The International Institute for Iranian Studies (Rasanah) has issued the Iran Case File (ICF) for October 2023. The file provides readers in general and researchers in particular with an in-depth analysis and overview of Iran’s variant interactions and affairs. The file is divided into three parts main parts: Developments in Iran’s Internal Affairs, Iran-Arab Interactions and Iran’s Relations With Regional and International Powers.
During the month of October, Iran experienced notable domestic developments on the political, economic, military and ideological fronts — which are discussed as follows: Operation Al-Aqsa Flood and testing Iran’s credibility over its support for the Palestinian cause; the repercussions of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on Iran’s economy; lifting of arms embargo increases Iran’s ambition for exports and finally the position of the hawzas of Najaf and Qom on the Palestinian cause.
Iran’s interactions with the Arab world, particularly Iraq, Syria and Yemen witnessed significant against the backdrop of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood and Israel’s heinous attacks targeting Gazan citizens. These developments are reviewed as follows: Pro-Iran militia strikes on US targets in Iraq; the war in Gaza: Iran’s interests, challenges of stirring the Syrian front and the Houthi attacks on Israel: support for the Palestinians or an attempt to reduce pressure on the “Axis of Resistance?”
As for Iran’s foreign policy with international powers; the United States and Europeans; there was a host of significant military and diplomatic developments. The United States has been providing Israel with advanced defense systems and military support to ensure its safety, as it indirectly blames Iran for the Hamas attack. The United States has also deployed aircraft carriers to the Mediterranean Sea and the Arabian Gulf for additional protection. In terms of Iran’s relationship with Europe, President Ebrahim Raisi reached out to Pope Francis to support his efforts in achieving a ceasefire in Gaza. However, Iran criticized the Nobel Committee for awarding the Peace Prize to jailed Iranian citizen Narges Mohammadi, claiming that it was a “biased and political” decision.
