Tannaz Karimi

Think Tank Diplomacy in Tehran

Think Tank Diplomacy in Tehran: Beijing Reaffirms Its Strategic Partnership with Iran

At a meeting with representatives of Iranian think tanks hosted by KHANA on July 2026, Cong peiwu, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Iran, reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Iran. The event also marked the launch of the Chinese-language website of KHANA, highlighting growing people-to-people and think tank […]

Think Tank Diplomacy in Tehran: Beijing Reaffirms Its Strategic Partnership with Iran Read More »

Ambiguity in International Law in The Islamabad Memorandum

The Islamabad Memorandum: Between Crisis Management and Lasting Peace

The Islamabad Memorandum is best described as a hybrid framework positioned between a political interim arrangement and a legally binding international agreement, functioning primarily as a crisis-management mechanism aimed at stabilizing tensions rather than conclusively resolving disputes. Security and Sovereignty: Ambiguity in International Law in The Islamabad Memorandum The framework reflects general principles of the

The Islamabad Memorandum: Between Crisis Management and Lasting Peace Read More »

Iran's Soft Power

Reconstructing Iran’s Soft Power after the 2026 war

This study examines how Iran’s soft power has evolved in an international system where influence is increasingly shaped by media, digital communication, and cognitive warfare , alongside traditional military power. Iran’s Soft Power Before the 2026 war Before the war, Iran had strong cultural and ideological foundations of soft power, including resistance discourse, regional influence,

Reconstructing Iran’s Soft Power after the 2026 war Read More »

Iran's Energy Sector After The U.S. and Iran MoU

Iran’s Energy Sector After The U.S. and Iran MoU

This report explores how a temporary understanding between Iran and the United States could reshape Iran’s oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors. It argues that while sanctions relief and reduced geopolitical tensions may improve trade, investment, technology transfer, and financial access, sustainable growth depends on strategic domestic policymaking. The study emphasizes that external opportunities should be

Iran’s Energy Sector After The U.S. and Iran MoU Read More »

Regional Value Chains and Iran's Economic Integration

Regional Value Chains and Iran’s Economic Integration: Opportunities, Trade Policy and Strategic Pathways

Globalization and production specialization have expanded global value chains, boosting efficiency and growth. However, recent geopolitical and economic disruptions have increased the importance of regional value chains. Developing countries must leverage these shifts to strengthen their integration and enhance economic development. International and Regional Experiences: Opportunities and Requirements Understanding regional value chains requires examining successful

Regional Value Chains and Iran’s Economic Integration: Opportunities, Trade Policy and Strategic Pathways Read More »

The Export Consortium Paradox: Redefining Collective Cooperation in a Sanctioned Economy

The Export Consortium Paradox: Redefining Collective Cooperation in a Sanctioned Economy

In the contemporary economic landscape of Iran, export consortiums have transitioned from traditional mechanisms for capacity-pooling into vital instruments for systemic resilience and survival within global value chains. In an environment defined by severe external pressures and international sanctions, collective action is no longer merely a strategic preference; it has become an absolute imperative for

The Export Consortium Paradox: Redefining Collective Cooperation in a Sanctioned Economy Read More »

Western Bloc Explained: Why It Opposes Iran and Global Rivals

Why Does the Western Bloc Often Oppose Countries Like Iran?

The Western Bloc Explained The “West” or “Global North” is often described as a U.S.-led political, military, economic, and technological alliance rather than just a cultural group. It includes the United States, Canada, most of Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and close security partners. Why Does the Western Bloc Act Collectively? These countries are connected

Why Does the Western Bloc Often Oppose Countries Like Iran? Read More »

Challenges and Misguided Policies in Iran’s Steel Industry

Challenges and Misguided Policies in Iran’s Steel Industry

A specialized panel discussion on the development strategies of Iran’s steel value chain in the post-war era was held at KHANA. Experts examined the key challenges facing the steel sector, highlighting the impact of ineffective policy-making, market intervention, and structural inefficiencies on the future of the industry. According to participants, despite Iran’s significant steel production

Challenges and Misguided Policies in Iran’s Steel Industry Read More »

How Hezbollah Rebuilt for a War of Attrition with Israel

How Hezbollah Rebuilt Itself For a War of Attrition With Israel?

In his note, Hadi Masoumi Zare addresses the post-war condition of Hezbollah in Lebanon and examines how the group has responded to recent heavy losses. He responds to the question of whether Hezbollah has been permanently weakened or whether it is capable of rapid recovery and adaptation under new security conditions. He argues that, despite

How Hezbollah Rebuilt Itself For a War of Attrition With Israel? Read More »

Iran and Pakistan Trade Development

Iran–Pakistan Trade Development: Opportunities for Economic Cooperation

Iran and Pakistan have strong potential to expand bilateral trade thanks to their shared border, cultural ties, and complementary economies. However, sanctions, weak trade coordination, inadequate border infrastructure, and logistics challenges continue to limit trade growth. Enhancing connectivity and regional cooperation is essential to unlocking the full potential of Iran–Pakistan economic relations. Iran–Pakistan Trade Relations

Iran–Pakistan Trade Development: Opportunities for Economic Cooperation Read More »