The International Institute for Iranian Studies (Rasanah)

The International Institute for Iranian Studies (Rasanah) is an independent, private, nonprofit think tank, committed to providing comprehensive insights into Iranian affairs at the domestic, regional and international levels through adopting rigorous research methods in all of its publications and by attracting highly qualified researchers from around the globe.

Rasanah provides in-depth analysis on Iran’s relations with its neighbors: the Indian subcontinent, Central Asia, the Caucasus and Turkey.  Rasanah was the first think tank in Saudi Arabia to be registered as a nonprofit organization (NGO). It was founded in March 2016 by Dr. Mohammed bin Saqr Alsulami, who is currently its president. 

Rasanah has published books specializing in Iranian affairs, discussing Iran’s  internal and external issues. This is in addition to the research articles reviewing Iran’s politics, economics, culture, ideology, military and security policy in relation to its neighbors.  It conducts up-to-date, monthly and annual strategic reports on Iranian affairs. 

The Journal for Iranian Studies (JIS), a peer reviewed biannual journal, is published in Arabic and English and provides a rich discussion on Iran’s social, political and economic affairs, giving researchers access to authentic sources in the context of Iranian affairs. 

Rasanah’s Training Center offers training courses on crisis management, strategic analysis, writing and research skills as well as the Persian language. 

Rasanah’s Visiting Fellows Program aims to facilitate research inside and outside the Kingdom. In addition,  it aims to facilitate collaborative research between Rasanah and international institutions to promote the development of scientific and intellectual content.  

Moreover, Rasanah holds monthly seminars to discuss interesting topics regarding Iranian affairs by hosting experts, researchers and those who have an interest in the subject. 

For supporting political decision-making, Rasanah offers in-depth knowledge of Iranian affairs via its consultation services.  In addition, along with consultation services, it offers the private sector economic and strategic study reports to guide business decisions whether in Iran or in those countries where Iran has influence. This is in addition to the consultations provided by Rasanah through its website. 

Rasanah’s recently published books include: “Iran and the Shiite Community in Europe: A Study on Sectarian Policies and the Use of Iranian Shiite Centers,” the Arabic translation of  “Temperature Rising: Iran's Revolutionary Guards and Wars,”  “Iran’s Software Piracy and Digital Militias: Its Threats and Unannounced War Against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”