Diplomacy 101: Undiplomatically Speaking
Where Beliefs Clash and Stories Flash
Axis of Isolation: Iran, Israel, and the Global Divide
As Israel intensified operations in Rafah, Iran crossed a threshold. In a speech commemorating Quds Day, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei publicly acknowledged Iran’s “strategic support” for armed groups operating against Israel from Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq—an unusual level of openness. U.S. CENTCOM responded by redeploying air assets to the Gulf, while French forces in Jordan increased regional surveillance flights.
At the same time, the International Atomic Energy Agency released a quietly damning report on Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, now surpassing pre-JCPOA levels. While diplomacy has stalled, backchannels remain active via Oman and Qatar. European leaders are increasingly torn between reengaging Iran or doubling down on containment.
In Latin America, Mexico hosted a summit of CELAC nations, where a rare consensus emerged on opposing external military bases in the region. While largely symbolic, the statement signals growing unease over great power rivalries playing out on southern soil.