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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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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

IranSource

Dec 7, 2023

Does the Resistance Axis believe its propaganda about Israel? The October 7 attack seems to suggest so.

By David Daoud

For the Resistance Axis, portraying Israel as a temporary entity that will inevitably melt away has an obvious utility, and is one that furthers the goal of destroying the Jewish state.

Conflict Iran

IranSource

Nov 22, 2023

Meet the secret IRGC entity purging university professors in Iran 

By Saeid Golkar and Kasra Aarabi

The Islamic Republic's war on university professors and academic staff is led by the Professors Basij Organization.

Human Rights Iran

IranSource

Nov 17, 2023

The Gaza war is a reminder that the US needs to reevaluate its Iran policy

By Shukriya Bradost

Despite the Biden administration's efforts to prevent a further escalation and the expansion of the Israel-Hamas war in the region, Iran-backed militia groups continue to challenge US forces.

Iran Israel

IranSource

Nov 9, 2023

The Gaza war probably won’t change Iran’s nuclear strategy. It’ll make it difficult to reach a long-term agreement, though.

By Danny Citrinowicz  

For now, Iranian deterrence is working, since Tehran is not paying any price for its proxy activity.

Iran Israel

IranSource

Nov 8, 2023

The Gaza war raises questions about the future of Iran’s Resistance Axis

By Raz Zimmt

The Gaza war presents the first significant test of the level of cooperation present among the elements of the Iran-led Resistance Axis.

Iran Israel

IranSource

Oct 19, 2023

Israel misread Iran’s way of war. A proper understanding could help predict Hezbollah’s next moves.

By David Daoud

Iran—through Hezbollah—has spent almost two decades and considerable effort and funds building the Gaza Strip into the Axis of Resistance’s Southern Front against Israel.

Iran Israel

IranSource

Oct 13, 2023

What do Iranians think of Israel? Their views might surprise you

By Arash Azizi

Anyone familiar with Iranian society knows that anti-Israel attitudes have mostly failed to go beyond the most vociferous supporters of the regime despite years of attempted forced indoctrination.

Iran Israel

IranSource

Sep 28, 2023

Ronaldo’s visit to Iran was a temporary reprieve from the realities on the ground

By Hezha Barzani

The timing of the match is what stood out the most, as it took place two days after the one-year anniversary of the anti-establishment protests.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Sep 21, 2023

The House passed the MAHSA Act. Now what?

By Celeste Kmiotek, Lisandra Novo, Gissou Nia

The MAHSA Act—which focuses on targeted sanctions—will have to be approved by the Senate and signed by the president to become law.

Human Rights Iran
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