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Report

Oct 8, 2024

A bipartisan Iran strategy for the next US administration—and the next two decades

As tensions spike in the Middle East, how should the next US president approach Iran and its network of proxies including Hezbollah and Hamas? With a strategy that can be maintained for decades, by administrations of either party. A bipartisan, expert working group lays out the details.

Iran Middle East

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Middle East Programs

Working with allies and partners in Europe and the wider Middle East to protect US interests, build peace and security, and unlock the human potential of the region.

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Content

In the News

Jul 1, 2025

Tannebaum quoted in Bloomberg on the policy of allowing China to purchase Iranian oil

Read the full article here

China Economy & Business

MENASource

Jun 30, 2025

Balancing acts and breaking points: Iraq’s US-Iran dilemma

By C. Anthony Pfaff

The future of US–Iraq relations is neither as dim as it may first appear, nor as promising as one might hope.

Geopolitics & Energy Security Iran

New Atlanticist

Jun 27, 2025

Trump’s approach to Russia and its war on Ukraine is evolving, not in one big leap, but in several smaller steps

By John E. Herbst

Both Trump’s strikes on Iran and his statements at the NATO Summit signaled an evolution toward a tougher line on Moscow.

Conflict Defense Industry

In the News

Jun 27, 2025

Metzl featured across major media outlets responding to US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities

Jamie Metzl, nonresident senior fellow in the GeoStrategy Initiative, offered analysis across numerous media platforms including, Fox News, CNN, News Nation, Fox & Friends, the Brian Kilmeade Show, the New York Post, and Mediaite following US President Trump’s decision to attack Iran’s nuclear sites. He argued that the United States is now better positioned to […]

Iran Middle East

New Atlanticist

Jun 26, 2025

What really happened to Fordow? Three possible futures for Iran’s nuclear program after US strikes.

By Amir Asmar

The condition of Fordow will have a direct impact on the likelihood of Iran giving up its nuclear program versus resuming its pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Iran Middle East

Inflection Points

Jun 26, 2025

Dispatch from The Hague: It’s been Trump’s week in Europe and Iran

By Frederick Kempe

What connects the recent events in Iran and at the NATO Summit is that they won’t be remembered for the threats countered but rather for the opportunities seized.

Europe & Eurasia Iran

Fast Thinking

Jun 24, 2025

The big lessons from 12 days of war with Iran

By Atlantic Council

A tentative cease-fire is underway in the war between Iran and Israel. But where did the conflict leave Iran, Israel, and the United States?

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Jun 24, 2025

Dispatch from the Gulf: Finding middle ground amid Israel-Iran war

By Allison Minor

Congressional delegation visit coincided with Israel and Iran squaring off in a direct military confrontation.

Iran Israel

In the News

Jun 24, 2025

Donovan quoted in Politico on China’s bargaining power in tariff negotiations

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China Economy & Business

In the News

Jun 24, 2025

Ullman featured in the Hill on possible escalation after US strike on Iran’s nuclear capabilities

On June 24, Atlantic Council Senior Advisor Harlan Ullman published an op-ed in the Hill analyzing the aftermath of the recent US strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. He cautions that the operation may mark the start of increased US engagement rather than a final act.

Iran Middle East

Experts