Iran6 minIran–US Conflict 2026: What Is Happening and Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters
A dated, evidence-led guide to the 2026 Iran–US conflict, the Strait of Hormuz, nuclear negotiations, Gulf bases and possible escalation paths.
Research cluster · 8 articles
Middle East History and Current Affairs
Dated explainers on Iran, Israel, the United States, the Houthis, sectarian history, nuclear policy and strategic waterways.
Iran6 minIran6 minIran–Israel Conflict: How a Shadow War Became Open Warfare
The historical roots of the Iran–Israel conflict, from pre-1979 cooperation to covert operations, proxy networks and the open military phase of 2026.
Houthis6 minWho Are the Houthis? Yemen, Iran and the Red Sea Attacks Explained
An evidence-led guide to the Houthi movement, Zaydi history, Yemen’s civil war, Iranian support and attacks affecting Red Sea shipping.
Strait of Hormuz6 minThe Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb: Why Two Narrow Waterways Matter to the World
A map-based explanation of the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, energy flows, Suez shipping and the economic risks of simultaneous disruption.
Iran Nuclear Programme6 minIran’s Nuclear Programme: Uranium Enrichment, IAEA Inspections and Sanctions
A technical but accessible guide to enrichment, IAEA verification, the 2015 nuclear agreement, sanctions and the unresolved questions in 2026.
Shia Islam6 minIranian Shia Muslims: Twelver Shiism, the Safavids and Modern Iran
How Iran became predominantly Twelver Shia, the role of the Safavids, religious authority, Karbala memory and the political system created after 1979.
Sunni Islam6 minSunni and Shia Islam: The Historical Split, Beliefs and Practices
A neutral guide to the succession dispute, caliphate and imamate, shared beliefs, ritual differences and the modern politics of sectarian conflict.
Judaism, Israel and Zionism: What Is the Difference?
A clear distinction between Judaism as a religion and civilization, Jewish identity, the State of Israel and the diverse political movements called Zionism.