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.

Yade in Townhall: In defending human rights and free choice, we must all stand together

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
Yade in Townhall: In defending human rights and free choice, we must all stand together

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
Yade in Townhall: In defending human rights and free choice, we must all stand together

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.

EXPLORE THE Atlantic Council’s Middle East PROGRAMs

Content

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Jul 8, 2020

Yade in Townhall: In defending human rights and free choice, we must all stand together

By Atlantic Council

Human Rights Iran

In the News

Jul 6, 2020

Dagres quoted in The Telegraph on incidents at Iranian nuclear/power facilities
Iran Middle East

In the News

Jul 5, 2020

Dagres joins BBC News to discuss ‘Honour killing’ in Iran
Human Rights Iran

IranSource

Jul 2, 2020

How to fix the “maximum pressure” campaign on Iran

By Colonel Udi Evental

The Trump administration’s strategy suffers from internal tensions and inherent contradictions that have undermined its effectiveness from the beginning.

Iran Middle East

In the News

Jun 26, 2020

Kroenig and Ashford Discuss Iran Nuclear Deal in Foreign Policy

By Atlantic Council

On June 26, Foreign Policy published a biweekly column featuring Scowcroft Center Deputy Director Matthew Kroenig and the Cato Institute’s Emma Ashford discussing the latest news in international affairs. In this column, they discuss former national security advisor John Bolton’s impact on the Trump administration’s Iran policy and the consequences of pulling out of the Iran nuclear deal.

Iran Nuclear Nonproliferation

IranSource

Jun 26, 2020

Just how happy are Iranians with their lives?

By Nadereh Chamlou

Iran ranks 118 out of 153 countries on the UN’s 2020 World Happiness Index (WHI), slightly above the lowest quintile—the least happy.

Iran Middle East

IranSource

Jun 24, 2020

Pressed by sanctions and coronavirus, can Iranian businesses bounce back?

By Mohsen Tavakol

During the past four decades, Iranian entrepreneurs have always found ways of reviving business activities and productivity in times of crisis. However, current challenges are undermining those efforts and driving many Iranians into further poverty.

Iran Middle East

Blog Post

Jun 24, 2020

The new Iranian child protection law is holistic, but discriminatory

By Hamed Farmand

Despite its shortcomings, the new lawis still a significant step towards protecting children and adolescents in Iran and serves as an essential resource for activists and legal professionals.

Iran Middle East

Blog Post

Jun 23, 2020

The United States needs an Iran strategy, not a ‘campaign’

By Alma Keshavarz

The United States’ policy towards Iran has reached an impasse. The Trump administration will have gone a full term without a meaningful strategy towards this historic rival.

Iran Middle East

Blog Post

Jun 23, 2020

Iranian officials’ hypocritical support of #BlackLivesMatter

By Rebecca Stryer

Over the past few weeks, Iranian officials have not shied away from condemning the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed African American man, by a police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 25.

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

Events

Public Event Fri, April 17, 2026 • 11:45 am ET

The British ambassador to the US on Euro-Atlantic security and the Middle East
Europe & Eurasia Iran Middle East NATO