Iran

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.

Slavin quoted in Arab News the future of US-Iran relations under Raisi

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
Slavin quoted in Arab News the future of US-Iran relations under Raisi

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
Slavin quoted in Arab News the future of US-Iran relations under Raisi

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.

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Content

In the News

Jun 7, 2021

Slavin quoted in Arab News the future of US-Iran relations under Raisi

By Atlantic Council

Corruption Elections

In the News

Jun 3, 2021

Ortagus discusses Biden’s approach to China and Iran on Fox News

By Atlantic Council

Scowcroft Center senior advisor Morgan Ortagus was featured on Fox News’s Special Report on Thursday, June 3, to discuss the origins of COVID-19 and the Iran deal. She urged Western nations to demand a credible investigation into the outbreak of COVID-19 and argued against reviving the Iran nuclear deal.

China Coronavirus

IranSource

Jun 3, 2021

Iran just lost one of its largest ships. It’s a major embarrassment.

By Robert Czulda

In the early hours of June 2, the venerable Iranian supply ship Kharg caught fire and sank in the Gulf of Oman. The loss is a major setback for the Islamic Republic, exposing not only the poor readiness of the Iranian armed forces, but also the lethality of Iran’s military equipment to its own soldiers.

Iran Middle East

In the News

Jun 1, 2021

IranSource mentioned in The Jerusalem Post on Soleimani’s death

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Defense Policy

IranSource

Jun 1, 2021

A Raisi presidential win may be his undoing as future Supreme Leader

By Anonymous

Conventional wisdom is that the election will facilitate Ebrahim Raisi’s ascent to the real decision-making post in Iran—that of Supreme Leader. But nothing is ever certain in Iran’s contentious politics.

Elections Iran

In the News

May 28, 2021

Slavin quoted in VOA on reviving the JCPOA

By Atlantic Council

Elections Iran

IranElections2021

May 28, 2021

Khamenei is dropping Iran’s democratic façade

By Borzou Daragahi

The Supreme Leader for years has been agitating to find what he describes as a new generation of young and pious “revolutionaries” to take the helm of the country’s institutions. That aim may be taking priority.

Iran Middle East

In the News

May 27, 2021

Slavin quoted in Arab News on the upcoming presidential election in Iran

By Atlantic Council

Corruption Elections

In the News

May 25, 2021

Slavin joins PRI’s The World to discuss the latest updates on the nuclear deal

By Atlantic Council

Elections Iran

In the News

May 25, 2021

Azodi quoted in AhramOnline on the prospect of Javad Zarif being interested in running in upcoming elections

By Atlantic Council

Corruption Elections
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Experts

Fellow

Yesar Al-Maleki

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Geopolitics & Energy Security

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
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