Cover-ups and incompetence: Iran as the Middle East’s coronavirus epicenter

Dispatches Jan 28, 2026

The expert conversation: Should Trump strike Iran? What happens next if he does?

By Jason M. Brodsky and Danny Citrinowicz

As the USS Abraham Lincoln arrives in the Middle East, two experts debate the opportunities, uncertainties, and risks of a US strike on Iran.
Iran Middle East
Cover-ups and incompetence: Iran as the Middle East’s coronavirus epicenter

Dispatches Jan 23, 2026

What Trump could do next in Iran

By Nate Swanson

As a US carrier strike group nears the Persian Gulf, what options does US President Donald Trump have to strike against the Iranian regime?
Iran Middle East
Cover-ups and incompetence: Iran as the Middle East’s coronavirus epicenter

MENASource Jan 14, 2026

Voices from Iran: As rejection of government reaches all-time high, Iranians also wary of foreign intervention

By Tara Kangarlou

If Trump is serious about peace, stability, and a lasting legacy, the path forward does not run through air strikes or transactional deals with a failing theocracy.
Civil Society Crisis Management

Programs

Middle East Programs

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Content

IranSource

Feb 25, 2020

Cover-ups and incompetence: Iran as the Middle East’s coronavirus epicenter

By Brendon Hong

For now, Iran has not banned its citizens from traveling to China, which as of midnight on February 25 has confirmed nearly 65,000 infections within its border.

Iran Middle East

In the News

Feb 24, 2020

Wechsler and Fontenrose in The Washington Post: How US allies in the Gulf can help prevent an Iranian October surprise

As the 2020 US presidential election ramps up, the Atlantic Council's Kirsten Fontenrose and William Wechsler write in The Washington Post on the threat of an October surprise from Iran.

Elections Iran

IranSource

Feb 24, 2020

FATF blacklists Iran, but does it matter?

By Brian O’Toole

The decision to impose counter-measures by the Paris-based body signals something of an end to the group’s patience with Iran, especially by the European Union, after Tehran failed to follow through on the action plan it agreed upon with the FATF to address its deficiencies.

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Iran

In the News

Feb 21, 2020

Slavin joins PRI to discuss Iran’s parliamentary elections

By Atlantic Council

Elections Iran

In the News

Feb 21, 2020

Nia in Just Security: For Free Expression in Iran, the U.S. Can Act to Keep the Internet On

By Atlantic Council

Iran Politics & Diplomacy

MENASource

Feb 20, 2020

To deter Iran, the Gulf states need stronger navies

By Daniel J. Samet

The Gulf states should follow Washington’s lead in restoring deterrence in the face of the desperate regime in Tehran.

Iran Middle East

In the News

Feb 19, 2020

Slavin quoted in CNBC on Iran’s parliamentary elections

By Atlantic Council

Elections Iran

IranSource

Feb 19, 2020

Fantasies of regime collapse in Iran come without a plan

By Borzou Daragahi

In pushing for regime collapse in Iran, US officials should at least be aware of what they’re courting. Even if their policy is successful, it could be more disastrous than what they’ve ever imagined.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Feb 14, 2020

Factbox: Iran’s 2020 parliamentary elections

By Arash Azizi

This guide aims to illuminate some of the basic procedures, conflicts inside the conservative camp and the likelihood of a low turnout with meager reformist participation.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Feb 12, 2020

The ‘maximum pressure’ campaign undermines Trump’s national security strategy

By David Wallsh

In order to stay focused on our long-term priorities, the US government must align its Iran policy with its national security strategy.

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

Public Event Fri, February 27, 2026 • 1:00 pm ET

Reporters at risk: Navigating Iran’s internet blackout
Iran Middle East Resilience Resilience & Society
Online Event Tue, March 3, 2026 • 10:00 am ET

Holding enablers accountable: The Islamic Republic of Iran’s role in Russia’s drone war
Civil Society Conflict Crisis Management Iran