Abstract This paper examines the ideological and psycho-political mechanisms through which the Islamic Republic of Iran maintains its political legitimacy, sustains social cohesion, and ensures regime durability. The analysis shows how religion, nationalism, economic monopolies, media control, institutional infrastructure, and militarized mobilization function in a
Originality was published in Sevilla University’s journal Araucaria. Abstract The article explores Iran’s “Axis of Resistance,” a regional coalition which includes Syria, and the militant radical groups Hamas, Hezbollah, Iraqi pro-Iranian militias and Yemen’s Houthis, aimed at the annihilation of Israel and countering U.S./Western influence
Originally Published by RAND Corporation The U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear sites Sunday had a concrete strategic objective: thwart Iran’s ability to enrich nuclear material and potentially build nuclear weapons. It was intended to make the world a safer place. At the moment, however, the
Abstract Amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, Hezbollah has remained militarily passive, relying on rhetoric and symbolic gestures over direct engagement. This calculated restraint underscores the organization’s strategic vulnerabilities—domestic opposition, operational setbacks, and deep reliance on Iranian support. The central question now is
In light of the rapidly unfolding “Operation Rising Lion,” the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT) has reached out to our experts and analysts to provide clarity on the evolving situation. These interviews aim to shed light on the broader context, underlying dynamics, security and political dimensions
Download FileDownload On Thursday, 12 JUNE 2025, Israel launched an operation targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and military assets. In response, Iran initiated missile and drone attacks against Israel, though with limited success compared to the scale and precision of the Israeli offensive. In response, Iran
Abstract On March 28, the Islamic Republic of Iran held its annual Ruz-e Jehani-ye Quds (henceforth: Quds Day) ceremony to express the nation’s support for the Palestinians. Iran makes notable efforts to commemorate this event, mobilizing its citizens to flood the streets in a manifestation
The seizure of power in Syria by the Syrian rebels and the overthrow of the Assad regime in a remarkably short period represent a significant blow to the pro-Iranian resistance axis. This is particularly evident in light of the loss of a logistical, economic, and
The fall of the Assad regime within 12 days of the beginning of the rebel offensive, which came down from its stronghold in the Idlib region, is a dramatic, tectonic event, not only for Syria itself but for the entire Middle East, and to a
Abstract During 2020-2023, the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT) at Reichman University conducted comprehensive research examining the challenges of Israel’s multi-front warfare and the implications for Israel’s preparedness in terms of the home front, the frontlines, and various operational arenas. Each chapter of the study
Download Beyond the opportunity to hear from an always impressive lineup of speakers and to directly engage with leading analysts and government officials from all parts of the world, one of the privileges of attending the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT) World Summits over the
Abstract This paper examines the intensifying threats posed by Iran’s expanding influence in Jordan, presenting significant security implications for both Israel and Jordan. Against the backdrop of Israel’s recent operations against Hamas in Gaza and the West Bank, the study explores two primary dynamics shaping
Abstract This paper explores the extensive influence Iran and Hezbollah have cultivated within Shi’a diaspora communities across the globe over the past four decades. By embedding radical clerics and operatives in these communities, Hezbollah has fostered a network of ideological supporters and resources, often using
Abstract This paper explores the evolving alliance between the Iranian regime and al-Qaeda, a relationship that has gained strength following the appointment of Sheikh Seif al-Adel as al-Qaeda’s leader after the assassination of Sheikh Ayman al-Zawahiri. The paper examines the implications of this alliance for
Abstract Since the October 7th Hamas attack and the ongoing war in Gaza, Israel faces a complex security landscape shaped by attacks from Iranian proxies across multiple theaters, including Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Iran. Hezbollah joined the military campaign against Israel to divert its
Published in Hebrew by the Israeli daily Israel Hayom The massacre of 12 Druze children and dozens of wounded in Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights required a powerful response from Israel, following months of a war of attrition waged by Hezbollah against northern Israel,
Expert Insights: Dr. Eitan Azani, Acting Director of the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism Recent events in the Middle East have highlighted that the region resembles a multiplayer game with various local, regional, and international players. This is where the drama unfolds. It is not a
Expert Q&A Abstract Since October 7, 2023, Hezbollah has engaged in a war of attrition against Israel on the northern front, aiming to divert Israeli forces from Gaza. Despite both sides’ stated reluctance for full-scale war, recent escalations have heightened tensions. This report delves into
Abstract This article examines the long-term efforts made by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini to create revolutionary opposition to the rule of Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, while exploiting the evolving relations between Iran and Israel as a blueprint for his proclamations. Khomeini’s anti-Israel policies had both anti-
First published as an op-ed in the Israeli daily Maariv. To understand the threat of the Houthis to Israel since the outbreak of the war against Hamas in Gaza and its regional consequences, it is necessary to understand the unique nature of the organization and
Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran has actively sought to establish itself as a key player both in the Middle East and on the global stage. This ambition has been largely shaped by its antagonistic relations with the United States and Israel, along with critical
Since 9/11 attacks Iran became a safe haven for senior al-Qaeda members as well as a hub for terror activity planning, fund raising, recruiting and more, especially for Sheikh Saif al-Adel, al-Qaeda’s current leader. Al-Adel, that apparently rose to power after the killing of Ayman
In his recent speech broadcast Friday November 3rd, 2023 on Hezbollah’s media channels, Nasrallah addressed several key themes. Firstly, Nasrallah aimed to bolster popular support for the resistance movement by personally appealing to the families of martyrs (57 Hezbollah’s fighters were killed during the war).
Anonymous Sudan, a pro-Islamic hacker group, has recently published a donation campaign on their Telegram channel, urging contributions through various digital currencies. It should be noted that there is no indication that large number of transactions were made to the group. Operating since January 2023,
Recently Belgium reached a shameful deal with Iran: an innocent Belgian aid worker, Olivier Vandecasteele, held for 455 days in Iran on fake charges of spying, was swapped for an Iranian intelligence officer, Assadollah Assadi, convicted to 20 years in prison for orchestrating together with
The ongoing protests in Iran, which began following the death of Mahsa Amini, present a significant challenge to the post-revolutionary regime. The protests have not diminished despite violent suppression efforts by the establishment, and there are several distinguishing features of the current unrest compared to
With the recent elimination of Sheikh Ayman al-Zawahiri at the end of July 2022 and the rise of the new leader for al-Qaeda, Sheik Saif Al-Adel, the organization is now in a position to strengthen its ties with Iran further. While it may seem odd
This article argues that the Iranian regime successfully uses a terrorist blackmail strategy since the 1979 hostage saga of American diplomats at the US Tehran embassy, the bombings against the US Marines and French paratroopers of the Multinational Peace Force in Beirut in 1983, the
Since the end of the last century, Latin America has been a prominent area in which Iran has sought to expand its influence and scope of action. From drug smuggling to money laundering, from fundraising to recruitment and proselytism, even terrorist attacks, Iran-related activities in
One of the major areas terrorist organizations operate to influence their enemy’s public opinion ispropaganda. This war is being waged via traditional media and social media. The last two rounds ofhostilities in Gaza Operation Protective Edge (2014) and Guardian of the Walls (2021) manifested theimportance
