Latest Analysis: War with Iran

Amid the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran, CSIS experts examine the military, diplomatic, and geopolitical implications of a conflict that continues to reshape the Middle East and beyond.

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Photo: Fadel SENNA/AFP/Getty Images

Photo: Fadel SENNA/AFP/Getty Images

The Postwar Threat to Gulf Energy Infrastructure

As Gulf states build new pipelines to reduce Iran’s leverage over the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran is likely to adapt. Pipelines offer greater resilience, but remain vulnerable to Iranian missiles, drones, sabotage, and other attacks on critical energy infrastructure.

Report by Daniel Byman and Alden Ness — October 6, 2026

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Photo: Punit PARANJPE/AFP/Getty Images

Geopolitical Implications of the War with Iran

Experts from the CSIS Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department analyze how the war with Iran is reshaping geopolitics across Africa, Asia, Australia and the Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East

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Featured Videos

Is the United States on a Wartime Footing?

How the U.S. Can Stop Iran From Rearming

A New Phase in the Iran War?

Rebuilding the U.S. Missile Inventory

Iran’s Regional Ambitions

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Podcast Episodes

Experts

Seth G. Jones

Seth G. Jones

President, Defense and Security Department; Harold Brown Chair
Daniel Byman

Daniel Byman

Director, Warfare, Irregular Threats, and Terrorism Program
Emily Harding

Emily Harding

Vice President, Defense and Security Department; Director, Intelligence, National Security, and Technology Program
Benjamin Jensen

Benjamin Jensen

Director, Futures Lab and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department
Jon Alterman

Jon B. Alterman

Zbigniew Brzezinski Chair in Global Security and Geostrategy
Will Todman

Will Todman

Chief of Staff, Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department; and Senior Fellow, Middle East Program
Williams

Heather Williams

Director, Project on Nuclear Issues and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department
Joseph Rodgers

Joseph Rodgers

Deputy Director and Fellow, Project on Nuclear Issues

All Latest Analysis: War with Iran Content

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Avoiding Another Long War in Yemen

In the wake of the Riyadh airport attacks, Saudi Arabia risks getting sucked into another long, costly war that ultimately only emboldens the Houthis and deepens the regional conflict. Allison Minor outlines a better approach.

Commentary by Allison Minor — October 15, 2026

“Bunker Busters”: Deep Targets, Shallow Stocks

Bunker buster munitions were once a niche capability required for a small set of special targets. They have now moved into the mainstream as U.S. adversaries have responded to U.S. precision attack munitions by hardening and burying many activities.

Commentary by Mark F. Cancian and Chris H. Park — October 15, 2026

How Iran Smuggles Parts for its Drones | The High Top

In this episode of The High Top, Jon Alterman and Kate Koren examine the cheap commercial chips inside Iran’s weapons, why China and Russia aren’t helping, and what export controls can realistically achieve.

Event — October 7, 2026

Saudi Arabia Faces the Era of Disequilibrium

Saudi Arabia faces a new era of uncertainty. The Iran war has exposed the kingdom to the vulnerabilities of regional conflict, prompting Riyadh to rethink its security partnerships, energy strategy, and Vision 2030 ambitions.

Commentary by Michael Ratney — September 24, 2026

Fueling Discontent 

This installment of Charting the Middle East traces the rapid rise in government-set fuel prices in Syria, highlighting how the Iran war’s economic effects are introducing new risks to regional stability.

Newsletter by Mona Yacoubian and Kira Nygren — September 24, 2026

The Levantine Opportunity in a Churning Middle East

The wars of the past three years have eroded the fragile order of the Middle East. Now, for the first time in decades, the Levant has a chance to create a new alignment and build a regional order centered around strong, inclusive states, stability, and open trade.

Commentary by Paul Salem — September 21, 2026