ד"ר רז צימט DR. Raz Zimmt

My Articles

Iran’s Leader at a Crossroad: Between Fundamental Principles and Pragmatism“, INSS Special Publication, February 2021. 

Iran is down but not out“, Ynet, February 5, 2021.

The rise and fall of the crocodile Ayatollah“, Atlantic Council, January 6, 2021.

A Year after the Assassination of Soleimani: Iran Faces Many Challenges, But Determined to Cement its Regional Influence“, The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, December 31, 2020.

Is Iran Really Turning from Islamic Theocracy to Military Autocracy?“, INSS Strategic Assessment, April 2021.

Through an Israeli Lens: Biden and Iran“, The Cipher Brief, November 23, 2020.

The risk of a too comprehensive deal with Iran“, Atlantic Council, November 19, 2020.

Iran Prepares for the Biden Administration“, INSS Insight, no. 1404, 18 November 2020.

The Intelligence Organization of the IRGC: A Major Iranian Intelligence Apparatus“, The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, November 11, 2020.

Will Iran let a woman run for president in 2021?“, Atlantic Council, October 15, 2020.

Iran following the UAE-Israeli Normalization Agreement: Responses and Analysis“, The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, September 13, 2020.

Iran’s reformists don’t have a strategy yet – let alone a candidate“, Atlantic Council, September 10, 2020.

Lowering Expections in Iran in Advance of the US Presidential Election“, INSS Insight, no. 1374, August 25, 2020.

When it comes to Iran, not everything that goes boom in the night is sabotage“, Atlantic Council, July 30, 2020.

Iran faces growing challenges in Iraq, but determined to further its vital interests“, The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Infromation Center, July 14, 2020.

One Year until the Presidential Elections in Iran“, INSS Insight, no. 1334, June 16, 2020.

Maximum pressure on the economy won’t change Iran’s behavior“, Atlantic Council, June 1, 2020.

A new Iran nuclear deal? Not so fast“, Al Arabiyah, May 23 2020.

Responding to the Coronavirus in Iran: The Regime and the Public“, INSS Strategic Assessment, April 2020.

Iran Reengages in the Middle East to Promote its Strategic Goals, Despite COVID-19 and Economic Crises“, The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, May 7, 2020.

Even a coronavirus pandemic can’t save religion in Iran“, Atlantic Council, May 4, 2020.

Iran’s regional ambitions are not going anywhere“, Atlantic Council, April 10, 2020.

The Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic on the Iranian Economy“, INSS Insight, No. 1296, April 7, 2020.

Initial Assessment of the COVID-19 Crisis on Iran’s Regional Activities, The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, March 25, 2020.

From the Ukrainian Plane to the Coronavirus: The Crisis of Public Confidence in the Iranian Regime“, INSS Insight, No. 1272, March 11, 2020.

Parliamentary Elections in Iran: The Predicted Conservative Victory“, INSS Insight, No. 1262, February 24, 2020.

The Killing of Qasem Soleimani is a Major Loss to Iran, But May Serve as an Opportunity to Reexamine Iran’s Modus Operandi in the Region“, The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, February 20, 2020.

Implications of the Appointment of Mohammad Hossein-Zadeh Hejazi as the Deputy Commander of the Qods Force, The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, January 23, 2020.

Ukrainian airliner is Iran’s Chernobyl“, Ynet, January 12, 2020.

Iran between Gasoline Protests and Parliamentary Elections“, INSS Insight, No. 1245, January 9, 2020.

Responses in Iran and Initial Assessment of the Impact of Eliminating Qasem Soleimani, the Commander of the Qods Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps“,  The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, January 6, 2020.

The Gasoline Protests in Iran: Initial Assessments and Implications“, INSS Insight, No. 1228, November 18, 2019.

Iran’s Conduct in Recent Months Indicates a Shift to Direct Military Action over Use of Proxies“, The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, October 10, 2019.

The Economic Crisis and the Protest Movement in Iran: One Year after the Renewal of Sanctions“, INSS Insight, No. 1208, August 28, 2019.

Has Ebrahim Raisi been tagged as Iran’s next Supreme Leader?“, INSS Insight, No. 1201, August 6, 2019.

The Foundation of the Oppressed: A Tool for Entrenching Iranian Influence in Iraq and Syria“, The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, July 23, 2019.

Hossein Salami: The New Commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps“, The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, May 1, 2019.

The Khamenei Roadmap on the 40th Anniversary of the Islamic Revolution“, INSS Insight, No. 1140, February 20, 2019.

“Spiritual Betrothals”: Iranian Women Engaged to Casualties of War“, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 7, Issue 1 (January 2019).

Iran Following the Latest Confrontation with Israel in the Syrian Arena“, The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, January 27, 2019.

“Iran: Faching a Year of Decisions and Changes”, INSS Startegic Survey for Israel, 2018-2019, December 2018.

A Year of Protests in Iran: Situation Assessment“, INSS Insight, No. 1118, December 19, 2018.

Iranian Social Media Reacts to the Renewal of Sanctions“, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 6, Issue 10 (November 2018).

Representing the People or the Regime? Iranian Clerics and the Ongoing Erosion of their Status“, INSS Insight, No. 1099, October 18, 2018.

Mashhad is the Shi‘i Thailand”: Discourse about Sex Tourism on Iranian Networks, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 6, Issue 8 (September 2018).

Iraq as a Conflict Arena between the United States and Iran“, INSS Insight, No. 1096, October 9, 2018.

Unusual Admission by Senior Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps Officer: Iran Was Involved in a Houthi Missile Attack on Saudi Oil Tankers“, Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, August 21, 2018.

The Reformists in Iran: Between Conservatives and Subversives“, INSS Insight, No. 1085, August 12, 2018.

Restoring Economic Sanctions: The Impact on Iran“, INSS Strategic Assessment, Volume 21, No. 2, July 2018.

The Owj Arts and Media Organization:” An Iranian NGO, tied to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps, plays a central role in the struggle for hearts and minds at home and abroad“, The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, July 9, 2018.

The Poor of Your City First”: Online Campaign against Iranian Aid to Residents of Gaza“, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 6, Issue 6 (June 2018).

#untr_US_table: Iranian Reactions to the American Withdrawal from the Nuclear Agreement“, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 6, Issue 5 (May 2018).

Russian Declarations Regarding Removal of Foreign Forces from Syria Encounter Greater Criticism in Iran“, The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, May 24, 2018.

US sanctions seek regime change in Iran“, Israel Hayom, May 23, 2018.

Iran is Drying Out: Network Discourse on the Protests by Farmers in Isfahan Province“, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 6, Issue 4 (April 2018).

Alone in Sa’dabad Palace: One Year since Rouhani’s Reelection“, INSS Insight No. 1051, May 6, 2018.

From Worker Street to Mosaddegh Street: The Struggle over the Collective Memory of Iranian Prime Minister Mosaddegh“, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 6, Issue 3 (March 2018).

Iranian Website Published a Speech Delivered by Hezbollah Secretary General at a Closed Forum Expressing Total Devotion to Iran’s Supreme Leader. Similar Statements were Issued Previously by Hezbollah Officials“, The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, March 19, 2018.

A Persian riddle: When Israelis misread Iran“, Ynet, March 17, 2018.

Iran in the Wake of the Protests: Voices of Change without Change“, INSS Insight, No. 1032, March 11, 2018.

The Girls of Revolution Street: Feminist Discourse on Iranian Social Media“, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 6, Issue 2 (February 2018).

Major Challenges Faced by Iran in the Regional Arena in 2018“, The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, February 18, 2018.

Iranian Responses to Growing Tensions with Israel and an Initial Assessment of Their Implications from an Iranian Standpoint“, The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, February 12, 2018.

Demonstrations in the Islamic Republic in the Telegram Era“, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 6, Issue 1 (January 2018).

Major Trend in Iranian Society“, Strategic Assessment, INSS, Vol. 20, No. 8, January 2018.

The Protest Movement in Iran: A Significant Challenge to the Regime“, INSS Insight, January 4, 2018.

Cyrus the Great Day: Between Iranian and Islamic Identities“, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 5, Issue 10 (November 2017).

Reactions to the Tightening of Restrictions on former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami“, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 5, Issue 9 (October 2017).

Iran’s Middle Class: An Agent of Political Change?“, INSS Strategic Assessment, Volume 20, No. 3, October 2017.

Soul Searching in Iranian Politics: Conservatives and Reformists after the Presidential Elections“, INSS Insight, October 25, 2017.

Iranian Responses to President Trump’s Speech“, The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, October 18, 2017.

Social Media vs. Tradition: Iranian Users Criticize Nepotism“, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 5, Issue 8 (September 2017).

Iran in the Post-ISIS Era: Aims, Opportunities and Challenges“, The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, August 31, 2017.

The Second Rouhani Government: Public Demands and Presidential Constraints“, INSS Insight, August 10, 2017.

We hate Mojahedin-e Khalq: SNS Respond to a Conference of the Iranian Opposition“, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 5, Issue 7 (July 2017).

Iran: Mounting Tension between President Rouhani and the Revolutionary Guards“, INSS Insight, July 16, 2017.

Hassan Rouhani’s Presidential Victory in Iranian Social Media“, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 5, Issue 6 (June 2017).

The Conservative Predicament in Iran“, INSS Insight, June 21, 2017.

No More Palestinian than the Palestinians: Iranians React to the Hamas Revised Charter“, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 5, Issue 5 (May 2017).

The Election of Rouhani as President: A Message to the Supreme Leader“, INSS Insight, May 29, 2017.

Iran on the Eve of the Presidential Election“, INSS Insight, May 19, 2017.

Iranian Reactions to the American Attack on Syria“, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 5, Issue 4 (April 2017).

Iranian SNS users protest forced hijab to mark International Women’s Day“, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 5, Issue 3 (March 2017).

The Involvement of the Revolutionary Guards in Iranian Infrastructure and Development Projects“, INSS Insight, April 4, 2017.

The head of the Iranian Martyrs Foundation admits that 2,100 fighters sent by Iran to Syria and Iraq have been killed so far“, Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, March 3, 2017.

Iranian conduct in the early days of the Trump administration“, Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, March 6, 2017.

Could Iran Elect a Female President?“, INSS Insight no. 904, March 7, 2017.

“Iranian Users Protest Trump’s Muslim Ban”, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 5, Issue 2 (February 2017).

Support for violence and terrorism and calls for the destruction of Israel at the Sixth International Conference on Palestinian Intifada in Tehran“, Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, February 27, 2017.

The Anniversary of the Nuclear Agreement and Iran’s Internal Political Conflict“, INSS Insight No. 899, February 19, 2017.

Critics or Traitors? Responses to Iranian Exiles’ Letter to Trump“, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 5, Issue 1 (January 2017).

Iranian Concerns Grow Over Russia’s Syrian Policies“, Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, January 9, 2016.

Social Media as a Window into Political Tensions in Iran“, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 4, Issue 11 (December 2016).

Responding to the US Elections, Anticipating Elections in Iran“, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 4, Issue 10 (November 2016).

Initial Reactions in Iran to the Election of Donald Trump as President of the United States“, Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, November 22, 2016.

When Soccer and Music Conflict with Religion: Citizens on Social Networks against Clerics in Iran“, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 4, Issue 9 (October 2016).

Marrying Late: Young Adults and the Marriage Crisis in Iran“, The Forum for Regional Thinking, October 7, 2016.

Hostility towards Israel continues to be a fundamental element of Iranian foreign policy“, Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, October 13, 2016.

From The People’s Bank to “Humiliation Bank: The Campaign against Iranian Banks’ Boycott of the Revolutionary Guards“, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 4, Issue 8 (September 2016).

Generation Z in Iran: Organizing on SNS, Partying in the Mall“, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 4, Issue 7 (July 2016).

Online Monuments: Commemorating Iranian Deaths during the Campaign in Syria“, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 4, Issue 6 (June 2016).

I Drive Between The Lines: SNS Contribute to Improving Driving Culture in Iran“, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 4, Issue 5 (May 2016).

Iranian Participation in the Liberation of Fallujah“, The Meir Amit Intelligence and Information Center, 30 May, 2016.

Ahmadinejad’s Online Campaign: Paving the Way for a Political Comeback?“, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 4, Issue 3 (April 2016).

After Iran Elections“, WIKISTRAT, April 2016.

Virtual Election Campaigns: SNS in the Iranian Electoral Process“, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 4, Issue 3 (March 2016).

The Revolution Devours its Grandchildren: Responses to the Disqualification of Hassan Khomeini as a Candidate for the Assembly of Experts“, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 4, Issue 2 (February 2016).

Telegram: The Most Popular Social Network in Iran“, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 4, Issue 1 (January 2016).

Campaign to increase the representation of women in the Iranian Majlis“, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 3, Issue 11 (December 2015).

Crisis in Iran-Saudi Arabia Relations“, Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, 20 January, 2016.

Antisemitic Incitement is still Alive in Iran“, ISGAP flashpoint, 21 January, 2016.

The double-edged sword of sanctions lifting“, i24News, 15 January, 2016.

Arab Lizards and Grasshoppers Eaters: Incitement and Expressions of Racism on Iranian SNS“, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 3, Issue 10 (November 2015).

Initial Profile of IRGC Fighters killed in Syria, Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, 16 November 2015.

Iran in the year 2020“, WIKISTRAT, November 2015.

Portrait of Qasem Soleimani, commander of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps’ Qods Force“, Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, 29 October, 2015.

Consumer Boycott of Iranian Automakers on SNS, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 3, Issues 8-9 (September-October 2015).

Hossein Hamedani, Senior IRGC Commander, killed near Aleppo, Syria. After the Nuclear Accord: Celebrating the Agreement, Hoping for Change, Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, 13 October, 2015.

SNS in the Struggle for Animal Rights in Iran, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 3, Issue 5 (May 2015).

Operation “Spider” and the struggle to free Mohammad Yousefi, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 3, Issue 3 (March 2015).

Iran and the Crisis in Yemen: Opportunities and Constraints on the Path to Establishing Iranian Influence in the Region, Iran Pulse, No. 73 (April 8, 2015).

I’m Also a Jerk:” Iranian SNS and the Struggle for the Release of Reformist Opposition Leaders“, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 3, Issue 2 (February 2015).

Popular Music, Politics and Social Criticism: Iranian SNS react to a Lecture by Dr. Yousef-Ali Abazari, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 3, Issue 1 (January 2015).

Iranians against the “Other”: Iranian Identity in the Social Media Era, in: Ronen Cohen (ed.), Identities in Crisis in Iran: Politics, Culture & Religion (Lexington Books, 2015).

If There’s No Bread, We’ll Eat Biscuits: Responses to the Increase of Bread Prices in Iran, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 2, Issue 11 (December 2014).

Kobani and Tehran: Iran SNS on the Struggle between the Kurds & ISIS, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 2, Issue 10 (November 2014).

Rich Kids of Tehran”: Extravagant Lifestyles and Social Criticism on Iranian SNS, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 2, Issue 9 (October 2014).

Responses to the Deteriorating Health of the Chairman of the Council of Experts as an Expression of the Eroding Status of Clerics in Iran, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 2, Issue 8 (September 2014).

Internal Debate in Iran over International Jerusalem Day Processions, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 2, Issue 7 (July 2014).

The Stealthy Freedom of Iranian Women: Battle of the Hijab on SNS, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 2, Issue 6 (June 2014).

The battle over allowances: Reform of subsidies as reflected on social networks, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 2, Issue 5 (May 2014).

Return sons to their borders: Social networking campaign for the liberation of the five abducted Iranian soldiers, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 2, Issue 4 (April 2014).

Social Networks in the Struggle of Sufi Dervishes against the Regime in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 2, Issue 3 (March 2014).

Storming Movie Theaters and the “Carnival of Revolution”: Social Critique on Iranian SNS, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 2, Issue 2 (February 2014).

“Unforgivable:” Renewed Conflict between the Iranian Regime and its Opponents Surrounding the Unrest of 2009, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 2, Issue 1 (January 2014).

Human Rights and Environmental Protests: Facebook in the Service of Civil Struggles in Iran, Beehive (Middle East Social Media), Vol. 1, Issue 4 (December 2013).

Revolution at a Crossroads: The Struggle for the Nature of the Islamic Republic, Strategic Assessment, Volume 17, No. 1 (April 2014).

Authorities Dispense Death Sentences, Families Grant Reprieves: Executions and Pardons in Iran, Iran Pulse, No. 71 (September 11, 2014).

The Debate on Teaching Ethnic Languages in Iran: A Change on the Horizon?, Iran Pulse, No. 69 (May 23, 2014).

After Years of Denial: The Iranian Government Recognizes the Brain Drain Crisis, Iran Pulse, No. 65 (February 27, 2014).

The Return of the Eulogists to the Political Arena in Iran, Iran Pulse, No. 64 (January 5, 2014).

New Government, Old Conflict: Renewed Escalation in Iran’s Balochistan Province, Iran Pulse, No. 62 (December 5, 2013).

Religious Law versus Social Reality: Will Iran Approve by Law Marriage between Parents and their Adopted Children?, Iran Pulse, No. 60 (October 13, 2013).

Disillusioned Hope: Iran and Mohammad Morsi’s Government,  Iran Pulse, No. 58 (July 16, 2013).

Iran Goes to the Polls: New President, Old Reality, Iran Pulse, No. 57 (June 5, 2013).

The ‘Ammar Headquarters” and the Challenges of the Iranian Political System, Iran Pulse, No. 49 (February 5, 2012).

Between Zayn Al-‘Abidin Bin-‘Ali and ‘Ali Khamene’i: The Iranian Public Debate Following the Popular Revolt in Tunisia, Iran Pulse, No. 43 (January 24, 2011).

Marriage-out , Divorce-in: The escalation of the Marriage Crisis in Iran, Iran Pulse, No. 38 (February 21, 2010).

Islamic Solidarity In Action: Iran’s Reaction to the Riots in Western China, Iran Pulse, No. 36 (Aug 13, 2009).

Hollow Leadership: The Iranian Predicament, Foreign Policy Research Institute, E-Notes (March, 2012).

Enemy From Within: The Iranian Regime and the New Political Challenge, Foreign Policy Research Institute, E-Notes (June, 2011).

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: “the Miracle of the Third Millenium” or an Unfulfilled Promise?, Iran Pulse, No.33 (June 11, 2009).

Has the Status of Iranian Clerics Been Eroded?, Iran Pulse, No. 24 (September 22, 2008).

Ou-ba-ma ast” (“he is with us”): Iran and the Rise of Barack Obama, Iran Pulse, No. 23 (June 23, 2008).

Iran’s Reaction to Kosovo’s Declaration of Independence: Prioritizing State Interests over Revolutionary Vision, Iran Spotlight, No. 1 (March 2008).

The Ayatollah Khomeini Legacy: Serving Integral Political Struggles in Iran, Iran Pulse, No. 17 (December 13, 2007).

Islam in the Islamic Republic: The Regime’s Struggle to Maintain its Monopoly over Religious Life, Iran Pulse, No. 13 (July 19, 2007).

2008 Iranian Parliamentary Elections: A Triumph of the System, Middle East Review of International Affairs, Vol. 12, no. 2 (June 2008).