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Publication Date: 2025
Engineering Geology (00137952)358
Most mountainous long tunnels encounter fault zones where phenomena such as uncontrolled water inflow, excessive ground convergence, rock mass failure and tunnel collapse, face instability, and rock block release are common. In mechanized tunneling projects, these hazards threaten TBM performance, especially at great depths and high groundwater pressure. Despite advances in passing through difficult geology, TBMs are still trapped in fault zones, causing delays in machine advance. This paper draws on experiences from mechanized tunneling projects in Iran, focusing on the challenges encountered while tunneling through fault zones. By considering key influencing factors (including fault characteristics, lithology, overburden, groundwater pressure, rock mass quality, tunnel diameter, and the machine type) and utilizing the Rock Engineering System (RES), it presents a comprehensive classification framework for rating geological hazards in these zones. The proposed classification system categorizes fault zones into five classes—Non-Problematic, Slightly Problematic, Problematic, Very Problematic, and Extremely Problematic/Critical—reflecting tunneling challenges during construction. This classification offers a framework to pre-evaluate potential hazardous events in fault zones, select suitable machinery and construction methods, and predict the performance of machines in these zones. The accuracy of the classification has been validated by information gathered from construction phase reports and through direct observation and study of fault zones encountered in major Iranian mechanized tunneling projects. The results show that the proposed classification effectively identifies critical conditions. The correlation between documented events and calculated geological hazards indices supports the predictive capability of this classification. © 2025 Elsevier B.V.
Publication Date: 2024
Energy Strategy Reviews (2211467X)51
The energy market integration in the Middle East is assessed by comparing the acting institutions in the Levant and Persian Gulf sub-regions. Pami Aalto's regional institution's theoretical framework and the case-oriented comparative research method are adopted for this purpose. Changes in the Levant region coincided with the Arab League's establishment. This league did not develop due to inappropriate bi-lateral energy relationships and a lack of effort among the inter-state trade institutions. Regional institutions, lacking order creation, next to the Arab League members' sovereignty disturb gas transmission, transit, and environmental protection regulations. The Arab League has recognized Israel as an energy-producing member and has reduced the political conflicts' intensity to improve Arabic leadership in the Levant integration. The Persian Gulf states' unilateral trade negotiations, sanctions imposed by the US and EU on Iran's energy sector, and political disputes between Iran and some Arab states prevent coherent regional integration, liberalization, and the launch of joint energy projects. In bi-lateral energy diplomacy competition between the regional great energy powers, Iran and Saudi Arabia outside the region is evident. Though the environmental stewardship institution supports green energy, the profit-interest has priority in these regions. The outcome of this article reveals the existence of constraints imposed on energy market integration in these sub-regions. © 2023 The Author(s)
Publication Date: 2023
Central Eurasia Studies (20080867)15(2)pp. 241-263
Introduction: During recent decades, Iran and Turkmenistan have become reliable neighbours. But when these two countries want to develop their cooperation in the field of energy and export their gas to Europe through Turkey, they face different obstacles and challenges in issues such as bilateral relations, the Turkish energy market and the European Union. The purpose of this research is to examine the situation of Iran and Turkmenistan in the field of energy and the issue of gas transit to Europe through Turkey. Research Question: The main question is, what are the opportunities and challenges of Turkmenistan gas transit from Iran and Turkey to Europe? Research Hypothesis: The hypothesis of this research is based on the positive relations between Turkey, Iran and Turkmenistan and the geopolitical position of Iran, the connection with the opportunities and sanctions of the United States on Iran's energy sector, Russia's pressure on Turkmenistan for the exclusive purchase of gas, which is the most important challenge for the transit of gas from Turkmenistan to Europe. Methodology (and theoretical framework if there are): In this paper, the qualitative research method for studying the hypothesis is based on Peter McLaughlin’s functional explanation. The data collection tool is based on library and internet resources. The theoretical framework of this research is based on the regional system proposed by Louis Cantori and Steven Spiegel.By combining this framework with functionalism, it examines the cooperation and competition of governments and analyzes the factors of convergence and divergence in the relations of these countries. Results and Discussion: The analysis of this research shows that Iran and Turkmenistan have expanded their economic relations. The opening of the Mashhad-Sarkhs-Tajan railway lines and the Bafaq-Bandar Abbas railway line is considered as an important economic measure for the development of economic and trade relations between Iran and Turkmenistan. Also, the cooperation of the two countries in technical and engineering projects with numerous investments of Iranian technicians in this field has also been important. Iran and Turkmenistan pursue their economic cooperation within the framework of the Joint Economic Commission. The main export of goods from Iran is related to Turkmenistan, and since 2013, the volume of trade between the two countries has increased, especially with Khorasan Razavi Province.With 5900 industrial units, 46 mineral resources and approximately 800 mines, Khorasan Razavi province has a high rank in the production of products such as saffron, pistachios, pomegranates and medicinal plants and mainly exports these products to Turkmenistan. The implementation of the border-crossing-permit plan between Iran and Turkmenistan has also provided the basis for the movement of nationals of both countries in the border areas. Turkmenistan’s gas reserves are scattered throughout the country. In addition to the huge gas resources and significant production in this country, the discovery of Yultan gas field near Iran's Daulatabad field has put Turkmenistan in the focus of Iran's attention. The desire of Iran and Turkmenistan to cooperate made Turkmenistan agree to the construction of the country's first pipeline in July 1995. The Kerpcheh-Kordkoy pipeline was built in 1997 at a cost of over $200 million to transport gas to northern Iran from the Kerpcheh gas field. With abundant gas resources, Turkmenistan negotiated with Iran to export gas from Iran to Europe via Turkey. Due to its geopolitical position, Turkey has become an energy pole and this has created an opportunity for this country to gain more economic benefits. The European Union (EU) has become heavily dependent on foreign energy resources in recent decades. Due to its geopolitical position, Turkey has become an energy hub that connects the Middle East, Russia and Europe. Many gas pipelines pass through Turkey, transporting gas from Central Asia and the Middle East to Europe. However, some of these pipeline projects have been suspended for some time. Turkey has given the green light to Iran’s presence in the Turkish gas market (to Europe) and the Tabriz–Ankara pipeline operates in this direction. Conclusion: The findings indicate that first, long borders and economic capacities in Turkmenistan are like the gateway for Iran to enter this country and the two countries have cooperated in the field of natural gas transportation projects. Second, Turkmenistan’s rich gas resources and various gas fields led this country to build the first Kerpcheh-Kordkoy gas pipeline with Iran, which met the gas consumption needs of Iran’s northern provinces. Simultaneously with the construction of this pipeline, the issue of Turkmenistan gas transit from Iran to Turkey was raised so that Iran would receive transit rights. With Najmuddin Arbakan coming to power in Turkey in 1997, bilateral relations between Iran and Turkey improved significantly and Turkey's economic growth has led to an increasing need for gas imports. In this regard, Turkey has increased its gas transit pipelines in recent years. Europe's effort to diversify its gas imports from exporting countries and not relying only on Russia has provided the opportunity for Turkey to become the energy hub of the region by importing gas from Iran (and even other countries) and using its geopolitical position to re-export energy and gas to European markets. The improvement of relations between Iran and Turkey and the transit of gas to Europe have strengthened their economic growth, but the US sanctions against Iran and possible obstruction of gas exports by Iran in the case of incresing US pressure, may prevent them from making profits in their bilateral transactions © 2023, Central Eurasia Studies.All Rights Reserved.
Publication Date: 2023
pp. 2245-2252
The crossing of fault zones by underground works is often coupled with serious technical problems for tunnel boring machines. Fault zones may sometimes act as highly conductive groundwater channels or natural flow barriers. Such barriers can develop very-high water pressure behind or inside them. Crossing through them, especially with deep galleries, there is a considerable risk of meeting a sudden flow of water and crushed rock material under high pressure. Squeezing problem and collapse of tunnel surrounding rocks may also cause long delays in tunnel advance due to jamming of shield or cutterhead. So, to avoid difficulties in tunneling projects, it is very important to identify the main characteristics of fault zones and predict material behavior in such complex zones before crossing them by TBM. Knowledge gained from the application of TBM in different types of fault zones in various geological conditions can be utilized as a tool for predicting tunneling conditions in a given geological situation. In this paper, based on the experiences gained from mechanized tunneling in Iran and considering the most important influencing factors, a preliminary proposal for the classification of rock mass behavior and geological hazards in fault zones has been presented. © 2023 The Author(s).
Publication Date: 2023
Countries Studies (29809193)(2)pp. 215-233
Why and how can Oman become a mediator in the Middle East and international level is assessed in this article. What mechanisms and tools have been applied by this country? The theoretical framework applied in this article is based on the contribution of mediation in international relations. The emphasizes here is on the trustworthiness and neutral role of mediators, specifically a small state with a non-threatening role. Such countries have acquired prestige at international level. The role of the former leader, King Ghaboos, and adopting neutral policy, pragmatic foreign policy, and stable economy are the major contributive factors in making Oman to act as a mediator between Israel and Palestine, Iran and Saudi Arabia and the nuclear energy issue of Iran and the West. The findings here reveal that Oman with her modest oil revenues, as a prestigious mediator guided by his Majesty King Ghaboos has offered short-term solutions through a traditional manner. © 2023, University of Tehran. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2021
2025 29th International Computer Conference, Computer Society of Iran, CSICC 2025pp. 377-394
The analyses in this chapter explore the association of the Yazidi religion to Islam. The focus here is on Yazidis in Iraq and the Daesh threat thereof. To date, this issue has been assessed with respect to Zoroastrianism and Christianity, while the Yazidi’s association with Islam and the issue of Yazidis being a Sufi Muslim minority remains unexplored. These issues are critically explored in this chapter, and the discussions are expanded into the contemporary political conditions and the Daesh threat to the Yazidis’ safety in Iraq. Daesh has perceived Yazidis as infidels who must be constrained. The findings regarding the Yazidi community in Iraq in this chapter reveal that their case has become a modern political issue in the recent years and Daesh has threaten them to extend the sectorial conflict in Iraq. © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021. All rights are reserved.
Publication Date: 2020
Critical Studies on Terrorism (17539153)13(3)pp. 441-463
An extensive body of traditional terrorism research exists where the focus is on Iran as a terrorist state and a terrorism sponsor. This article explores an alternative terrorism narrative by examining the non-state actors, Jundallah and Jeish ul-Adl. The deficiency of information in the literature is addressed by applying the first and second-order critique approach of Richard Jackson’s knowledge, power and politics theoretical framework in contrast with the traditional terrorism studies approach. A first-order critique seeks to destabilise the accepted knowledge that Iran is both a terrorist state and a terrorism sponsor. This provides the grounds to study other aspects of “knowing” in relation to the second-order critique, where a critical ground outside the discourse suggests that Iranian officials have declared that the non-state terrorist actors of Jundallah and Jeish ul-Adl constitute a threat to Iran’s political stability. The outcome of the analyses here bridges the gap between the new aspect of terrorism, the non-state actors, and critical terrorism studies in order to contest the traditional discussion of terrorism in Iran. The rationale behind new terrorism varies and necessitates that new meanings and strategies be adopted in relation to Iran. © 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Mogharabi-manzari, M.,
Ghahremani, M.H.,
Sedaghat, T.,
Shayan, F.,
Ali faramarzi, M. Publication Date: 2019
European Journal of Organic Chemistry (10990690)2019(8)pp. 1741-1747
Green cascade approaches, which utilize sustainable and recyclable heterogeneous biocatalysts, can be used in the catalysis of multicomponent organic reactions to synthesize biologically important substances. Three magnetic nanoparticles, iron (II, III) oxide, cobalt ferrite, and nickel ferrite, were prepared by co-precipitation and functionalized with fibrous silica (KCC-1), and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). Laccase immobilized on CoFe 2 O 4 -KCC-1 was used as a heterogeneous biocatalyst for green and one-pot cascade synthesis of 2-amino-5-oxo-4-aryl-4H,5H-pyrano[3,2-c]chromene-3-carbonitriles. The reaction was performed in the presence of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) as a synthetic redox mediator. The optimum reaction conditions were found to be as immobilized laccase (100 mg, 95 U) and TEMPO (2 mol-%) in a 100 mm sodium citrate buffer (pH 4.5), 40 °C, and incubation time 17 h. About 80 % of initial activity of the immobilized laccase was retained after 15 independent runs. © 2019 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim
Publication Date: 2018
pp. 825-829
Publication Date: 2018
2pp. 469-473
Publication Date: 2018
2pp. 483-486
Publication Date: 2018
2pp. 633-638
Publication Date: 2018
2pp. 708-711
Publication Date: 2017
Studies in Critical Social Sciences (15734234)115pp. 226-249
Publication Date: 2017
2025 29th International Computer Conference, Computer Society of Iran, CSICC 2025pp. 1-226
This book examines changes in the Persian Gulf security complex following the United States (US) invasion of Iraq in 2003, focusing on threats to the collective identities of two religious sects-Shia and Sunni. Although there is a growing body of literature examining security in the Persian Gulf, little focus has been given to the theoretical and methodological aspects of the problem. In this volume, Shayan analyses the causes behind the security changes which occurred in the region since 2003 and demonstrates how regional security dynamics are interlinked to perceived sectarian threats on the Shia and Sunni religious identities. This text is essential reading for political scientists, policy makers and scholars of international relations. © The Editor(s) and The Author(s) 2017.
Publication Date: 2013
Geopolitics (14650045)18(3)pp. 633-661
This article enters into the debate about geopolitical subjectivity between Iran and the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on the three islands issue. The islands at the Western entrance to the Strait of Hormuz have so far been examined as an issue between Iran and the United Arab Emirates from historical, sovereignty and law perspectives, but this article examines the argument that the GCC has become a geopolitical subject through its support for the US policy of isolating Iran. Geopolitical subjectivity, a concept building on Pami Aalto's conceptual scheme, is the concept of goal-oriented ordering of territories and political space. We can use it to identify the GCC institution as a subject with the ability to act (and abstain from acting) and to examine Iran's response to the GCC's willingness to order the three islands. The conclusion is that the GCC became a subject in this context as soon as it felt the benefits of US support and the current rise of the soft power of Qatar. Even so, it has been unable to undermine Iran's sovereignty rights over the three islands, and the issue has strengthened, even exaggerated, states' adherence to the concept of sovereignty throughout the Persian Gulf region. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Publication Date: 2013
Millennium: Journal of International Studies (03058298)41(3)pp. 669-678
International Relations (IR) studies have passed through three phases since 1919, when several interdisciplinary interests combined to make up IR, and that interdisciplinarity was of benefit to some other disciplines as well. The second phase, 1950–80, saw IR become more visible, with its key concepts of power, war and security as a sub-discipline of political science – but IR’s autonomy was bought at a high price. The year 1981 brought in the third phase, when some scholars, unconvinced by the traditional concept of IR, launched interdisciplinary studies. Many subsequently emerging issues, such as ethnic conflicts, climate change and energy security, have made it difficult to use traditional IR concepts to create a coherent research agenda. To overcome this difficulty, an agenda for the new millennium is proposed that makes use of the interdisciplinary origins of the study of IR and also develops new interdisciplinary approaches, and Aalto et al.’s works contribute to this line of thinking. © The Author(s) 2013.
