![Saudi warships are seen during “Gulf Shield 1” exercise by members of Royal Saudi Navy, east of Saudi Arabia, October 9, 2016. REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser - RTSRHDY](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2016/10/RTSRHDY.jpg/RTSRHDY.jpg?h=f7822858&itok=nR1qugR5)
Abbas Qaidaari is an Iranian international security and defense policy analyst. On Twitter: @abbasqaidaari
![Saudi warships are seen during “Gulf Shield 1” exercise by members of Royal Saudi Navy, east of Saudi Arabia, October 9, 2016. REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser - RTSRHDY](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2016/10/RTSRHDY.jpg/RTSRHDY.jpg?h=f7822858&itok=nR1qugR5)
![Mohammad Forouzandeh (L), new chairman of the Foundation for the Disinherited and War Disabled, sits with outgoing chairman Mohsen Rafiqdoost (R) during the innauguration ceremony in Tehran July 28. Foroozandeh says he plans to make the sprawling foundation more efficient and cost effective.
JDP - RTRQNR6](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2016/10/RTRQNR6.jpg/RTRQNR6.jpg?h=f7822858&itok=PCrQ4gn3)
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Abbas Qaidaari
![EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on their ability to film or take pictures in Tehran.
Iranian-made Fateh 110 (Conqueror) (L) and Persian Gulf (R) missiles are seen next to a portrait of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at a war exhibition held by Iran's revolutionary guard to mark the anniversary of the Iran-Iraq war (1980-88), also known in Iran as the "Holy Defence", at Baharestan square near the Iranian Parliament in southern Tehran September](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2016/07/RTR2RQIG.jpg/RTR2RQIG.jpg?h=f7822858&itok=IjBZ6HQz)
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Abbas Qaidaari
![RTR2IXOT.jpg](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2016/06/RTR2IXOT.jpg/RTR2IXOT.jpg?h=f7822858&itok=bOjhUEIe)
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Abbas Qaidaari
![RTX2B2LY.jpg](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2016/06/RTX2B2LY.jpg/RTX2B2LY.jpg?h=f7822858&itok=VFZQf8o1)
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Abbas Qaidaari
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![Abbas Qaidaari](https://www.al-monitor.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/authors/2015/IMG_1728.jpg/IMG_1728.jpg?h=55541bb6&itok=TJiLq1aw)
Abbas Qaidaari
![Iranian army soldiers march during the Army Day military parade in Tehran April 18, 2007. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN) - RTR1OR7Q](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2016/04/RTR1OR7Q.jpg/RTR1OR7Q.jpg?h=5021389d&itok=TmimFz-I)
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Abbas Qaidaari
![EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on leaving the office to report, film or take pictures in Tehran.
Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri (R) looks at weapons with Iran's Defense Minister Mohammad Najar (2nd R) at a military exhibition in Tehran November 28, 2010. REUTERS/Ministry of Defence/Vahid Reza Alaei/Handout (IRAN - Tags: POLITICS MILITARY) FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2016/03/RTXV5XL.jpg/RTXV5XL.jpg?h=f7822858&itok=V1_YUjz7)
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Abbas Qaidaari
![RTXEQ4Z.jpg](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2016/02/RTXEQ4Z.jpg/RTXEQ4Z.jpg?h=f7822858&itok=a4vVllET)
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Abbas Qaidaari
![emadiran.jpg](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2016/01/emadiran.jpg/emadiran.jpg?h=f7822858&itok=_NeWReDX)
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Abbas Qaidaari
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Abbas Qaidaari
![RTX13Z1Q.jpg](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2015/12/RTX13Z1Q.jpg/RTX13Z1Q.jpg?h=f7822858&itok=utKLzqgE)
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Abbas Qaidaari