development goals. She further provides a critical analysis aimed at formulating practical insights to strengthen the protection and sustainability of the Red Sea’s marine environment for future generations.
Dr. Rahali Mohammed, professor of political science and international relations, Faculty of Law and Political Science at the University of Djilali Liabes of Sidi Bel Abbes, examines the factors and consequences of declining French influence in the Sahel region following the military coups in countries such as Chad, Mali and Niger, and the adoption by new military elites of a policy of disengagement from Paris. She explores the fundamental shifts affecting France’s interests and historical influence in the region in light of a rising wave of hostility among both the public and the new military elites toward Paris, as well as regional transformations and crises impacting the stability of these states, alongside the growing presence of international actors seeking to expand their influence as alternatives to France. The study concludes that internal and external shifts in the Sahel region are the primary drivers of France’s declining influence, with strategic and geopolitical implications for France’s role not only in the Sahel but also on the global arena.
In our 22nd issue, the seven research articles underscore how the world is navigating a complex interplay of AI defense, geopolitical conflicts, maritime threats and ideological disputes. If you specialize in regional and international affairs, whether in politics, security, military, economy, or culture, with a particular focus on Iran, you can submit your research proposal to our JIS email: [email protected]
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