Iran • Table.Briefings

January 16th, 2026

Trump backs away from military threats against Iran

Instead of military strikes, US President Donald Trump is increasing the pressure on the leadership in Tehran with sanctions against the regime of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

By Markus Bickel

News | Iran

January 15th, 2026

Iran: Wang Yi stresses strong ties in call with counterpart

China’s foreign minister urges “dialogue and restraint” amid protests in Iran. State media make no mention of violence against civilians.

By Leonardo Pape

News | Trade war

January 13th, 2026

Iran: How Beijing is reacting to Trump's tariff threat

China rejects the new US tariff threats against Iran. If Donald Trump were to enforce them, the tariff rate would once again be significantly higher than before the agreement between Trump and Xi Jinping in October.

By Redaktion Table

News | Iran

January 13th, 2026

Why the way to listing the Iranian Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization could now be clear

The EU is discussing further sanctions against Iran. The focus is on those responsible for the violent suppression of protests and a possible listing of the Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization.

By Stephan Israel and Sara Sievert

Feature | Middle East

January 12th, 2026

Iran: Why concerns about US military strikes are growing

The regime in Tehran is reacting with counter-threats to Donald Trump’s warnings of US intervention.

By Markus Bickel

News | Iran

January 12th, 2026

Iran: Von der Leyen appeals to leadership in Tehran

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for the immediate release of all protesters detained in Iran and the full restoration of internet access across the country.

By Redaktion Table

Der iranische Präsident Masoud Pezeshkian bei einem Treffen mit Xi Jinping im September 2025.

News | Iran

January 9th, 2026

Iran: Regime exerts internal pressure and seeks proximity to China

The Iranian regime is increasingly seeking proximity to China in the face of growing pressure from the United States. The strategic alliance offers China influence on a changing world order, but protection for the mullah regime remains limited.

By Fabian Peltsch and Angela Köckritz

Feature | Focus on Iran

January 7th, 2026

Focus on Iran: Why more and more bazaar traders are turning against the regime

These are the biggest protests in Iran for years – and the regime is crushing them with all its might. However, in contrast to 2022, discontent over the desolate economic situation is playing a major role, which makes merchants particularly important.

By Center for Middle East and Global Order (CMEG)

Feature | Geopolitics

January 5th, 2026

Iran: How far does China’s protection of the mullah regime really go?

As pressure from the United States intensifies, Iran’s leadership is increasingly seeking closer ties with China. For Beijing, the strategic partnership offers leverage in a shifting world order. For the mullah regime, however, China’s protection has clear limits.

By Fabian Peltsch and Angela Köckritz

Feature | Focus on Iran

November 24th, 2025

Iran: How Arab Gulf states want to persuade the regime in Tehran to give in in the nuclear dispute

Riyadh and Abu Dhabi are pushing for Tehran to reach an understanding with Washington – and are enticing the Iranian leadership with economic support. But despite tactical signals of openness, the regime continues to balance between a willingness to compromise and a demonstration of power.

By Center for Middle East and Global Order (CMEG)