MOUNT LITERA ZEE SCHOOL

MLZS MODEL UNITED

NATIONS
2026

BACKGROUND
GUIDE
UNSC BACKGROUND
GUIDE
 Table of Contents
1 . letter from the executive

2About the Committee

● Structure and Membership

● Powers and Mandate

● How Debates Work

[Link] the Agenda

● Key Questions the Council Must Address

4. Historical Background of US–Iran Relations

● Key Historical Timeline

5. Geopolitical Dimensions of the Conflict

● The Saudi Arabia–Iran Rivalry

● Israel and the Security Dimension

● Russia, China, and Great-Power Competition

● The Strait of Hormuz — A Global Chokepoint

● Proxy Warfare and the 'Axis of Resistance'

● Cyber Warfare and Technological Competition

6. International Security Implications

• Risk of Military Escalation

• Nuclear Proliferation

• Terrorism and Non-State Armed Groups

• Humanitarian Consequences

• Maritime Security

• Energy Markets and the Global Economy

7. Role of the United Nations and International Law

• The Security Council's Mandate

• Previous UNSC Resolutions

 • The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

•  The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

• Sovereignty, Intervention, and the UN Charter

8 Case Studies and Recent Developments

• The Strait of Hormuz Tanker Crisis (2019)

• Houthi Maritime Attacks (2023–2024)

• Israel–Hamas War

• Iran–Israel Escalation

• Saudi–Iran Normalisation (2023)

• Iran–Russia Defence Cooperation

10. Stakeholder Analysis

• Iran

• Israel

• United States

• Saudi Arabia

• Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

• Russia

• China

• European Union

• Non-State Actors

11. Possible Courses of Action

• Diplomatic Initiatives

• Maritime Security Measures

• Humanitarian Response

• Nuclear Non-Proliferation

• Regional Confidence-Building Measures

• Energy Security
12. Questions a Resolution Should Address
13. Further Reading and References
 1. Letter from the Executive Board
Dear delegates,

Welcome to mount litera zee school model united nations 2026

As we prepare to convene the United Nations Security Council, we anticipate engaging in

discussions and innovative solutions from each of [Link] all MUN participants, we look
forward to your continued excellence and leadership. To those joining for the first time, we
are excited to guide you through this enriching experience. Our expectations center not on
eloquence or prior experience, but on your ability to navigate diverse viewpoints .

The background guide provided offers a foundation for your research and initial positions
.However, we encourage you to delve deeper into the agenda's nuances to contribute to a
more comprehensive debate.

As you prepare, consider not just your country's stance, but also potential areas of
cooperation and compromise. The most effective delegates are those who can balance firm
advocacy with diplomatic flexibility. We are here to support your journey throughout this
conference. Don't hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns. Let's work together to
make this conference not only productive but also a memorable learning experience for all.
Wishing you the best in your preparations.
We look forward to witnessing your diplomacy in action.

Best Regards,

Executive Board
 2. About the Committee
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is the most powerful body within the
United Nations system. Established under the UN Charter in 1945, the Security Council
bears the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. Unlike
most UN bodies,whose resolutions are advisory or recommendatory in nature, decisions
made by the Security Council under Chapter VII of the UN Charter are legally binding on
all 193 member states.

• Structure and Membership

The Security Council comprises fifteen members: five Permanent Members (P5) and ten
Non-Permanent Members elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms. The
Permanent Members are:

• The United States of America • The United Kingdom • France • The Russian Federation •
The People's Republic of China

Each of the P5 nations holds the power of veto, perhaps the most consequential tool in
international diplomacy. A single negative vote by any permanent member can block any
substantive resolution, regardless of how many other members support it. This power has
made the Security Council both effective in some crises and frustratingly paralysed in others.

• Powers and Mandate

The UNSC operates under two key chapters of the UN Charter:

• Chapter VI: Calls upon parties to disputes to seek peaceful solutions through
negotiation,mediation, arbitration, or judicial settlement. The Council may investigate
disputes and recommend terms of resolution.

• Chapter VII: Authorises the Security Council to take action with respect to threats to the
peace, breaches of the peace, and acts of aggression. This includes the imposition of
sanctions, arms embargoes, and the authorisation of the use of military force.

The UNSC also plays a central role in establishing and mandating UN peacekeeping
operations, authorising the deployment of peacekeepers to conflict zones, and determining
the scope of their mandate.

• How Debates Work

In UNSC simulations, delegates engage in formal debate (moderated and unmoderated)
introduce draft resolutions, negotiate amendments, and ultimately vote on whether to adopt
binding measures. The diplomatic culture of the Security Council is marked by strategic
positioning, careful language, and in effective sessions, genuine compromise. Understanding
your country's alliances, interests, and red lines is essential before entering the chamber.
 3. About the Agenda
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is convened to deliberate on the agenda:
"Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Addressing the State of War in
the Middle East and Escalating Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz Amid Severe
Disruptions and Restricted Passage of Shipping."

The Middle East remains one of the world's most volatile regions, with ongoing armed
conflicts, geopolitical rivalries, and the involvement of regional and global powers
threatening international peace and security. Simultaneously, escalating tensions in the Strait
of Hormuz—a vital maritime chokepoint through which a significant portion of the world's
oil and liquefied natural gas is transported—have raised serious concerns over freedom of
navigation, global energy security, and economic stability. As the primary body responsible
for maintaining international peace and security, the Security Council must evaluate the
causes and consequences of the conflict while balancing the principles of sovereignty,
international law, and humanitarian protection. Delegates are expected to propose practical,
diplomatic, and sustainable solutions that reduce regional tensions, safeguard maritime
security, protect civilians, and prevent further escalation.

WHY THIS MATTERS GLOBALLY

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman, handles approximately
20% of the world's oil trade. Any major conflict involving Iran could choke global energy
supplies, trigger economic shocks in oil-importing nations, and create cascading humanitarian
crises far beyond the Middle East.

• Key Questions the Council Must Address

1. How can the Security Council prevent further military escalation and promote
lasting peace in the Middle East?

2. What measures can ensure the security and freedom of navigation through the Strait
of Hormuz while safeguarding international trade and energy supplies?

3. How should the international community address the role of proxy warfare and non-
state armed groups in regional instability?

4. What diplomatic, legal, and humanitarian mechanisms can be employed to protect

civilians and ensure compliance with international law?

5. How can the Security Council encourage dialogue among regional and global
stakeholders to achieve long-term stability and prevent future conflicts?
4 .Historical Background of US–Iran Relations
The current tensions between the United States and Iran are not the product of recent years
alone. They are the culmination of more than seven decades of entanglement marked by
coups, revolutions, wars, sanctions, and occasional, always fragile diplomacy.

Key Historical Timeline

• 1953- CIA-backed coup ('Operation Ajax') overthrows Iran's democratically

elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh and restores Shah Mohammad
Reza Pahlavi to power. The Shah pursues pro-Western policies, fuelling
resentment among Iranian nationalists and religious conservatives.
• 1979 The Islamic Revolution overthrows the Shah. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini
establishes the Islamic Republic of Iran. US embassy staff taken hostage in
Tehran by revolutionary students — 52 Americans held for 444 days. US-Iran
relations severed.
• 1980–88 Iran–Iraq War. The US covertly supports Saddam Hussein's Iraq,
including providing intelligence on Iranian troop movements. Deepens Iranian
mistrust of American intentions in the region.
• 1995–96 The US imposes comprehensive unilateral sanctions on Iran over
alleged support for terrorism and pursuit of nuclear weapons. The sanctions
regime expanded significantly over subsequent decades.
• 2002 An Iranian opposition group reveals the existence of undisclosed nuclear
facilities at Natanz and Arak, triggering international concerns about Iran's
nuclear ambitions.
• 2003–05 EU-3 (France, Germany, UK) engage Iran in nuclear diplomacy. Iran
suspends uranium enrichment temporarily but no lasting deal is reached.
• 2006–10 The UN Security Council adopts multiple resolutions (1737, 1747, 1803,
1929) imposing sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme. Iran responds by
expanding enrichment activities.
• 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) signed between Iran and the
P5+1 (US, UK, France, Russia, China + Germany). Iran agrees to limit nuclear
activities in exchange for sanctions relief.
• 2018 President Trump withdraws the US from the JCPOA. Re-imposes sweeping
sanctions on Iran under the 'maximum pressure' policy. Iran gradually resumes
nuclear activities.
• Jan 2020 A US drone strike kills Major General Qasem Soleimani, commander
of Iran's Quds Force and architect of Iran's regional proxy strategy, near
Baghdad International Airport. Iran retaliates with missile strikes on US
military bases in Iraq.
• 2021–24 Indirect JCPOA revival talks in Vienna stall repeatedly. Iran advances
uranium enrichment to near-weapons-grade levels. Proxy tensions escalate
across Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon.
 • 2025–26 Regional tensions remain elevated. Iran continues nuclear advances.
The US maintains maximum pressure. IAEA reports deepening concerns. UNSC
now convenes to deliberate.

[Link] Dimensions of the

Conflict
The US–Iran conflict cannot be understood in isolation. It is embedded in a broader
geopolitical architecture involving regional powers, global energy dependencies, military
alliances, and ideological competitions. Understanding these dimensions is essential for any
delegate seeking to engage meaningfully in committee.

• The Saudi Arabia–Iran Rivalry

Perhaps the most combustible regional dynamic is the rivalry between Iran (a Shia-majority
theocracy) and Saudi Arabia (a Sunni monarchy and US ally). The two nations contest
religious. leadership of the Islamic world, regional hegemony, and influence over oil pricing.
Their competition has fuelled proxy wars in Yemen, Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon — conflicts in
which millions of civilians have been caught in the crossfire.

• Israel and the Security Dimension

Israel views Iran's nuclear programme and regional network of proxy militias —
particularly Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza — as existential threats. Israel has
conducted repeated airstrikes on Iranian-linked targets in Syria and has engaged in a
sustained covert campaign against Iran's nuclear infrastructure, including cyber attacks
and targeted assassinations of nuclear scientists. Israel's security calculus is deeply
intertwined with US policy and UNSC deliberations.

• Russia, China, and Great-Power Competition

Both Russia and China — permanent UNSC members — maintain strategic relationships
with Iran. Russia and Iran have coordinated militarily in Syria and share interest in
countering US influence in the Middle East. China is Iran's largest trading partner and has
resisted Western-led sanctions regimes. Their veto power in the UNSC means that any
resolution on Iran must navigate their strategic interests. This makes the Council's task
diplomatically complex.

• The Strait of Hormuz — A Global Chokepoint

The Strait of Hormuz is a 33-kilometre-wide waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the
Gulf of Oman. Approximately 20–21 million barrels of oil pass through it daily —
roughly one-fifth of global supply. Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the Strait in
 response to Western pressure. The United States maintains a naval presence in the region
specifically to deter such action. Any closure — even temporary — would trigger global
energy shocks.

STRATEGIC INSIGHT: The Strait of Hormuz

If Iran were to blockade or significantly disrupt traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, the
International Energy Agency estimates that the impact on oil prices could be catastrophic.
Nations in Asia — particularly China, India, Japan, and South Korea — which depend
heavily on Gulf oil, would be among the hardest hit. This is why even non-Western powers
have a vital interest in maintaining stability in this waterway.

• Proxy Warfare and the 'Axis of Resistance'

Iran has cultivated a network of state and non-state actors across the Middle East — often
described as the 'Axis of Resistance' — including Hezbollah (Lebanon), Hamas (Gaza), the
Houthis (Yemen), and various Shia militias in Iraq and Syria. These groups serve as force
multipliers for Iranian influence while providing Tehran with plausible deniability for direct
aggression. Their activities have destabilised governments, displaced populations, and drawn
in foreign military interventions.

• Cyber Warfare and Technological Competition

The US–Iran conflict has extended into cyberspace. The Stuxnet worm — believed to have
been developed jointly by the US and Israel — destroyed Iranian nuclear centrifuges in the
early 2010s. Iran has responded with sophisticated cyber attacks on US financial institutions,
Saudi oil infrastructure (the Shamoon attack), and critical infrastructure across the region.
Cyber warfare represents a relatively new dimension of the conflict that international law and
UNSC frameworks are still struggling to address.
[Link] Security Implications
The implications of the US–Iran conflict extend far beyond the immediate parties. In an
interconnected world, regional conflicts radiate consequences across borders, affecting
international security in ways that demand collective global attention.

• Risk of Military Escalation

The conflict operates in a zone of perpetual near-escalation. The killing of Soleimani in 2020
brought the two nations closer to direct military conflict than at any point since the hostage
crisis. Iran's retaliatory missile strikes on US bases in Iraq, Iranian-linked attacks on Saudi oil
facilities, and ongoing naval confrontations in the Gulf all represent incidents that could,
under different circumstances, spiral into full-scale war. A major military confrontation would
almost certainly draw in regional allies and great powers.

• Nuclear Proliferation
Iran's nuclear programme is perhaps the single most alarming dimension of this conflict from
the perspective of global security. As of 2024, the International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA) has reported that Iran has enriched uranium to 60% purity — well above the 3.67%
ceiling agreed under the JCPOA, and not far from the 90% needed for weapons-grade
material. The IAEA has also noted that Iran has obstructed inspectors and failed to provide
credible explanations fortraces of enriched uranium found at undeclared sites. If Iran acquires
nuclear weapons, it could trigger a cascade of proliferation across the Middle East.

• Terrorism and Non-State Actors

The UNSC must grapple with the role of Iran-linked proxy groups, many of which are
designated terrorist organisations by Western governments. Hezbollah's activities in Lebanon
and beyond, Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping, and
Iraqi militia attacks on US forces — all represent security threats with direct and indirect
links to the US–Iran axis.

• Humanitarian Consequences
The human cost of the conflict — direct and indirect — is staggering. The war in Yemen,
fuelled partly by Iran's support for the Houthis, has produced what the UN has described as
one of the world's worst humanitarian crises: mass famine, cholera outbreaks, and millions of
displaced persons. The conflict in Syria, in which Iran has been a key backer of the Assad
government, has displaced over five million people and killed hundreds of thousands.

• Energy Markets and Global Economy

Oil price volatility driven by Middle East tensions affects economies worldwide. Nations
that import oil — including many developing countries in Asia and Africa — are particularly
vulnerable to supply shocks triggered by the conflict. The global transition to clean energy
has reduced but not eliminated this dependency.

"A nuclear-armed Iran would represent a severe threat to regional stability, to the global

non-proliferation regime, and to the security architecture of the Middle East."

— International Atomic Energy Agency, Director General Report, 2024

• Maritime Security
Maritime security refers to protecting international sea routes, ports, and vessels from
threats such as armed conflict, piracy, terrorism, and illegal activities, ensuring safe
navigation, uninterrupted trade, and global economic stability.

7. Role of the United Nations and International Law

The United Nations system has been deeply involved in managing — though not resolving —

the US–Iran conflict for decades. Understanding the legal and institutional framework within

which the UNSC must operate is critical for effective debate.

• The Security Council's Mandate

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) bears the primary responsibility for
maintaining international peace and security under the Chapter V and Chapter VII of the
UN Charter. It is empowered to investigate disputes, call upon parties to settle conflicts
peacefully, impose sanctions, authorize peacekeeping operations, and, where necessary,
permit the use of force to restore or maintain international peace.

In the context of escalating tensions in the Middle East and disruptions in the Strait of
Hormuz, the Security Council's mandate extends to preventing further military escalation,
safeguarding international maritime security, facilitating diplomatic dialogue, ensuring the
protection of civilians, and promoting compliance with international law. Through resolutions
and coordinated international action, the Council seeks to address threats that could
undermine regional and global stability.

• Previous UNSC Resolutions

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has adopted several resolutions addressing
conflicts, maritime security, terrorism, and nuclear proliferation in the Middle East. While no
single resolution comprehensively addresses the current crisis in the Strait of Hormuz,
existing resolutions provide the legal and diplomatic framework for the Council's response.
Some key resolutions include:

• UNSC Resolution 2231 (2015): Endorsed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
(JCPOA), establishing a framework to ensure the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear
programme while lifting certain international sanctions.

• UNSC Resolution 1701 (2006): Called for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah,
strengthened the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and
emphasized respect for Lebanon's sovereignty.
• UNSC Resolution 2216 (2015): Addressed the conflict in Yemen by demanding that
the Houthis cease hostilities, withdraw from seized territories, and comply with the
political transition process.

These resolutions demonstrate the Security Council's ongoing efforts to promote regional
stability, prevent conflict escalation, uphold international law, and address threats to
international peace and security.

• The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

The IAEA is the UN's nuclear watchdog, responsible for verifying that nuclear activities are
conducted for peaceful purposes. Iran is a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
(NPT), which commits it not to develop nuclear weapons. The IAEA has repeatedly found
Iran in non-compliance with its NPT safeguards obligations. The Security Council can act on
IAEA findings to reimpose sanctions or authorise inspections.

• The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

The NPT, in force since 1970, is the cornerstone of the global non-proliferation regime. It
establishes three pillars: non-proliferation (states without nuclear weapons agree not to
acquire them), disarmament (states with nuclear weapons agree to work toward their
elimination), and peaceful use (all states have the right to use nuclear technology for civilian
purposes). Iran's case tests the NPT framework's resilience and enforcement mechanisms.

• Sovereignty, Intervention, and the UN Charter

A persistent tension in UNSC deliberations on Iran is the principle of state sovereignty
enshrined in Article 2(1) of the UN Charter versus the Council's responsibility to maintain
international peace and security under Chapter VII. Iran and its allies argue that sanctions and
external pressure constitute violations of sovereignty; Western powers argue that Iran's
nuclear activities and support for militant groups constitute threats requiring collective
response. Delegates must navigate this fundamental tension carefully.
8. Case Study And Recent Developments.
• Strait of Hormuz Tanker Crisis (2019):
A series of attacks and seizures of commercial oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz
increased tensions between Iran and Western powers, raising concerns over maritime
security and global oil supply stability.
• Houthi Maritime Attacks (2023–2024):
Houthi forces targeted commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea and
surrounding waters, disrupting shipping routes and increasing risks to international
trade and energy transport.
• Israel–Hamas War:
Ongoing conflict in Gaza has escalated regional instability, leading to wider tensions
involving Iran-aligned groups and increasing humanitarian and security concerns
across the Middle East.
• Iran–Israel Escalation:
Direct and indirect military confrontations, including airstrikes and missile exchanges,
have intensified fears of a broader regional war involving major global powers.
• Saudi–Iran Normalisation (2023):
A China-brokered diplomatic agreement restored relations between Saudi Arabia and
Iran, aiming to reduce regional tensions and promote dialogue after years of rivalry.
• Iran–Russia Defence Cooperation:
Growing military and strategic cooperation, including arms transfers and joint
interests, has influenced the balance of power in ongoing Middle East conflicts and
the Ukraine war context.
9. Stakeholder Analysis

• Iran:
A key regional power at the centre of Middle Eastern geopolitics, Iran plays a major
role in proxy networks across Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. It is a central concern
in nuclear negotiations and sanctions regimes. Its strategic control near the Strait of
Hormuz gives it significant influence over global energy transport routes.

• Israel:
Israel is a major military and technological power in the region, primarily focused on
countering Iranian influence and affiliated groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas. It
maintains strong security partnerships with Western states and is actively involved in
preventing perceived threats from across its borders.

• United States:
The U.S. is a leading external actor in the region, maintaining military bases and
naval presence to secure maritime trade routes, especially in the Persian Gulf. It
supports key allies like Israel and Saudi Arabia while also applying sanctions and
diplomatic pressure on Iran to manage regional tensions.

• Saudi Arabia:
As the leading Gulf Arab state, Saudi Arabia plays a central role in energy markets
and regional diplomacy. While historically in rivalry with Iran, recent normalization
efforts have reduced tensions. It prioritizes stability in maritime routes and protection
of its oil infrastructure.

• Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC):

The GCC, including states like UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman, works
collectively on regional security and economic coordination. Its members are heavily
dependent on safe maritime trade routes and generally support de-escalation and
diplomatic solutions in regional conflicts.

• Russia:
Russia is a strategic external actor that has strengthened its presence in the Middle
East through military cooperation, especially with Syria and Iran. It uses regional
conflicts to expand geopolitical influence and plays a diplomatic role in balancing
Western involvement.

• China:
China is primarily focused on economic and energy security in the region, as it is a
major importer of Middle Eastern oil. It has increasingly taken a diplomatic role,
exemplified by facilitating the Saudi–Iran normalization agreement in 2023,
positioning itself as a peace broker.
• European Union:
The EU focuses on diplomatic engagement, nuclear non-proliferation (especially
regarding Iran), and humanitarian assistance. It generally supports multilateral
negotiations, sanctions frameworks, and de-escalation of military tensions in the
region.

• Non-State Actors:
Groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis significantly impact regional
stability through asymmetric warfare, missile attacks, and proxy conflicts. These
actors are often aligned with or supported by regional states and complicate peace
negotiations and maritime security.

[Link] Courses Of Action

• Diplomatic Initiatives:
The Security Council can promote renewed multilateral negotiations between key
regional and global stakeholders to reduce tensions in the Middle East. This may
include UN-facilitated peace talks, the appointment of special envoys, confidence-
building diplomatic channels, and revival of stalled agreements such as nuclear or
ceasefire frameworks to prevent further escalation.

• Maritime Security Measures:

To ensure freedom of navigation in strategic waterways like the Strait of Hormuz, the
Council can support international naval coordination, joint maritime patrols, and
surveillance mechanisms. The establishment of UN-backed maritime monitoring
missions and rapid-response protocols can help deter attacks on commercial shipping
and protect global trade routes.
• Humanitarian Response:
The UN and partner agencies should strengthen humanitarian access to conflict-
affected regions through the creation of safe corridors, emergency relief programs, and
increased funding for displaced populations. Ensuring compliance with International
Humanitarian Law and protecting civilians must remain a core priority during ongoing
hostilities.

• Nuclear Non-Proliferation:
The Security Council can reinforce cooperation with the International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA) to ensure strict monitoring of nuclear activities in the region. Efforts
should focus on reviving diplomatic agreements such as the JCPOA framework,
increasing transparency, and strengthening compliance with the Nuclear Non-
Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to prevent escalation.
 • Regional Confidence-Building Measures:
Long-term stability can be promoted through structured confidence-building steps such
as military transparency agreements, establishment of direct communication hotlines
between rival states, limitations on aggressive military posturing, and gradual
normalization of diplomatic relations among regional actors.
• Energy Security:
Given the strategic importance of the Middle East in global energy supply, the Council
can encourage coordination between major oil and gas producers to stabilize markets
and prevent supply shocks. Measures may include safeguarding key shipping routes,
diversifying energy transport mechanisms, and establishing emergency response
frameworks for disruptions in oil transit through chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz.

[Link] a Resolution Should Address

• What immediate steps should the Security Council take to reduce escalating
tensions in the Middle East and prevent a wider regional war?

• How can the Council ensure the protection and freedom of navigation in the
Strait of Hormuz and other critical maritime chokepoints?

• What mechanisms can be established to regulate or reduce the influence of proxy

warfare and non-state armed groups in ongoing conflicts?

• How should the international community strengthen compliance with

international law, including the UN Charter and International Humanitarian
Law, in active conflict zones?
• What long-term diplomatic and security framework can be implemented to
promote regional stability and prevent future escalation in the Middle East?

SUGGESTED SUB TOPICS

1. Regional Armed Conflicts and Escalation in the Middle East

2. Maritime Security and Stability of the Strait of Hormuz

3. Role of International Institutions in Conflict Resolution and Peacekeeping

[Link] Reading And Reference
1. Iran and the NPT Safeguards
2. Iran Nuclear Negotiations
3. Security Council Resolutions on Iran
4. The Iran Primer
5. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace:
Nonproliferation
6. Iran Country Profile
7. The Middle East Program