The Guarded Domains

The Snapback Spiral

Sanctions, Fatigue, and Politics of Exhaustion in Iran

Oct 5 • 

Reza H. Akbari

1

5

5

September 2025

(Mis) Understanding Iran's Foreign Policy from Washington

An interdisciplinary roundtable on Iran’s foreign policy before and after the 12-Day War

Sep 18 • 

Reza H. Akbari

1

July 2025

When the Street Ball Bounced Again

Scattered Thoughts from a War - Part IV

Jul 27 • 

Reza H. Akbari

1

2

3

Lines in the Sand, Flags in the Air

‘Neo-Nationalism’ on the Rise in Iran Amid Israeli Strikes

Jul 18 • 

Reza H. Akbari

2

1

Wandering Minds and Wandering Missiles

Scattered Thoughts from a War - Part III

Jul 13 • 

Reza H. Akbari

3

3

June 2025

The Civilian Frontlines

Scattered Thoughts from a War - Part II

Jun 30 • 

Reza H. Akbari

3

2

The Things We Destroy

Scattered Thoughts from a War - Part I

Jun 29 • 

Reza H. Akbari

4

2

Lost in Translation

It was a very pleasant surprise when I learned that my old neighborhood in Iran has started a Facebook page. I immediately rushed to the website and…

Jun 29 • 

Reza H. Akbari

3

1

Welcome to The Guarded Domains!

I am launching this space at the tail end of a nerve-racking period for Iran, Israel, and the broader Middle East region.

Jun 28 • 

Reza H. Akbari

4

4

1