On 7 October 2023, Hamas and other groups launched an attack on Israel, killing civilians and abducting around 250 people to the Gaza Strip. This marked a new phase in the Middle East conflict. Israel subsequently weakened the 'Axis of Resistance' militarily. In the Gaza Strip, tens of thousands were killed and livelihoods were destroyed. Since the Israeli attacks of 13 June 2025, Iran and Israel have been at war, and the USA participated in for the first time in military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. As a result, the military balance of power in the region has shifted significantly. There is a risk of an expansion of the war with far-reaching consequences. What are the interests and options of the various parties involved, and what approaches are there for achieving sustainable conflict management?
Africa and Middle East (Senior Fellow)
Thematic working group the challenge of autocratisation (Co-Chair)
Africa and Middle East (Deputy Head of Research Division)
Africa and Middle East (Head of Research Division)
Facing a massive attack on its homeland, the Islamic Republic's response has been restrained, driven by vulnerability and the need to avoid U.S. intervention.
Dismantling the Separation of Powers, Takeover of the State Apparatus, and Accelerated Annexation
doi:10.18449/2025C18
doi:10.18449/2025C16
doi:10.18449/2025C11
doi:10.18449/2025C09
The recognition of a Palestinian state remains a highly divisive issue among European governments. Even if EU member states reached consensus, the value of such a move would be largely symbolic.