Umud Shokri

Articles by this Author
Crystals of the rare-earth metal gadolinium, which is used in MRI scans.
Middle East Forum Observer
Can Turkey Become a Rare Earth Element Power?
Independent Certification of Reserves and Scaled-up Processing Would Elevate Turkey’s Role in Global Supply Chains of Critical Minerals
October 23, 2025
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Umud Shokri
A liquified natural gas tanker anchored off the port city of Nakhodka, Russia.
Middle East Forum Observer
Iran Risks Its Energy Sovereignty amid Growing Russian Influence
Moscow Desires Lasting Influence on Iran’s Energy Industry by Funding the Construction of Its Pipeline Network
September 14, 2025
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Umud Shokri
Corruption, sanctions, and poor management have led to energy shortages and disruptions to public services in Iran.
Middle East Forum Observer
The Iran Prosperity Project’s Energy Goals Amid Constraints and Risks
The Energy Plan Aims High but Will Falter Due to Iran’s Complexity, Corruption, and Inefficiency
September 5, 2025
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Umud Shokri
A NASA image shows the global communication network for the exchange of information by the internet and connected satellites for finance, cryptocurrency, or Internet of Things technology.
Middle East Forum Observer
The Narrowband Communications and Security Implications of Iran’s Space Drive
Intelligence Agencies Warn That the Technology Could Accelerate Development of Ballistic Missiles Capable of Carrying Nuclear Warheads
August 28, 2025
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Umud Shokri
The international Financial Action Task Force blacklisted Iran for its funding of terrorist groups and its opaque financial dealings.
Middle East Forum Observer
Will Iran Get off the Financial Action Task Force’s Blacklist in 2025?
Continued Blacklisting and Enhanced Sanctions Would Hinder Iran’s Trade Contacts, Foreign Investment, and Access to Financial Institutions
August 16, 2025
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Umud Shokri
The Shiraz power station in Iran.
Middle East Forum Observer
Can Iran Forestall a Domestic Energy Collapse?
The Government Is Reducing Fuel Quotas and Is Considering Digital Fuel Cards, Tiered Pricing, and Energy Coupons
July 10, 2025
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Umud Shokri
Iran is talking with China about purchasing Chengdu J-10CE fighter jets instead of Russian Su-35s.
Middle East Forum Observer
Will Iran Choose China over Russia to Upgrade Its Air Force?
Russian Delays and Sanctions May Steer Iran Toward China and Start a Military Relationship That Lasts Decades
June 27, 2025
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Umud Shokri
An oil tanker at sea.
Middle East Forum Observer
Could a Strait of Hormuz Closure Stop All Persian Gulf Oil and Gas Exports?
Disruption Could Cause Oil Prices to Surge Above $100 per Barrel, Worsening Inflation and Economic Instability Globally
June 21, 2025
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Umud Shokri
Turkey regasifies its liquefied natural gas imports and injects the gas into its internal pipeline system for distribution.
Middle East Forum Observer
Geopolitics in Transit: U.S. Becomes Key Gas Player in Turkey
Turkey’s Growing Reliance on U.S. Liquefied Natural Gas Represents a Purposeful and Strategic Policy to Improve Energy Security
June 14, 2025
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Umud Shokri
The flags of Azerbaijan and Iraq flutter in the breeze on a cloudy day.
Middle East Forum Observer
Deepening Iraq-Azerbaijan Relations in Energy and Diplomacy
The Rapid Growth of Ties Between the Two Countries Shows How Ossified Divisions That Once Marked the Regions Are Breaking Down
May 30, 2025
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Umud Shokri