The Hormuz crisis is not merely a regional conflict but a case study in the limits of conventional military power
The escalating conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States has directly impacted the security dynamics of the Strait of Hormuz. The geography of strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz makes it both a vulnerability and a geopolitical leverage. The strait is deep and wide enough to handle the world's largest crude oil tankers, and it is one of the world’s most important chokepoints...
The Israeli Polygon versus the Sunni Arc
On the eve of the conflict with Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, Israeli leadership outlined its vision of the shifting bloc architecture in the Middle East and adjacent regions. Six days before the start of the military operation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
announced
the formation of a “hexagonal alliance within or around the Middle East,” whose participants, he stated, would share ...
... Speak
A survey of global leaders’ reactions reveals a consistent pattern: skepticism toward the war’s timing, rationale, and potential consequences.
Leaders in Turkey have openly criticized the escalation, framing it as destabilizing for the broader Middle East.
Officials in Pakistan have emphasized the need for diplomacy and warned against actions that could trigger wider regional conflict.
China has called for restraint and reiterated its support for negotiated solutions, positioning itself as ...
On March 16, 2026, the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC) hosted a conference “Conflicts in Middle East and North Africa: Escalation Factors and Transformation Tracks”
On March 16, 2026, the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC) hosted a conference “Conflicts in Middle East and North Africa: Escalation Factors and Transformation ...
Even if Israel and the Trump administration entered the battle against Iran together, there is probably a difference in their perspectives on the goals of the current conflict
This wave of escalation would be distinct from its predecessors in 2024 and 2025, as was evident from the early hours of the joined American and Israeli strikes on Iran on the morning of February 28, 2026. The reason for this discrepancy is that
49 senior regime leaders were killed
in the initial strikes of Operation Epic...
... stable position no matter how the situation develops. But ending the conflict is more beneficial for India than continuing it.
Russia
The results of the first round of the campaign are likely to be beneficial to Moscow. The US focus has shifted to the Middle East, and with it, so have its resources. Iran is withstanding the onslaught. Oil and gas prices have soared. Russia’s income may increase, which is important for maintaining macroeconomic stability. Energy shortages provide Russia with political ...
On January 21, 2026, a roundtable discussion titled “The Situation in the Middle East: Risks of Military Escalation Around Iran” was held at the Izvestia Multimedia Information Center
On January 21, 2026, a roundtable discussion titled “The Situation in the Middle East: Risks of Military Escalation Around Iran” was ...
On January 21, 2026, a roundtable discussion titled “The Situation in the Middle East: Risks of Military Escalation Around Iran” was held at the Izvestia Multimedia Information Center
On January 21, 2026, a roundtable discussion titled “The Situation in the Middle East: Risks of Military Escalation Around Iran” was ...
An attack on Iran would not bring security to the Middle East; it would bring chaos
For the past several weeks, the possibility of a military attack on Iran has dominated political debate, media coverage, and strategic calculations across West Asia. Whether such an attack has been delayed, postponed,...
... the roundtable took part Head of the Department of Israel and the Jewish communities, Institute of Oriental Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) Viktor Smirnov, Valdai Discussion Club Expert Andrey Kortunov, Lead Researcher of the Center for the Middle East Studies, IMEMO, RAS Nikolay Sukhov, Head of the Regional Relations Study Group, Center for the Middle East Studies, IMEMO, RAS Liudmila Samarskaya, Senior Researcher of the Center for the Middle East Studies, Institute of Oriental Studies,...
