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.

Cohen joins Bloomberg to discuss surgical strikes and 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
Cohen joins Bloomberg to discuss surgical strikes and 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
Cohen joins Bloomberg to discuss surgical strikes and 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

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

In the News

Sep 18, 2019

Cohen joins Bloomberg to discuss surgical strikes and Iran

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Iran

In the News

Sep 18, 2019

Cohen in Newsweek: Donald’s Dilemma: Can He Retaliate to Attack on Saudi Oil Fields Without Starting a War with Iran?

By Atlantic Council

Geopolitics & Energy Security Iran

In the News

Sep 18, 2019

Fontenrose joins BBC to discuss Saudi oil attack

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Iran

In the News

Sep 18, 2019

Cohen joins Bloomberg to discuss escalation with Iran, and impact to energy markets

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Sep 18, 2019

Slavin in The American Conservative: Iran and the Poisonous Fruits of ‘Maximum Pressure’

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

In the News

Sep 18, 2019

Wechsler joins BBC to discuss Iran’s denial of involvement in Saudi oil attacks
Iran Security & Defense

In the News

Sep 18, 2019

Slavin in The American Conservative: Iran and the Poisonous Fruits of ‘Maximum Pressure’
Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Iran

New Atlanticist

Sep 17, 2019

Talks in Riyadh on Iran: What happens next?

By Kirsten Fontenrose

Trump is more than likely hoping that Saudi officials agree to economic pressure on Iran, but oppose an all-out war.

Iran Saudi Arabia

In the News

Sep 17, 2019

Fontenrose joins BBC to discuss recent attacks on Saudi

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

In the News

Sep 17, 2019

Slavin quoted in NPR on Saudi strike

By Atlantic Council

Iran Saudi Arabia
Load More

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
Load More

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