Publications

Iran Update Special Report, June 24, 2025, Evening Edition

June 24, 2025 - ISW Press

Israel conducted a two-week air campaign with the objective of degrading, destroying and removing the threat of Iran’s nuclear program.

Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, June 24, 2025

June 24, 2025 - ISW Press

NATO General Secretary Mark Rutte assessed that Russia is the largest existential threat to NATO members today and that Russia is preparing for a protracted war with NATO.

Iran Update Special Report, June 24, 2025, Morning Edition

June 24, 2025 - ISW Press

The ceasefire between Iran and Israel appears to be holding despite both Israeli and Iranian claims of violations. Israel has responded to perceived Iranian violations of the ceasefire but has not resumed its campaign at this time.

Kabila’s Return to the DRC: Africa File Special Edition

June 24, 2025 - ISW Press

Former Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila has reentered Congolese politics amid the eastern DRC crisis after a multiyear hiatus. Kabila remained outside of the DRC for more than a year and kept a low profile until he began remobilizing his political networks to “organize his return to the forefront” in late 2024.

Iran Update Special Report, June 23, 2025, Evening Edition

June 23, 2025 - ISW Press

US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Iran agreed to a ceasefire, beginning the evening of June 23. A senior Iranian official confirmed to Reuters that the ceasefire would occur following Qatari mediation.

Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, June 23, 2025

June 23, 2025 - ISW Press

The Kremlin continues to only diplomatically support Iran, showcasing the limitations in the Russian-Iranian strategic relationship. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Russian Presidential Aide Yuriy Ushakov, and Chief of the Russian General Staff's Main Directorate (GRU) Igor Kostykov met with Iranian Foreign Affairs Minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow on June 23.

Russian Occupation Update, June 23, 2025

June 23, 2025 - ISW Press

Russian occupation administrators attended the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) to secure additional investment and development opportunities for the occupied regions of Ukraine. Russia's investment in occupied Ukraine is driven by two predominant factors: first, the desire to reap economic benefit from the occupation, and second, to further integrate occupied Ukraine into the Russian sphere of influence using economic levers.

Iran Update Special Report, June 23, 2025, Morning Edition

June 23, 2025 - ISW Press

Khatam ol Anbia Central Headquarters Spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaghari similarly warned that Iran’s response would be “decisive” and “unpredictable.”

Iranian Calculus and Response Options following the US strikes

June 23, 2025 - ISW Press

Iranian leaders are currently calibrating their response to the United States' striking their nuclear program. How they ultimately respond will depend on what they conclude is necessary to preserve the Islamic Republic and ensure its longevity. That conclusion will, in turn, derive from how Iranian leaders understand their current situation and their risk tolerance. The following is an assessment that examines these factors and what key decisions Tehran is facing and how it will likely proceed.

China-Taiwan Weekly Update, June 23, 2025

June 23, 2025 - ISW Press

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) condemned Israeli strikes on Iran and has publicly advocated for de-escalation in order to protect its interests. PRC support for Iran remains primarily economic, aligning with broader PRC efforts to cast itself as a mediator.

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