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.

Kroenig in Louisiana Tech Research Institute on US nuclear strategy

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
Kroenig in Louisiana Tech Research Institute on US nuclear strategy

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
Kroenig in Louisiana Tech Research Institute on US nuclear strategy

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

Oct 10, 2020

Kroenig in Louisiana Tech Research Institute on US nuclear strategy

By Atlantic Council

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security deputy director Matt Kroenig publishes chapters on US nuclear strategy and nuclear nonproliferation and deterrence against Iran.

Arms Control China

In the News

Oct 9, 2020

Slavin quoted in Tehran Times on US sanctions on Iran
Iran Middle East

In the News

Oct 9, 2020

Slavin quoted in the Middle East Eye on US sanctions on Iran
Iran Middle East

Event Recap

Oct 9, 2020

Future of DHS Project identifies new threats to the homeland

By Julia Siegel

On Wednesday, September 9, the Scowcroft Center’s Forward Defense practice launched the Future of DHS Project Final Report, building on its Key Findings and Recommendations released in August. Following the report release, Forward Defense hosted three panels of distinguished speakers to discuss the future of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in a changing threat landscape.

China Coronavirus

In the News

Oct 8, 2020

Slavin quoted in AFP on Trump’s Iran policy
Elections Iran

In the News

Oct 8, 2020

Slavin quoted in Financial Times on US Treasury action agains Iranian banks
Economy & Business Iran

In the News

Oct 8, 2020

Shaffer quoted in Asia Times on unification between Iran’s Azeri-speaking provinces, and Turkey and Azerbaijan
Europe & Eurasia Iran

In the News

Oct 8, 2020

Slavin joins BBC to discuss US sanctions on Iran
Iran Middle East

In the News

Oct 8, 2020

Slavin quoted in USA Today on US sanctions on Iran
Iran Middle East

IranElections2021

Oct 7, 2020

Hossein Dehghan and other military vets vie for Iran’s presidency

By Sina Azodi

Given the extraordinary circumstances that Iran is currently facing, it appears that the establishment is pondering elevating a former high-level military officer to head the executive branch.

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

Online Event Tue, March 24, 2026 • 10:00 am ET

The future of Iran’s axis of resistance
Iran Iraq Israel Lebanon