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.

Kroenig and Ashford review the Biden-Putin Summit

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
Kroenig and Ashford review the Biden-Putin Summit

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
Kroenig and Ashford review the Biden-Putin Summit

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

In the News

Jun 25, 2021

Kroenig and Ashford review the Biden-Putin Summit

By Atlantic Council

On June 25, 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 discussed the successes of the Biden-Putin Summit, the Iranian presidential elections and the potential for a nuclear deal, and the future of […]

Afghanistan Cybersecurity

MENASource

Jun 25, 2021

Under a Raisi presidency, ties with Iraq will still matter

By Abbas Kadhim, Masoud Mostajabi

For Baghdad, it will be essential to maintain friendly relations with the new Iranian administration and its other neighbors.

Iran Iraq

In the News

Jun 24, 2021

Slavin in Responsible Statecraft: “Is a new security architecture in the Middle East possible?”

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

In the News

Jun 24, 2021

Slavin joins Gallup to discuss Iran’s recent presidential elections
Elections Iran

IranSource

Jun 24, 2021

A look at Iran’s new First Lady

By Fatemeh Haghighatjoo

It’s important to take a close look at President-elect Ebrahim Raisi's wife, Jamileh Alamolhoda, and, more importantly, how the couple will impact women’s rights in Iran.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Jun 23, 2021

What will Raisi’s cabinet look like? Hardline and full of war vets.

By Mehrzad Boroujerdi

Considering Ebrahim Raisi’s lack of experience in foreign policy and economic affairs, the success of his administration will depend to some extent on who he will pick for his cabinet.

Elections Iran

In the News

Jun 23, 2021

Slavin joins World Affairs with Chuck Hagel to discuss the US strategy in Iran
Iran Middle East

IranSource

Jun 23, 2021

Predicting the predictable: What do pre-election polls tell us about Iran’s election?

By Dara Conduit

Why were pre-election polls conducted throughout Iran's presidential campaign period if there was never any doubt of the election result? The answer lies in the election process itself.

Elections Iran

IranSource

Jun 22, 2021

An uncertain future for Iran under a minority president

By Hezha Barzani

On June 21, 2021, the Atlantic Council’s Future of Iran Initiative hosted an event to discuss the implications of Iran’s June 18 presidential elections for US-Iran relations. Read the key takeaways.

Iran Middle East

In the News

Jun 22, 2021

Slavin and Azodi join CGTN to discuss Iran’s presidential elections
Elections Iran
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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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