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.

Wechsler quoted in The National on Pompeo’s statement about the connections between Al Qaeda and Iran

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
Wechsler quoted in The National on Pompeo’s statement about the connections between Al Qaeda and Iran

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
Wechsler quoted in The National on Pompeo’s statement about the connections between Al Qaeda and Iran

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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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

Feb 1, 2021

Wechsler quoted in The National on Pompeo’s statement about the connections between Al Qaeda and Iran
Iran Middle East

In the News

Jan 28, 2021

Nia quoted in The Hill on the renewal of the JCPOA and related human rights concerns
Human Rights Iran

IranSource

Jan 28, 2021

Iran is actually reducing its weapons-usable uranium inventory

By Robert Kelley

Iran’s growing stockpile of 20 percent UF6 is far less worrisome when it is converted to a form not suitable for further enrichment. This is a nonproliferation victory.

Iran Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Jan 27, 2021

Nia joins BBC News Farsi to discuss how the Biden administration can factor human rights into its approach towards Iran
Europe & Eurasia European Union

In the News

Jan 27, 2021

Slavin quoted in Tehran Times on the revival of the JCPOA
Iran Middle East

In the News

Jan 27, 2021

IranSource blog quoted in the Washington Post
Iran Middle East

In the News

Jan 26, 2021

Nawaz joins CGTN to discuss U.S. troop withdrawals

By Atlantic Council

Afghanistan Conflict

In the News

Jan 26, 2021

Nawaz joins Dawn News for an interview to discuss: Why not debate issues openly?

By Atlantic Council

Afghanistan India

IranElections2021

Jan 25, 2021

Iran’s hardliners think Biden might hurt their June presidential election strategy

By Saeid Jafari

Hardliners had hoped that Donald Trump’s re-election would help them to oust the reformist and moderate candidates in June’s presidential election. Now hardliners are concerned that the new US administration will destroy their plans.

Iran Middle East

In the News

Jan 24, 2021

Slavin quoted in the Daily Beast on US-Iran policy under the Biden administration
Iran Middle East
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Experts

Fellow

Anthony J. Ruggiero

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Indo-Pacific Security Initiative

Arms Control Defense Policy

Fellow

Nilofar Sakhi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

South Asia Center

Afghanistan Arabic

Expert

Nate Swanson

Resident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Iran Middle East

Fellow

Thomas S. Warrick

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Adrienne Arsht National Security Resilience Initiative GeoStrategy Initiative

National Security Terrorism

Staff

William F. Wechsler

Senior Director, Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

National Security Middle East