Country
Iran
Afghanistan-Iran Complete First Trial Run of Khaf-Herat Railway
By Sophia Nina Burna-Asefi
The two countries, faced with sanctions and political isolation, are not completely isolated from global networks.
A Compulsive Embrace Beneath the Afghanistan-Iran Water Conflict
By Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
Kabul and Tehran have conflicting claims over the Helmand river’s water, but other mutual interests bind the two sides together despite this point of contention.
The High Costs of India’s INSTC Ambitions
By Seamus Duffy
The country risks being pulled into the middle of ongoing tensions between the West and Israel on the one hand and Iran on the other.
China in Iran-Saudi Arabia Relations: Impact on Israel
By Mercy A. Kuo
Insights from Mordechai Chaziza.
Why China Is Looking for a Bigger Role in the Middle East
By Mu Chunshan
China's brokering of the Iran-Saudi Arabia agreement advances several diplomatic priorities for Beijing.
What the Iran-Saudi Agreement Reveals About China’s Approach to Conflict Management
By Guy Burton
Beijing prefers to lead from behind, engaging in “quasi-mediation” on diplomatic processes that are already in motion.
Iran-Saudi Arabia Reconciliation Is an Opportunity for Pakistan
By Ureeda Khan
As Iran’s neighbor, Saudi Arabia’s partner, and China’s key ally, Pakistan will see major benefits from the recent diplomatic breakthrough.
The Broader Context Behind China’s Mediation Between Iran and Saudi Arabia
By Mehran Haghirian and Jacopo Scita
When it was clear that an agreement was possible to finalize the détente, China took the mantle of responsibility and the role of a direct mediator.
Iran, Saudi Arabia Agree to Resume Ties, With China’s Help
By Jon Gambrell
The major diplomatic breakthrough, negotiated in Beijing with China as mediator, is a demonstration of China's influence in the Middle East.
This Week in Asia: March 10, 2023
The Diplomat’s weekly video round-up of Asia news.
Is Iran Distancing Itself From the Taliban Government?
By Hamza Boltaev
Iran is arguably disappointed with the Taliban, but will Tehran take a step back from the relationship?
Can China Be the JCPOA’s Last Hope?
By Jacopo Scita
As demonstrated during President Raisi’s visit to China, a return to the Iran nuclear deal is very much in Beijing’s interests. So why is China not pushing for exactly that?