Professor Anoush Ehteshami @anoushehteshami.bsky.social has commented on the unfolding situation in Iran, highlighting how the Islamic Republic is facing a uniquely precarious moment shaped by both internal mobilisation and external pressure.

Dr. Marzieh Kouhi Esfehani spoke to ITV News on the latest developments in Iran. www.itv.com/news/2026-01...

Call for Papers Durham University – Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) Conference Challenges to Democratic Resilience Dates: April 22-24, 2026 Location: Durham University, UK @sgiadurham.bsky.social

Please join us on the 15th of January! @ebadarin.com @sgiadurham.bsky.social

We were honoured to host Former Ambassador James Watt for an insightful and engaging talk. Drawing on his distinguished diplomatic career, he offered a nuanced reflection on the challenges and opportunities shaping the Middle East’s political landscape. @sgiadurham.bsky.social

The 2025 Ann Lambton Memorial Lecture was held 12th Nov by @imeisdurham.bsky.social and BIPS who hosted her Former Majesty’s ambassador to Iran, Qatar and Yemen, Mr. Nicholas Hopton. The title: "A British Diplomatic Perspective on Iran’s Position & Policies in the Middle East Since 7 October 2023"

Join us for “Post-Assad Syria and the Gulf States: reflections on the past year” — a timely webinar hosted by British International Studies Association ’s International Studies on 5 December 2025 — featuring a keynote by our very own Professor Anoush Ehteshami @anoushehteshami.bsky.social.

We were honoured to host His Excellency Bader A. Almunayekh, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to the UK, for this year’s Annual Ambassadorial Lecture. He shared valuable insights on Kuwait’s priorities in a rapidly changing Middle East, followed by an engaging discussion with our staff & students.

Join us on 1 December 2025 at 17:00 for the Annual Ambassadorial Lecture: “Kuwait’s Priorities in a Changing Middle East” delivered by His Excellency Bader A. Almunayekh, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to the UK. Location: WB-2003, The Waterside Building, Durham. @sgiadurham.bsky.social

Join us on 4 December at 17:00 for a talk by James Watt, former ambassador and now partner at Ambassador Partnership LLP: “Two Years on from 7 October: What Future Awaits the Middle East?” All welcome. Hosted by Durham Diplomatic Society and IMEIS, Durham University. @sgiadurham.bsky.social

We thank Dr. Diana Galeeva for her really rich and insightful presentation of her new book Islam in Russia.

We are pleased to share that Professor Clive Jones appears in the new documentary “Yemen and Israel: The Roots of Struggle.” It examines Israel’s first military operation in Yemen in the 1960s and the subsequent attack on an oil tanker in the early 1970s.

By Professor Clive Jones, Professor Anosuh Ehteshami @anoushehteshami.bsky.social and Dr. Rob Pinfold:

By Associate Professor Rory McCarthy:

By Professor Clive Jones:

I had the distinct honour of presenting my research at a seminar hosted by Durham University. My sincere gratitude to the organisers, Professor Bahar Baser and to Dr Omer Tekdemir for his skilful chairmanship. Durham University BISI UK

I am delighted to announce that I have been awarded a Visiting Scholarship at Durham University, generously supported by The British Institute for the Study of Iraq BISI and Nahrein Network.

Institute for Middle Eastern & Islamic Studies (IMEIS) Wednesday 26th November 2025 4 – 5pm, Online “Islam in Russia: Formations of Tolerance”

The 2025 Ann Lambton Memorial Lecture was held by the IMEIS at Durham University School of Government and International Affairs hosting her Former Majesty’s ambassador to Iran, Qatar and Yemen, Mr. Nicholas Hopton.

✨PHD FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES AT DURHAM UNI✨ Funding is available from NINE DTP, China Scholarship Council, and Transformative Humanities. For more info visit our website: www.durham.ac.uk/.../research... Join the Information session on 28th Nov, 12-1pm here: teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-joi...

Dr William Plowright from our @sgiadurham.bsky.social reflects on Ahmed al-Sharaa’s remarkable transformation from former jihadist to political leader welcomed at the White House. Read more: www.durham.ac.uk/research/cur... @uk.theconversation.com #Syria