Khamenei continues to carry out Khomeini's vision, which is not only bent on the destruction of Israel but aspires to be the dominant regional power. To this end, Iran exercises 'strategic patience'.
The two new countries were forged after the Balkans War in the 1990s. While tensions remain, they are evidence of what can be achieved with international support.
When Israel considers its next move after Iran's retaliatory attack, it is not simply calculating the cost and benefits of a response but will also be creating a new equation for future exchanges.
From the Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus to Iran's retaliation on Israel, the Syrian leader has been acting strangely normal. Al Majalla gives a breakdown of the past two weeks.
The Israeli prime minister and Hamas leader have inflated military progress in Gaza, whitewashed their failures and religionised the war. Who can cast doubts about a divine victory?
While this marked the first time Iran directly struck Israel, the weak showing of these drone strikes demonstrates Tehran's clear desire to avoid getting sucked into a direct conflict
Iranian-backed militias are exploiting growing anger over Israel's war on Gaza and Jordan is as susceptible as ever to being drawn into the conflict which has spilled into the region
Gaza is a top priority, but a confluence of factors means that now is the time to set up durable systems, including a regional security architecture. It all starts with having a collective Arab vision
A recently declassified document drawn up in 1947 highlights how US intelligence predicted war and Israel's ongoing need for support while worrying about its impact on American interests in the region
The first ever Saudi opera singer tells Al Majalla about working with one of Britain's finest operatic performers on an ancient pre-Islamic tale sung in Arabic and performed in Riyadh.