Cameron Glenn's Blog

US & Iran Clash on Nuclear Deal Compliance

Since late March, U.S. and Iranian officials have accused each other of taking actions that undermine the nuclear deal. On April 1, President Barack Obama accused Iran of not following the “spirit” of the agreement by engaging in test launches of ballistic missiles on March 8 and 9. Chief of Staff…

Economic Trends: February and March

Cameron Glenn In February and March, Iran began reaping the economic benefits of the nuclear deal that was implemented in January. Following the lifting or suspension of E.U., U.S. and U.N. sanctions, the Islamic Republic hosted trade delegations, inked lucrative deals, and boosted oil exports to 2…

Election Results 2: Assembly of Experts

Cameron GlennHardliners suffered a serious setback in Iran’s election for a new Assembly of Experts, a body of 88 clerics and scholars tasked with overseeing and appointing the supreme leader. Candidates aligned with former President Hashemi Rafsanjani and current President Hassan Rouhani, who have…

Economic Trends: January 2016

Cameron GlennThe most significant development in January was the implementation of the nuclear deal, which awarded Iran partial relief from U.S., U.N., and E.U. sanctions. European and Asian companies quickly took steps to establish a foothold in the Middle East’s second largest economy.  Days…

Iran Reaches Out to East and West

Cameron GlennIn the two weeks following implementation of the nuclear deal, Iran reached out to Europe and Asia in a series of high-profile visits. Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Iran on January 22 and 23, marking the first Chinese presidential visit to Iran in 14 years. On January 25,…

Iranians Held in United States

Iranian officials have called for the release of at least 19 Iranians jailed in the United States. According to Reuters, 11 of the men have U.S. citizenship.  More than 100 people have reportedly been charged or convicted of violating Iran sanctions since 2008. Most, however, have served their…

Iran v Saudi Arabia: Four-Part Series

The following is a four-part series comparing politics, ideology, leadership, and women's issues in Iran and Saudi Arabia - two Middle Eastern powers that have been rivals for more than 30 years.Part 1: Islam's Arch RivalsPart 2: Government & IdeologyPart 3: LeadershipPart 4: Women &…

Iran v Saudi Arabia: Islam’s Arch Rivals

Cameron GlennIran and Saudi Arabia have been regional rivals for more than 30 years, but they have at least one thing in common: Both present themselves as pure, idealized states based on Islam. In practice, however, their unique blends of religion and politics are starkly different.Iran is a…

Iran v Saudi Arabia: Government & Ideology

Cameron GlennGovernmentIran and Saudi Arabia both claim to be model states based on Islam. But Iran is a theocracy with democratic elements, and Saudi Arabia is a hereditary monarchy. Iran’s political system is based on Shiism, while Saudi Arabia has strong ties to Wahhabism, a conservative branch…

Iran v Saudi Arabia: Leadership

Cameron GlennCurrent leadersBoth Iran and Saudi Arabia are ruled by leaders with virtually unchecked authority. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been Iran's supreme leader since 1989, and King Salman has ruled Saudi Arabia since January 2015.   Iran  Saudi ArabiaSupreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei  …