Kurdish Policy Analysis

       Iran Isn’t Fighting a War—It’s Targeting the Global Economy Instead March 24, 2026 DUBAI — Iran has directed a significant share of its missile and drone attacks toward the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the ongoing regional conflict, according to figures cited in recent analyses, underscoring what some observers describe as a shift toward targeting economic infrastructure alongside military objectives. The UAE, which has not engaged militarily with Iran and has maintained periods of diplomatic engagement with Tehran, has reportedly been struck by a large volume of projectiles in recent months. The attacks are said to include ballistic missiles and drones, with cumulative launches numbering in the thousands across Gulf-related targets, according to the same accounts . Analysts say the pattern suggests a focus on infrastructure critical to the UAE’s role as a regional commercial and financial hub, rather than purely conventional military targets. Targe...

  Bolton says Iran signals leverage from Hormuz risk, urges tougher approach March 24, 2026 Erbil, Iraq — Former U.S. national security adviser John Bolton said Iran’s ability to disrupt global energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz demonstrates what he described as the country’s leverage over the international economy, arguing that this reality should inform Western policy toward Tehran. In comments shared on social media platform X, Bolton suggested that Iran’s demonstrated capacity to threaten or restrict passage through the narrow waterway—through which a significant share of global oil shipments transit—has broader economic implications beyond the region. He argued that such leverage underscores the strategic importance of the strait and said policymakers should take into account the risks posed by potential disruption to global shipping lanes and energy markets. The remarks come amid heightened tensions involving Iran and its regional posture, with the Strait of Ho...

U.S. overconfidence may be shaping a volatile conflict, Analysts warn Washington may be underestimating Iran Erbil, March 23  —  Pshtiwan Faraj U.S. overconfidence risks misreading Iran’s strategy as war enters volatile phase As the U.S.-led campaign against Iran continues to evolve, some analysts argue that Washington’s initial assumptions about Tehran’s likely response may have underestimated the resilience and strategic options available to the Islamic Republic, raising questions about overconfidence in early planning. The argument, reflected in commentary and analysis such as that published by 1News , suggests that U.S. expectations — including the belief that sustained pressure and limited strikes would quickly degrade Iran’s capacity or force a rapid political concession — have not fully accounted for Iran’s asymmetric doctrine, regional leverage, and willingness to absorb and respond to pressure over time. At the core of the critique is the idea that decision-m...

          WASHINGTON/CAIRO/DOHA/LONDON, March 22 — The United States has presented Iran with a set of stringent conditions tied to a broader proposal aimed at securing a ceasefire and reducing regional tensions, Axios reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. The message was conveyed through intermediaries including Egypt , Qatar , and the United Kingdom , reflecting ongoing indirect diplomacy between Washington and Tehran, the report said. According to Axios, the proposal outlines six major commitments the United States is seeking from Iran as part of any potential de-escalation framework: A five-year suspension of Iran’s missile program A complete halt to uranium enrichment, reducing enrichment activity to zero The closure of nuclear facilities at Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow, described in the report as damaged Acceptance of strict international monitoring and oversight of centrifuges and nuclear infrastructure Regional arms limita...