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.

Ullman in UPI: Donald Trump fails to take high ground in message to 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
Ullman in UPI: Donald Trump fails to take high ground in message to 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
Ullman in UPI: Donald Trump fails to take high ground in message to 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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Content

In the News

Jan 8, 2020

Ullman in UPI: Donald Trump fails to take high ground in message to Iran

By Harlan Ullman

Iran Politics & Diplomacy

IranSource

Jan 8, 2020

Both the United States and Iran proved their points. Now they need to de-escalate tensions

By Robert Czulda

After Trump’s press conference, there are some good reasons to be optimistic and believe that both sides will remain restrained. However, on the other hand, in the Middle East restraint is very often seen not as a virtue, but as a sign of weakness which has to be exploited by one’s enemies.

Conflict Iran

In the News

Jan 8, 2020

El-Gamal joins KSRO to discuss Iran tensions

By Atlantic Council

Iran Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Jan 8, 2020

Nooruddin joins India Today to discuss US-Iran tensions

By Atlantic Council

Please fast forward to 40 minutes for the interview.

Crisis Management Iran

In the News

Jan 8, 2020

Slavin joins BBC to discuss US-Iran tensions

By Atlantic Council

Iran Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Jan 8, 2020

Bryza join Indus TV to discuss US-Iran tensions

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

In the News

Jan 8, 2020

Hausheer Ali joins Alghad TV (Arabic) to discuss Trump’s confrontation with Iran

By Atlantic Council

Arabic Conflict

In the News

Jan 8, 2020

Wechsler quoted in Yahoo on Trump’s authority to wage war against Iran

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Iran

In the News

Jan 8, 2020

Slavin quoted in JNS on Trump’s address on Iran

By Atlantic Council

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Iran

New Atlanticist

Jan 8, 2020

De-escalation still possible after Iran’s missile retaliation

By Atlantic Council

Iran avoided a central US red line, and "therefore, the Trump administration will have the opportunity to test Iranian claims that they truly do not seek any further escalation," Will Wechsler says.

Conflict Iran
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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
Online Event Tue, March 31, 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