At the start of the week, Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz caused a steep increase in gas, oil, and electricity prices for the coming months. The key indicator for the filling of European gas storage facilities has turned negative.
By Manuel Berkel
Iran also maintains close ties to Africa. A central figure is Ibraheem Zakzaky, a Shiite cleric from northern Nigeria.
By Lucia Weiß
China backs Iran in the Middle East conflict, but behind the gestures lie above all economic interests. Securing trade routes is crucial for Beijing to protect its energy imports.
By Amelie Richter
Europeans have been guarded in their comments on “Operation Epic Fury,” the military action being taken by the US and Israel in Iran. They criticize Iran’s arbitrary counterattacks, warn against escalation, and avoid explicit criticism so as not to anger the Trump administration.
By Stephan Israel
Iran’s counterstrikes – alongside attacks on Israel – are hitting the Gulf states particularly hard. Yet the latter’s economic model depends on stability in the Middle East – a reliance that, if the conflict drags on, is likely to translate into criticism of their US ally.
By Markus Bickel and Viktor Funk
China is responding cautiously to US strikes in Iran, even though Iran is an important strategic partner. Reactions inside China and across the Chinese diaspora vary widely.
By Fabian Kretschmer
Israel and the United States are preparing for days of airstrikes against Iranian military facilities and government sites. Whether the population turns against the regime in Tehran as a result remains unclear.
By Markus Bickel
Respite in the conflict between Iran and the US: Following talks in Geneva, military action by the US has been postponed, at least for the time being. The United States aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford is expected to arrive in the port of Haifa today.
By Markus Bickel
The second round of negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program has just concluded in Geneva. Now the leadership in Tehran is deploying naval forces to the Gulf of Oman for joint maneuvers with Russian units.
By Markus Bickel
In Bratislava, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said President Donald Trump is seeking a negotiated solution with Iran. For the first time, Tehran publicly signaled its willingness to discuss issues beyond its nuclear program. Meanwhile, 250,000 people gathered in Munich alone to demand the fall of the regime.
By Markus Bickel and Nana Brink
