Iran

Middle East

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.

Featured commentary and analysis

Peek quoted in The Wall Street Journal on Iran’s desire for a stable relationship with Afghanistan

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

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

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.

By Atlantic Council

Corruption Defense Policy

IranSource

Aug 16, 2021

The Raisi administration must answer the IAEA enquires. Otherwise, Vienna talks risk derailment.

By Kelsey Davenport

Tehran’s failure to fully cooperate with the IAEA’s investigation into past possible undeclared nuclear materials and activities risks derailing progress on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action’s (JCPOA) restoration and undermining confidence that Iran’s current nuclear program is peaceful.

Iran Middle East

In the News

Aug 12, 2021

Slavin quoted in Al Jazeera Arabic on negotiations of the Iran nuclear deal

By Atlantic Council

Arabic Arms Control

In the News

Aug 11, 2021

Nasr quoted in ORF special report: Iran Under Ebrahim Raisi: The View from India

By Atlantic Council

India Iran

In the News

Aug 11, 2021

Azodi mentioned in Times of Israel on Ali Shamkhani tweeting in Hebrew

By Atlantic Council

Civil Society International Norms

Blog Post

Aug 10, 2021

State of the Order: Assessing July 2021

The State of the Order breaks down the month's most important events impacting the democratic world order.

Americas China

In the News

Aug 9, 2021

Slavin joins the Global Agora to discuss Iranians’ expectations for President Raisi

By Atlantic Council

Corruption Defense Policy

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

China Chinese

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Featured commentary and analysis

How would a Kurdish offensive change the war in Iran?

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

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

Programs

Middle East Programs

Content

Peek quoted in The Wall Street Journal on Iran’s desire for a stable relationship with Afghanistan

Peek quoted in The Wall Street Journal on Iran’s desire for a stable relationship with Afghanistan

Slavin quoted in Nikkei Asia on Raisi’s relations with China

Azodi quoted in Deutsche Welle on what to expect from Iran’s new president

The Raisi administration must answer the IAEA enquires. Otherwise, Vienna talks risk derailment.

Slavin quoted in Al Jazeera Arabic on negotiations of the Iran nuclear deal

Nasr quoted in ORF special report: Iran Under Ebrahim Raisi: The View from India

Azodi mentioned in Times of Israel on Ali Shamkhani tweeting in Hebrew

State of the Order: Assessing July 2021

Slavin joins the Global Agora to discuss Iranians’ expectations for President Raisi

Experts

Carmiel Arbit

Colin Brooks

Hagar Hajjar Chemali

Danny Citrinowicz

Ariel Cohen

Jonathan Fulton

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