Date: Wednesday 31 May 2023
Time: 11:00am-12:30pm EST
Two issues have dominate media reporting on Iran over the past half year: The feminist revolt (Woman, Life, Freedom) and the persistent nuclear threat. Yet, there’s a bigger picture that should not be missed: Internally, the regime is hardening its stance, defying the continuing protests and building a “resistance economy” that depends less and less on Western interlocutors. For this, the Islamic Republic has turned to Russia and China, with which it has developed both economic and military ties. Meanwhile, after years of increasing tensions with its neighbours, it has reached out to deconflict relations with Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf states. Such realignments seem to be overlooked in the capitals of Europe and North America, but are important for an understanding of Iran today.