
Iran and Russia maintain nuclear cooperation, primarily through Russia's continued assistance with Iran's civilian nuclear energy program, such as the Bushehr power plant.
This cooperation occurs outside the framework of a renewed Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which remains moribund in 2026.
Iran's nuclear program continues to advance, reflected in 24 tracked signals on Nuclear Weapons. Its overall influence score is 58/100, indicating significant regional impact. Iranian actions, such as the Houthis reportedly seizing the Red Sea port of Mokha, demonstrate a projection of power impacting global choke points.
The United States, with 9 tracked signals, remains a critical counterweight to Iran's nuclear ambitions. Regional tensions are high, exemplified by Israel arresting 100 Palestinians in a week as West Bank pogroms continue. Elevated oil prices, at $105, further complicate global economic stability and US policy choices (Oil jumps to $105, pushing up chances of a US interest rate increase).