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Through our Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East, the Atlantic Council works 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.

Content

Report

Jun 5, 2026

The global energy crisis and its impacts on Asian emerging economies

By Phillip Cornell

The Strait of Hormuz energy crisis poses a stress test for import-dependent, emerging economies in Asia, forcing difficult trade-offs.

East Asia Energy & Environment

MENASource

Jun 4, 2026

تفتت الفصائل المسلحة العراقية بعد تحول النظام الإيراني من الثيوقراطية الى الجنتوقراطية

By Munqith Dagher

كيف يؤثر تغيير القيادة في ايران على الميليشيات العراقية؟ د. منقذ داغر يبدو اننا بتنا ، بعد 28 فبراير 2026 ،امام نظام مختلف وظيفياً، بل وحتى هيكلياً عما عرفناه طوال السنوات السبعة وأربعين من عمر النظام الايراني. فقد اتسم نظام الحكم في ايران بنسخته الخمينية الأولى 1979-1989  بأحادية قطبية لا مكان فيها سوى للمرشد الأعلى(الخميني). […]

Arabic Conflict

EnergySource

Jun 4, 2026

A US oil export ban could raise pump prices

By Ben Cahill

If the Strait of Hormuz closure continues and gasoline prices increase further, US policymakers might consider banning oil exports. But instead of lowering prices, it could have the opposite effect.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

MENASource

Jun 4, 2026

Iraq’s militias are fracturing as Iran turns from theocracy to juntocracy

By Munqith Dagher

Iraq’s militias face a spiritual and organizational dilemma that gravely endangers their existence, in the wake of Iran's leadership change.

Conflict Iran

In the News

Jun 4, 2026

Charai for The National Interest: Iran’s Mafia State Understands Only Law Backed by Power

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

Dispatches

Jun 2, 2026

How will the Iran war change the US role in the world?

By Matthew Kroenig, Markus Garlauskas, and Beth Sanner

Atlantic Council experts weigh in on whether the United States should “pivot” its attention away from the Middle East and toward the Indo-Pacific.

China Indo-Pacific

In the News

May 30, 2026

Charai for The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: What Do the Gulf States Really Want?

By Atlantic Council

Geopolitics & Energy Security Middle East

Dispatches

May 29, 2026

Signing is the easy part: Two former US negotiators on the perils of implementing a deal with Iran

By Abram Paley, Nate Swanson

Abram Paley and Nate Swanson helped negotiate the last US-Iran deal, a 2023 prisoner exchange. Here's what they learned and how it applies to today's talks.

Iran Politics & Diplomacy

EnergySource

May 29, 2026

How the US can use its natural gas abundance to ease rising fertilizer prices

By Ellen Wald

The price of fertilizers, many of which are derived from natural gas, have increased due to the conflict in Iran, putting food security at risk. The US has tools to help ease the crisis.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

May 27, 2026

Kroenig interviewed on NPR on Abraham Accords and Iran

By Atlantic Council

On May 27, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was interviewed on NPR, arguing that President Trump is pushing for more countries to join the Abraham Accords to help secure a viable deal with Iran.

Iran Israel

Experts

Events