ISIS, al-Qaeda, and the Iran War

On May 11, the Program on Extremism at The George Washington University will host an in-depth discussion on how the Iran War is shaping the behavior and positioning of global jihadist actors. As the conflict unfolds, it provides a rare analytical window into how the Islamic State and al-Qaeda respond to a central adversary under conditions of heightened pressure.

Drawing on two recent publications from the TITAN Project, the discussion will examine how both organizations have approached Iran, both historically and in recent months. Particular attention will be paid to the contrast between ISIS’s explicit and doctrinally rigid positioning and al-Qaeda’s more selective and strategically constrained approach, as well as what this reveals about competition within the jihadist field.

The panel will also explore the broader implications of this moment, including the role of sectarianism as a catalyst in the region, the renewed relevance of long-standing issues such as al-Qaeda’s leadership presence in Iran, and how these dynamics shape current perceptions and strategic choices. More broadly, the conversation will assess whether the crisis reinforces existing patterns or accelerates changes in how jihadist actors engage with state power, regional conflicts, and competing priorities.

To delve into these matters, the Program on Extremism is honored to host:

• Mr. Colin Smith, Coordinator of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team (United Nations Security Council)
• Dr. Sara Harmouch, CEO of H9 Defense.

The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Sergio Altuna, Senior Fellow at the Program on Extremism and Project Lead for TITAN.

Register Here!