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.

The Venezuela-Iran connection and what Maduro’s capture means for Tehran, explained 

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
The Venezuela-Iran connection and what Maduro’s capture means for Tehran, explained 

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
The Venezuela-Iran connection and what Maduro’s capture means for Tehran, explained 

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

MENASource

Jan 12, 2026

The Venezuela-Iran connection and what Maduro’s capture means for Tehran, explained 

By Joze Pelayo, Kirsten Fontenrose

Our experts break down Iran’s ties to Venezuela and the impact Maduro’s capture could have on Tehran’s interests in and outside of its own borders. 

Iran Oil and Gas

MENASource

Jan 8, 2026

As Iran protests continue, policymakers should apply these key lessons

By Abram Paley and Nate Swanson

The Iranian people are bravely leading the current protests. It is essential to keep the focus on them.

Civil Society Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

Dispatches

Jan 7, 2026

What to watch as anti-regime protests engulf Iran

By Nate Swanson

Recent protests expose the Iranian government’s inability to meet the economic, social, and political demands of its people.

Civil Society Iran

In the News

Jan 5, 2026

Charai for The Jerusalem Strategic Tribune: The Iranian People Will Not Be Silenced

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

In the News

Jan 5, 2026

Kroenig in C-SPAN on foreign policy in 2026

By Atlantic Council

On January 2, Atlantic Council vice president and Scowcroft Center senior director Matthew Kroenig was interviewed on C-SPAN's "Washington Journal" about foreign policy challenges for 2026. He analyzes threats from the People's Republic of China, speaks about protests in Iran, and discusses the Trump administration's National Security Strategy.

China Iran

Dispatches

Dec 24, 2025

The Middle East is on the brink of a new crisis. Here’s where it could start.

By Alex Plitsas

No one should confuse the patchwork of temporary cease-fire agreements in place throughout the Middle East for sustainable deterrence and peace.

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource

Dec 17, 2025

Is Iran’s Axis of Resistance turning toward Tunisia?

By Alissa Pavia

Tunisian President Kais Saied sees clear political advantage in drawing closer to Tehran.

Iran Middle East

Dispatches

Dec 12, 2025

Iran poses challenges to a National Security Strategy ready to move on

By Nate Swanson

If, as its new strategy suggests, the White House wants to spend less time on Iran, then it has three options—and one is better than the others.

Iran Middle East

MENASource

Dec 9, 2025

Western policy must include Iran’s neglected peripheries

By Rob Macaire

Now is the time for Western and regional policymakers to form a clear-eyed view of how they should engage with Iran’s minorities.

Iran Middle East

UkraineAlert

Nov 20, 2025

Axis of authoritarians poses mounting threat on the global information front

By William Dixon, Maksym Beznosiuk

The authoritarian axis that has taken shape since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine is currently setting new standards in terms of coordinated information operations across media platforms, write William Dixon and Maksym Beznosiuk.

China Civil Society
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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

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