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.

Content

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

IranSource

May 6, 2021

Supreme Leader directly intervenes in Iran’s June vote

By Anonymous

Khamenei’s interventions might have helped the hardliners camp eliminate its strongest competition but he definitely has not been able to resolve the big differences and gaps inside his own camp to bring its top figures into agreement on a single candidate.

Elections Iran

In the News

May 5, 2021

Slavin quoted in Jewish News Syndicate on Biden’s approach to the Iran deal

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

Experts