The Evolution of Iran and the Strategic Landscape in the Middle East

Key Chapter Title List

1. Regional Chain Conflicts Triggered by the 2023 Israel-Gaza War
2. Iran's Diplomatic and Security Policy Adaptation to Regional Dynamic Changes
3. The Impact of Israeli Actions on Iran's Non-State Alliance Network
4. Iran's Geopolitical Posture Following the Changes in the Syrian Situation
5. Changes in the Status of the Axis of Resistance After the Death of Hassan Nasrallah
6. The Evolution of Relations Between Iran and the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries
7. The Impact of Regional Developments on Iran's Domestic Politics
8. Conference Participation Guide and Paper Submission Requirements
9. Paper Abstract Submission Specifications and Deadline
10. Final Paper Submission Requirements and Peer Review Mechanism
11. Explanation of Conference-Related Fee Coverage
12. Paper Submission Language Regulations

Document Introduction

The Iran Studies Department of the Arab Research and Policy Studies Center will hold its fifth annual conference from September 17 to 18, 2025. The core theme focuses on Iran and the changing strategic landscape of the Middle East. The backdrop for this conference is the genocidal war launched by Israel against Gaza in 2023, which triggered a chain of conflicts across the region, with Iran positioned at the center of these events.

As Israeli threats continue to escalate, Tehran has had to adjust its foreign and security policies to adapt to the constantly changing regional situation. The non-state alliance network constructed by Iran has been severely impacted by Israeli actions in Palestine and other regions. Other key changes in the regional situation—including the fall of the Syrian regime led by Bashar al-Assad, and the loss of Hassan Nasrallah, the most influential leader of Hezbollah, a core ally of Iran and a key force in the Axis of Resistance—have collectively shaped Iran's current geopolitical posture.

The conference aims to comprehensively explore multiple dimensions of Iran's foreign and security policies, with a focus on analyzing their connections to its surrounding environment and other parts of the Middle East. Core discussion topics include: the evolution of Iran's regional status in the context of the Israel-Gaza war, Iran's relations with regional non-state actors, changes in the status of the Axis of Resistance, Iran's interactions with Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and the impact of regional developments on Iran's domestic politics.

To gather professional expertise, the Iran Studies Department cordially invites academic researchers to submit research papers on relevant topics for participation in the conference. The conference organizing committee will accept paper abstracts of up to 400 words. The submission deadline is March 15, 2025. Researchers must submit their research proposals via an online form (Arabic language link).

Abstract review results will be communicated to researchers as soon as possible after the submission deadline. Participants whose abstracts are approved must submit a final paper draft (6,000-10,000 words, including footnotes and references) by June 1, 2025. All submitted research papers will undergo peer review. Please note that approval of a proposal by the organizing committee does not guarantee that the final paper will be presented at the conference. The committee will inform each researcher of the review results and may provide suggestions for improving research quality or other modifications.

The conference will cover transportation and accommodation costs for researchers whose papers are accepted for presentation but does not provide remuneration related to paper publication. All submitted research results will be considered the intellectual property of the conference. Papers may be submitted in either Arabic or English.