Iran

The US-Iranian relationship has experienced significant challenges over the past forty years. The lack of diplomatic relations, changes in both the US and Iranian administrations, repeated US military interventions in the region as well as Iran’s support for militant groups and increasingly harsh rhetoric on both sides have further undermined chances for reconciliation. Through a balanced approach of engagement and containment, there is a need to push back against Iranian intervention while promoting US interests, regional conflict resolution, and the well-being of the Iranian people.

How the Iran war could change the US relationship with Gulf states

Dispatches Mar 6, 2026

How would a Kurdish offensive change the war in Iran?

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts explain the goals of the various Kurdish groups the United States is reportedly backing for an attack against Iran and how their involvement could impact the wider war.
Conflict Defense Policy
How the Iran war could change the US relationship with Gulf states

Dispatches Mar 6, 2026

Washington’s limited levers to shape a post-Khamenei Iran

By Nate Swanson, Ingrid Small

The United States and its allies do have some options to coax change that might result in a more Western-leaning Tehran.
Conflict Iran
How the Iran war could change the US relationship with Gulf states

MENASource Mar 3, 2026

Trump wants Iranians to ‘take back their country’ from the regime. Can they?

By Alan Pino

To succeed in overthrowing the Iranian regime, an uprising would likely require a unifying leader, an effective organization, and the support of whatever remains of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Conflict Democratic Transitions

Programs

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.

EXPLORE THE Atlantic Council’s Middle East PROGRAMs

Content

Dispatches

Mar 25, 2026

How the Iran war could change the US relationship with Gulf states

By Abram Paley

The war appears to have opened the door to a new wave of uncertainty in the Gulf, which might threaten the very regional stability and economic prosperity it is meant to ensure.

Conflict Iran

Uncategorized

Mar 25, 2026

Kafafy for Foreign Policy: Empty Words Don’t Open Straits

By Atlantic Council

Critical Infrastructure Policy Energy & Environment

In the News

Mar 24, 2026

Charai for The Jerusalem Post: Courage, not recklessness: Why Netanyahu and Trump were right on Iran

By Atlantic Council

Iran Israel

Inflection Points

Mar 23, 2026

Trump is fighting two wars with Iran. He needs to win both.

By Frederick Kempe

Nothing could be more short-sighted than leaving a vengeful and still formidable Iranian regime in place.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Mar 23, 2026

The Iran conflict exposes the new cost curve of war

By Nic Adams

The Pentagon must rapidly field innovative, lower-cost technologies alongside its exquisite capabilities, ensuring each is used where it delivers the greatest advantage.

Conflict Defense Industry

EnergySource

Mar 23, 2026

The Strait of Hormuz crisis will ripple across plastics and food supply chains, helping Beijing and Moscow, hurting Americans

By Joseph Webster and Kate Burnett

The oil and gas blockade in the Strait of Hormuz will tighten petrochemical and fertilizer markets, with geopolitical and economic implications for the United States.

China Energy & Environment

In the News

Mar 20, 2026

Kroenig quoted in The Economist on war in Iran

By Atlantic Council

On March 19, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was quoted in The Economist on US action in Iran, arguing that President Trump is weakening a regime hostile to the United States.

Iran Security & Defense

Econographics

Mar 20, 2026

In the Iran crisis, the IMF’s voice is urgently needed

By Martin Mühleisen

As the Iran crisis chokes the Strait of Hormuz and rattles global energy markets, the IMF has offered little more than cautious statements. The institution must develop real-time, scenario-driven analysis.

Economy & Business Iran

Dispatches

Mar 20, 2026

Oil waivers risk sustaining Russia’s war effort amid the Iran war

By Linas Kojala, Vytautas Leškevičius

Relieving US sanctions on Russian oil would give Moscow a reprieve just as financial pressure was beginning to constrain its room for maneuver in its war against Ukraine.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

Dispatches

Mar 20, 2026

Demand destruction has begun: What Sri Lanka reveals about the global energy crisis

By Phillip Cornell

The disruption to oil and gas flows through the Strait of Hormuz has triggered a systemic shock to energy markets, and Sri Lanka is on the front line.

Conflict Energy & Environment
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Experts

Fellow

Carmiel Arbit

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Civil Society Extremism

Fellow

Colin Brooks

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Iran Middle East

Fellow

Hagar Hajjar Chemali

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Economy & Business Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

Fellow

Danny Citrinowicz  

Nonresident Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Cybersecurity

Fellow

Ariel Cohen

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Eurasia Center

Central Asia Politics & Diplomacy

Fellow

Jonathan Fulton

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

China Chinese
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Events

Public Event Fri, March 27, 2026 • 12:00 pm ET

How Ukraine’s drones and Russia’s reconnaissance fit into the Iran war
Conflict Defense Industry Defense Policy Defense Technologies
Online Event Tue, March 31, 2026 • 10:00 am ET

Holding enablers accountable: The Islamic Republic of Iran’s role in Russia’s drone war
Civil Society Conflict Crisis Management Iran