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 CGTN on the U.S.-Iran nuclear stalemate

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 CGTN on the U.S.-Iran nuclear stalemate

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 CGTN on the U.S.-Iran nuclear stalemate

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

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Content

In the News

Feb 25, 2021

Slavin quoted in CGTN on the U.S.-Iran nuclear stalemate
Iran Middle East

IranSource

Feb 25, 2021

With Iran, nuclear diplomacy comes first

By Mehran Haghirian

Iranian officials at all levels have shifted their talking points regarding the US. They have been clear that they are willing to reengage the US despite the bitter experience of the past four years. It is past time that the Biden foreign policy team implements what they have been preaching and reaches out to Iran in a constructive manner.

Iran Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Feb 24, 2021

Slavin quoted in Tehran Times on US-Iran rapprochement
Iran Middle East

In the News

Feb 24, 2021

Dagres joins Newsmakers to discuss the JCPOA
Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Iran

In the News

Feb 24, 2021

Slavin joins Xinhua Global Service to discuss US-Iran relations
Iran Middle East

New Atlanticist

Feb 24, 2021

Josep Borrell outlines the EU’s priorities in a multipolar world

By Larry Luxner

“Today we’re in a multipolar world and [the EU will] have to look outwards because the problem is no longer among us; it’s among us and the rest of the world," Josep Borrell told the Atlantic Council. The problems ahead: the pandemic, Russia, China, and more.

China European Union

In the News

Feb 23, 2021

Slavin quoted in Al Jazeera on the Iran nuclear deal
Iran Middle East

In the News

Feb 19, 2021

Warrick quoted in Lawfare on Iranian information operations
Cybersecurity Disinformation

In the News

Feb 19, 2021

Warrick quoted in Lawfare on Iranian information operations

By Atlantic Council

On February 19, FD NRSF Thomas Warrick was quoted in a piece titled “How to Understand Iranian Information Operations.” In this piece, Warrick claims that Iran is using disinformation tactics as a retaliation tactic, asserting national power without direct escalation.

Defense Policy Disinformation

In the News

Feb 18, 2021

Slavin joins the BBC to discuss the JCPOA
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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