Tensions have escalated between Moscow and Tehran after Russia’s Sergey Lavrov and former Iranian diplomat Mohammad Javad Zarif traded accusations over the snapback mechanism, described as the “legal trap” in the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

Amid the sharp decline of Iran’s regional axis following the events of October 7, 2023, Tehran has been quietly orchestrating coordination meetings among its allied Shia forces, particularly in Iraq and Lebanon.

The Iranian regime seems to be adopting a cautious approach, maintaining the 2024 hijab law on paper but refraining from active enforcement—at least in the near term.

Iran is reportedly planning to use Afghan refugees as a strategic tool amid rising tensions over its nuclear program and Western sanctions, raising fears of extremist infiltration.

Western nations have levied a flurry of sanctions targeting Iran’s nuclear program associates in the wake of the activation of the snapback sanctions reimposition mechanism on Tehran.