US election security is seeing a rise in ‘complex’ threats—and it’s not just foreign actors, says Lisa Monaco

New Atlanticist Jul 1, 2025

The US must enforce sanctions to prevent Iran from rebuilding its nuclear program

By Kimberly Donovan

To ensure that Tehran cannot get its hands on the financial resources it would need to rebuild its nuclear program, Iran sanctions enforcement should start with China.
Economic Sanctions Iran
US election security is seeing a rise in ‘complex’ threats—and it’s not just foreign actors, says Lisa Monaco

New Atlanticist Jun 26, 2025

What really happened to Fordow? Three possible futures for Iran’s nuclear program after US strikes.

By Amir Asmar

The condition of Fordow will have a direct impact on the likelihood of Iran giving up its nuclear program versus resuming its pursuit of nuclear weapons.
Iran Middle East
US election security is seeing a rise in ‘complex’ threats—and it’s not just foreign actors, says Lisa Monaco

Fast Thinking Jun 24, 2025

The big lessons from 12 days of war with Iran

By Atlantic Council

A tentative cease-fire is underway in the war between Iran and Israel. But where did the conflict leave Iran, Israel, and the United States?
Conflict Iran

In-depth research & reports

Report

Oct 8, 2024

A bipartisan Iran strategy for the next US administration—and the next two decades

As tensions spike in the Middle East, how should the next US president approach Iran and its network of proxies including Hezbollah and Hamas? With a strategy that can be maintained for decades, by administrations of either party. A bipartisan, expert working group lays out the details.

Iran Middle East

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

New Atlanticist

Sep 26, 2024

US election security is seeing a rise in ‘complex’ threats—and it’s not just foreign actors, says Lisa Monaco

By Katherine Golden

Monaco, speaking at the Transatlantic Forum on GeoEconomics, attributed the rise in complexity to the fact that “more threat actors” are “getting into the game."

China Economic Sanctions

Transcript

Sep 26, 2024

How Russia, China, and Iran are working to sow distrust in US elections, according to US Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco

By Atlantic Council

At the Transatlantic Forum, Monaco touched upon the DOJ’s work to stop adversaries from flouting laws, the use of sanctions, and the connection between national security and economics.

China Economic Sanctions

MENASource

Sep 24, 2024

Do the Houthis really have a hypersonic missile?

By Emily Milliken

The claim is concerning for more than just the high speeds; Hypersonic missiles are difficult for missile-defense systems to intercept.

Conflict Iran

New Atlanticist

Sep 23, 2024

The Third Lebanon War between Israel and Hezbollah has begun. What’s next?

By Alex Plitsas

Israel’s massive aerial bombardment campaign on Monday targeting Hezbollah stockpiles, depots, and launchers in southern Lebanon could be a prelude to a ground invasion.

Conflict Iran

MENASource

Sep 19, 2024

Israel’s communications attacks push Hezbollah into an uncomfortable corner

By David Daoud and Natalie Ecanow

Hezbollah has no choice but to retaliate—but the group is unlikely to declare a full war given its constraints.

Conflict Iran

In the News

Sep 19, 2024

Donovan and Nikoladze cited in a Congressional letter to the President calling for greater enforcement on Iran sanctions

Read the full letter here

Economic Sanctions Iran

Testimony

Sep 19, 2024

Testimony on Israel and the Middle East at a crossroads: How Tehran’s terror campaign threatens the US and our allies

By Kirsten Fontenrose

Kirsten Fontenrose, nonresident senior fellow at the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative in the Atlantic Council’s Middle East Programs, testifies before the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs on how Tehran’s terror campaign threatens the US and allies. Below are her prepared remarks. Chairman Burchett, Ranking Member Phillips, and members of the Committee, thank you […]

Conflict Crisis Management

IranSource

Sep 17, 2024

Reformists on the ropes: How they are battling their own irrelevance and conservative dominance in Iran

By Mohammed A. Salih

The future of Iran’s political landscape remains unclear.

Conflict Iran

EnergySource

Sep 17, 2024

As Middle East tensions simmer, the world fixates on the wrong energy market risks

By Ellen Wald

As the anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel approaches, governments and industry leaders fear that Iran could close the Strait of Hormuz, with serious consequences for energy markets. But this move is highly unlikely. Rather, global leaders should be prepared for energy disruptions in other parts of the region.

Conflict Energy & Environment

New Atlanticist

Sep 10, 2024

What does Iran get for sending ballistic missiles to Russia?

By Mark N. Katz

On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed that Tehran has delivered shipments of ballistic missiles to Moscow, raising new concerns about the depth of the Iran-Russia relationship.

Conflict Iran
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Experts

Fellow

Alan Pino

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

Intelligence Iran

Fellow

Nicholas Hopton

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Europe & Eurasia Iran

Staff

Britt Gronemeyer

Assistant Director, Strategic Litigation Project

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Human Rights International Organizations

Fellow

Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

Former Researcher

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arms Control Civil Society

Fellow

Carmiel Arbit

Nonresident Senior Fellow

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

Civil Society Extremism

Fellow

Hagar Hajjar Chemali

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Economic Statecraft Initiative GeoEconomics Center

Economic Sanctions Economy & Business
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