Iran • Table.Briefings

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

Irans Präsident Masoud Pezeshkian beim Besuch einer Atomforschungsstätte in Teheran.

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)

Analyse | Fokus Iran

November 23rd, 2025

Iran: Wie arabische Golfstaaten das Regime in Teheran zum Einlenken im Atomstreit bewegen wollen

Riad und Abu Dhabi drängen auf eine Verständigung Teherans mit Washington – und locken die iranische Führung mit wirtschaftlicher Unterstützung. Doch trotz taktischer Signale der Öffnung balanciert das Regime weiter zwischen Kompromissbereitschaft und Machtdemonstration.

By Center for Middle East and Global Order (CMEG)

Talk of the town | Middle East

October 20th, 2025

Iran: How Tehran is depriving itself of its own opportunities to shape the situation in Gaza

Iran’s refusal of the invitation to the Gaza summit in Sharm el-Sheikh highlights the dilemma facing the leadership in Tehran. Regional integration and the lifting of sanctions are only possible by abandoning entrenched ideological positions – and recognizing Israel. In cooperation with the Center for Middle East and Global Order (CMEG).

By Center for Middle East and Global Order (CMEG)

Feature | Middle East

September 24th, 2025

Focus on Iran: How the snapback mechanism is driving divisions in the regime

The UN sanctions against Iran will come back into force at the end of the month unless the members of the Security Council agree on a further extension of the easing measures. This is leading to power struggles between hardliners and reformers in Tehran. Our Focus on Iran is published in cooperation with the Center for Middle East and Global Order (CMEG).

By Center for Middle East and Global Order (CMEG)