Yesterday at the G.O.R.K.I. Centre SPbU we held the discussion «Who Is Fighting Whom in the Persian Gulf», bringing together diverse perspectives on the rapidly evolving situation in the region. Participants debated the key question of escalation, with many describing the war as one of the most miscalculated in recent history. A central point was the resilience of Iran as a state: attempts to weaken it by targeting leadership were seen as overly simplistic, ignoring deep historical and institutional foundations. The discussion also touched on broader implications — from Russia’s delicate role as a potential mediator to the future of BRICS and growing risks for global energy security. A powerful parallel was drawn with Homer’s Iliad, where war appears as a constant of human history, driven not only by strategy but also by identity, belief, and irrational forces — a perspective that strongly resonated with today’s events. Overall, participants agreed that the war is likely to be prolonged, with far-reaching geopolitical consequences. #PersianGulf #Geopolitics #Iran #GORKI