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.

Is Rosneft undermining “maximum pressure” on Venezuela and Iran as Trump looks away?

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
Is Rosneft undermining “maximum pressure” on Venezuela and Iran as Trump looks away?

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
Is Rosneft undermining “maximum pressure” on Venezuela and Iran as Trump looks away?

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

EnergySource

Nov 27, 2019

Is Rosneft undermining “maximum pressure” on Venezuela and Iran as Trump looks away?

By Matthew Bryza

US President Donald Trump is conducting policies of “maximum pressure” on two countries, Venezuela and Iran. In Venezuela, Russia’s state-owned oil company, Rosneft, actively undercuts this US policy by helping them circumvent Washington’s tough economic sanctions. Why doesn't Washington apply broad sanctions against the giant Russian company?

Energy Markets & Governance Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

In the News

Nov 25, 2019

Tavakol joins TRT World to discuss the Iranian oil industry and economy

By Atlantic Council

Economy & Business Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion
20191125_IranInternet

IranSource

Nov 25, 2019

Iranians endure internet shutdown with despair and disarray

By Khosro Sayeh Isfahani

On November 16, 2019, the Iranian government shut down the Internet throughout the country following a decision to triple the price of fuel overnight.

Digital Policy Economy & Business

Inflection Points

Nov 25, 2019

Iran: A time of reckoning

By Frederick Kempe

Iran faces a time of reckoning, and the stakes couldn’t be higher: potential war with the United States, the reversal of its gains across the Middle East and the future of its revolutionary state.

Iran

In the News

Nov 23, 2019

Kadhim quoted in Politico on U.S. relations with Iraq and Iran

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Defense Policy

In the News

Nov 20, 2019

Slavin joins CGTN to discuss the Iran protests

By Atlantic Council

Corruption Iran

In the News

Nov 20, 2019

Slavin joins CGTN to discuss Iran protests

By Atlantic Council

Crisis Management Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

In the News

Nov 19, 2019

Dagres joins Channel 4 on the shutdown of internet in Iran due to protests
Corruption Economy & Business

In the News

Nov 19, 2019

Slavin quoted in Truthout on Iran sanctions

By Atlantic Council

Defense Policy Economy & Business

In the News

Nov 19, 2019

Dagres quoted in the Sydney Morning Herald on the rise in fuel prices in Iran
Corruption Financial Regulation
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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