ME Council
ME Council
EN

About

Afkār is a publication of the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, providing short-form analyses, insights, and perspectives on regional issues and developments from the Council's experts and outside contributors. Afkār is published in English and Arabic, and is edited by Omar H. Rahman.
Contact us at afkar@mecouncil.org.

Mehran Haghirian

Director of Research and Programmes, Bourse & Bazaar Foundation

Bio

Mehran Haghirian is the Director of Research and Programmes at the Bourse & Bazaar Foundation. His work centers on conflict resolution and diplomacy, with a particular focus on the Persian Gulf region. Haghirian holds a PhD in Gulf Studies from Qatar University and a master’s degree in International Affairs from American University’s School of International Service in Washington, DC. He currently leads the Integrated Futures Initiative, which focuses on fostering regional dialogue, diplomacy, and economic cooperation in the Gulf. His upcoming book, “Differentiating Foreign Policy Strategies in the Persian Gulf: The Decision-Making Calculus towards Iran,” will be published by Springer in 2027.

Contact Writer

Articles

The GCC Will Not Unify on Iran 
Gulf states have long held varying approaches to their relations with Iran, based on a number of factors. The ongoing war has reinforced the notion that this is unlikely to change.
Mehran Haghirian
Efforts To Restore Bahrain-Iran Ties Gather Momentum
Despite entrenched historical and geopolitical barriers, recent diplomatic overtures between the two countries are reason for cautious optimism.
Mehran Haghirian
Necessity Will Drive Gulf States to Cooperate on Climate Change
Can Gulf states overcome longstanding obstacles to cooperate and meaningfully address climate change?
Mehran Haghirian, Aisha Al-Sarihi

Contact Writer