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.

Content

UkraineAlert

Mar 12, 2026

Iran war highlights Ukraine’s rapid rise to drone superpower status

By David Kirichenko

The Iran war has sparked a sudden surge in international demand for Kyiv’s unique anti-drone expertise and highlighted Ukraine's rapid emergence as one of the world's leading drone warfare superpowers, writes David Kirichenko.

Conflict Defense Technologies

Econographics

Mar 12, 2026

By threatening the Strait of Hormuz, Iran turns geography into a global economic weapon

By Alex Mills

Iran’s threat to attack vessels in the Strait of Hormuz has effectively shut down one of the world’s most critical energy shipping routes, turning geography into a powerful economic weapon.

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

In the News

Mar 12, 2026

Costa quoted in AFP article on US interceptor stocks in the conflict with Iran

By Atlantic Council

On March 2, Forward Defense director Joe Costa was quoted in an AFP article on US air defense interceptor stocks. Costa cautioned that a sustained conflict with Iran could impact the availability of these capabilities for other global priorities.

Defense Policy Defense Technologies

TURKEYSource

Mar 12, 2026

Turkey has weathered regional instability before. But the war in Iran poses greater risks to Ankara than past conflicts.

By Grady Wilson

Turkey is seeking to limit fallout from the US and Israeli war against Iran but threats to national security increasingly threaten its position.

Conflict Iran

In the News

Mar 12, 2026

Kroenig in NPR on Straight of Hormuz and global shipping

By Atlantic Council

On March 12, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was interviewed on NPR about how Iran's offensive actions in the Straight of Hormuz impact global shipping.

Iran Maritime Security

Dispatches

Mar 11, 2026

Twenty questions (and expert answers) about the Iran war

By Atlantic Council experts

As the US-Israeli war against Iran reverberates across the Middle East and the globe, Atlantic Council experts bring clarity to the fast-moving events.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Mar 11, 2026

Three lessons from Libya for the war in Iran

By Frank Talbot

Any outside power using force to attain a political outcome must define the end state it seeks, align coalition partners around a shared strategy, and establish credible escalation controls.

Conflict Iran

Dispatches

Mar 11, 2026

Dispatch from Beirut: Is this Hezbollah’s ‘last war’ with Israel?

By Nicholas Blanford

Hezbollah’s strategy, likely in coordination with Iran, appears to be to inflict as much pain on Israel for as long as possible.

Conflict Iran

In the News

Mar 10, 2026

Kroenig quoted in Fox News about US action in Iran

By Atlantic Council

On March 9, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was quoted in Fox News on US strategy in Iran, arguing that President Trump's advisors see themselves as supporting the President's vision.

Iran Security & Defense

MENASource

Mar 10, 2026

Will the Houthis join the Iran war?

By Allison Minor

Houthi involvement in the Iran war could reignite the Yemen war after four years of relative calm, with significant implications for Yemen and the region.

Conflict Iran

Experts