Sabine Ameer

As the regional conflict intensifies, multilateral institutions such as the United Nations (UN) have become an increasingly important arena in the confrontation between Iran and the Gulf states. Despite mounting international criticism of its regional conduct, Iran continues to attempt to project a positive image of itself within these institutions, even as it carries out indiscriminate attacks on Gulf civilian and energy infrastructure.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the intricate and fragile nature of the global semiconductor supply chain. That shock prompted major powers to reassess their technology development strategies and brought the issue of technological and supply chain sovereignty to the forefront. Now, amid a massive global push to restructure supply chains, the Iran war has sparked fresh concerns about another potential crisis.

In southern Lebanon, Israeli military activity is steadily expanding amid the ongoing war in Iran. Currently framed as a temporary security tactic, Israel’s move risks hardening into a sustained presence, a security buffer zone that pushes the boundary towards the Litani River or in the worst case, a renewed Israeli occupation. This is not without precedent. Israel’s presence in southern Lebanon between 1982 and 2000 also began as a security measure.