Iran sanctions relief will continue funding the ongoing war in Syria

Dispatches Jan 28, 2026

The expert conversation: Should Trump strike Iran? What happens next if he does?

By Jason M. Brodsky and Danny Citrinowicz

As the USS Abraham Lincoln arrives in the Middle East, two experts debate the opportunities, uncertainties, and risks of a US strike on Iran.
Iran Middle East
Iran sanctions relief will continue funding the ongoing war in Syria

Dispatches Jan 23, 2026

What Trump could do next in Iran

By Nate Swanson

As a US carrier strike group nears the Persian Gulf, what options does US President Donald Trump have to strike against the Iranian regime?
Iran Middle East
Iran sanctions relief will continue funding the ongoing war in Syria

MENASource Jan 14, 2026

Voices from Iran: As rejection of government reaches all-time high, Iranians also wary of foreign intervention

By Tara Kangarlou

If Trump is serious about peace, stability, and a lasting legacy, the path forward does not run through air strikes or transactional deals with a failing theocracy.
Civil Society Crisis Management

Programs

Middle East Programs

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Content

IranSource

May 19, 2021

Iran sanctions relief will continue funding the ongoing war in Syria

By Kenan Rahmani and Cameron Khansarinia

As the Joe Biden administration negotiates a potential return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in Vienna, Tehran’s backing of the Bashar al-Assad regime should not be left off the table.

Iran Middle East

IranElections2021

May 18, 2021

For Ebrahim Raisi, Iran’s presidency is a step toward Supreme Leader

By Anonymous

For Ebrahim Raisi, an election win also puts him one step closer to the real top job in Iran.

Iran Middle East

Event Recap

May 17, 2021

Event recap: “Understanding Russian and Iranian perspectives on the Afghan peace process”

By Emily Carll

On May 28, 2021, the Atlantic Council’s South Asia Center, the Eurasia Center, and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty hosted an event to discuss Russian and Iranian perspectives on the Afghan Peace Process.

Afghanistan Democratic Transitions

In the News

May 15, 2021

Slavin quoted in Arab News on upcoming Presidential elections in Iran

By Atlantic Council

Elections Iran

In the News

May 15, 2021

Dagres joins Monocle to discuss the upcoming Iranian election

By Atlantic Council

Corruption Elections

IranSource

May 13, 2021

Iran’s ‘reformists’ contemplate their post-election future

By Ali Fathollah-Nejad and Amin Naeni

It would require a miracle to revive the fortune of the reformists or moderates based on the current attitude of many Iranians.

Elections Iran

SouthAsiaSource

May 12, 2021

Webinar: Understanding Russian and Iranian perspectives on the Afghan peace process

By Atlantic Council

The Atlantic Council's South Asia Center and Eurasia Center, in partnership with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, host a conversation about Russian and Iranian perspectives on the Afghan peace process.

Afghanistan Democratic Transitions

Inflection Points

May 9, 2021

Four Mideast signs of change offer historic opportunity. Here’s how Biden can build on them.

By Frederick Kempe

A positive series of loosely connected events across the Middle East offers the best opportunity in memory for reducing tensions, ending conflict, building economic progress, and advancing regional integration.

Iran Israel

In the News

May 9, 2021

Azodi quoted in EuroNews on who is the foreign policy decision-maker in Iran

By Atlantic Council

Corruption Iran

IranSource

May 7, 2021

Iran’s presidential elections don’t matter. Here’s why.

By Shahin Milani

While the final list of candidates will not be announced by the Guardian Council before May 26, it can be said with certainty that whoever emerges victorious will not have a material impact on Iran’s domestic or foreign policy.

Iran Middle East
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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

Public Event Fri, February 27, 2026 • 1:00 pm ET

Reporters at risk: Navigating Iran’s internet blackout
Iran Middle East Resilience Resilience & Society