Covering topics ranging from security and politics to business and society, IranSource draws on written analysis and multimedia content to inform a broader public conversation about Iran from an array of angles and perspectives.

It aims to identify the challenges, opportunities, and policy conundrums facing the US-Iran relationship and present a range of options to address them.

Editor: Holly Dagres

The views expressed in IranSource are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Atlantic Council, its staff, or its supporters.

Learn more about Iran
March 1 is the upcoming Iranian elections. The terrain looks more divided than ever.

IranSource Apr 12, 2024

Iranians sacrificed their lives to share videos of regime violence. Now there’s an online archive for the world to see. 

The Iranian Archive holds more than one million videos to ensure that the Women, Life, Freedom uprising led by women would not be erased.

Read More
March 1 is the upcoming Iranian elections. The terrain looks more divided than ever.

IranSource Apr 9, 2024

Iran talks a big game. But it’s limited in its ability to respond to Israel. 

By Saeid Jafari

There is no doubt that Tehran will respond in some capacity. However, the main issue is that Iran cannot provide an effective and equivalent response.

Conflict Iran
March 1 is the upcoming Iranian elections. The terrain looks more divided than ever.

IranSource Apr 5, 2024

Tehran cooked up a conspiracy theory blaming Israel for US TikTok ban

By Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

While the Islamic Republic’s propaganda machine criticizes the United States for its “violations” of free speech online, the clerical establishment has shown time and again that the Internet has no place in Khamenei’s vision for the country.
Human Rights Internet

Subscribe to The Iranist

Subscribe to receive a weekly newsletter on all things Iran brought to you by the Atlantic Council.

Content

IranSource

Feb 28, 2024

March 1 is the upcoming Iranian elections. The terrain looks more divided than ever.

By Arash Azizi

With widespread disillusionment with the Islamic Republic and its unrepresentative institutions, few people care to take part in these elections.

Elections Human Rights

IranSource

Feb 22, 2024

The United States needs a new Iran policy—and it involves regime change, but not the traditional kind

By Kelly Shannon

The tactics of 1979 are not enough in the 2020s. Additional strategies are necessary, and international support will be critical to ensuring the success of any mass democratic movement in Iran.

Democratic Transitions Iran

IranSource

Feb 16, 2024

Iran is socially engineering mass depression to suppress dissent  

By Saeid Golkar and Kasra Aarabi

The Islamic Republic has worked tirelessly to strategize and doctrinize control of Iranians’ minds and bodies. But it hasn't always been successful.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Feb 2, 2024

Iran is on its way to replacing Russia as a leading arms exporter. The US needs a strategy to counter this trend.

By Danny Citrinowicz  

The US must understand the seriousness of the situation: without active measures, it will be extremely tough to stop Iran from becoming a world leader in arms sales

Arms Control Conflict

IranSource

Jan 31, 2024

To challenge the Islamic Republic’s propaganda agenda, the UN deputy high commissioner must delay her visit

By Rose Parris Richter

Civil society advocates aren’t pushing for non-engagement but for a strategic reassessment of the deputy high commissioner's visit's timing and scope.

Civil Society Human Rights

IranSource

Jan 26, 2024

A miscalculated aggression: How Pakistan’s response exposed Iran’s vulnerabilities

By Ali Bakir

Iran overplayed its hand with Pakistan and was reminded of its proper place.

Conflict Indo-Pacific

IranSource

Jan 22, 2024

A thirsty reality: Iran’s dire water situation

By Nik Kowsar

Iran's uneven water rights approach disproportionately impacts citizens in marginalized provinces, causing severe water scarcity.

Civil Society Climate Change & Climate Action

IranSource

Jan 19, 2024

Yes, I’m ‘Trash,’ but I love Iran

By Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

Listening to Shervin Hajipour's "Trash," I’ve forged a new heart from the parts of Iran I’ve taken with me.

Human Rights Iran

IranSource

Jan 8, 2024

ISIS was behind the Kerman attack. Iran still blames Israel and the United States, though.

By Jason Brodsky

Despite Iran’s bombastic rhetoric, however, its response against ISIS assets will likely be limited.

Iran Israel

IranSource

Jan 4, 2024

Iran targeted human rights sanctions series: Why are people and entities sanctioned for human rights abuses?

By Celeste Kmiotek, Lisandra Novo

Every perpetrator designated by a jurisdiction for targeted sanctions generally faces the same consequences.

Economic Sanctions Human Rights
Load More