Publication

In the context of the risk of war between Israel and Iran, this briefing provides an update on the jihadist element in the conflict in Syria and on the significance of the Fordo underground nuclear complex in Iran. It argues that, firstly, there is a need for more modest and sustained Western engagement with Iran, given Tehran's growing capacity to withstand an Israeli attack and to even launch cyber counter-attacks against Israel and the United States. Secondly, it is important to seek to limit the extent to which Syria is seen as a route to putting more pressure on Iran by some policy-makers in Washington.