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

Dagres joins the Monocle to discuss Iran’s suspected attack on an oil tanker

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

Arms Control Defense Policy

IranSource

Aug 2, 2021

The ‘Balkanization’ of Iran is a fantasy. Here’s why.

By Raz Zimmt

Despite the profound differences between the various ethnic groups, Iran has existed as a separate political and cultural entity with a unique national identity for centuries, unlike most Arab nation-states, whose borders were shaped by Western powers after World War I.

Iran Middle East

In the News

Jul 31, 2021

Dagres joins the Monocle for a historical podcast series on the Iran hostage crisis

By Atlantic Council

Corruption Human Rights

IranSource

Jul 30, 2021

The grapes of Khuzestan’s wrath

By Nasser Karami

After decades of poor environmental governance and mismanagement of water resources in Iran’s southwestern Khuzestan province, it’s not surprising that people have taken to the streets once again since July 15, prompting a violent crackdown by security forces and near total internet shutdown.

Energy & Environment Iran

New Atlanticist

Jul 29, 2021

The US needs better tools to fight transnational repression. Here’s where to start.

By Gissou Nia

As autocrats reach beyond their borders to punish their opponents, the United States must meet the challenge by preparing effective, forward-thinking policy.

Human Rights International Organizations

In the News

Jul 28, 2021

Slavin quoted in The National on US support for Iran protests

By Atlantic Council

Human Rights International Norms

Fast Thinking

Jul 26, 2021

FAST THINKING: Is the Iraq War over… again?

By Atlantic Council

As the US military formally transitions to an advisory role with Iraqi forces, what’s next for the fights against ISIS and Iran-backed militias? Will anything really change? Our Iraq experts weigh in.

Conflict Defense Policy

In the News

Jul 23, 2021

Kroenig and Ashford debate geopolitics and the Olympics

By Atlantic Council

On July 23, Foreign Policy published a biweekly column featuring Scowcroft Center deputy director Matthew Kroenig and New American Engagement Initiative senior fellow Emma Ashford discussing the latest news in international affairs. In this column, they debate Olympic defection, the effectiveness of sanctions over the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, democratic backsliding in Tunisia, the prospects for a […]

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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

Dagres joins the Monocle to discuss Iran’s suspected attack on an oil tanker

Slavin joins The World to discuss the stalling of Iran nuclear talks

Azodi joins VOA Persian to discuss Rouhani’s remarks about the withdrawal of the nuclear deal

The ‘Balkanization’ of Iran is a fantasy. Here’s why.

Dagres joins the Monocle for a historical podcast series on the Iran hostage crisis

The grapes of Khuzestan’s wrath

The US needs better tools to fight transnational repression. Here’s where to start.

Slavin quoted in The National on US support for Iran protests

FAST THINKING: Is the Iraq War over… again?

Kroenig and Ashford debate geopolitics and the Olympics

Experts

Carmiel Arbit

Colin Brooks

Hagar Hajjar Chemali

Danny Citrinowicz

Ariel Cohen

Jonathan Fulton

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