War in Iran: the region and world order under strain

Since 28 February, US and Israeli strikes on Iran have triggered a new phase of instability in the country and across the Middle East, opening a complex chapter. From threats to civilian safety and nuclear tensions to regional spillovers, shifting alliances and energy insecurity, the situation presents uncertain outcomes and far-reaching risks.

As a fragile ceasefire was announced on April 8, several pressing questions remain: what are the prospects for stability in an increasingly fragile regional order? Are Washington and Tel Aviv aligned in the long term as Israel continues its actions in Lebanon? How might Gulf states and Europe position themselves in response? And what protection and support can civilians expect as tensions persist? 

Firouzeh Nahavandi, professor at ULB and specialist in non-Arab Muslim countries and issues related to Islamism and re-Islamisation, joins Tanguy Struye de Swielande, professor at UC Louvain and expert in geopolitics, geoeconomics, and the foreign and defence policies of major powers. Moderated by reporter Wilson Fache, the discussion examines both the visible and underlying dynamics shaping a rapidly evolving Middle East.  

Cover image: Atta Kenare/AFP