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.

Content

New Atlanticist

Oct 31, 2024

Congressman Mike Turner on how the ‘emerging axis of evil’ will challenge the next US administration

By Daniel Hojnacki

The chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence discussed the threats to US security that the next president will face.

China
Conflict

Experts react

Oct 26, 2024

Experts react: Israel has hit back at Iran with airstrikes. Is this the road to war or an off-ramp?

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts share their insights on what Israel’s retaliatory strikes against Iran could mean for the prospect of further Israeli-Iranian escalation.

Conflict
Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Oct 25, 2024

Israel’s attack in Iran means full-scale war is closer than ever. Here’s what Iran is thinking now.

By Danny Citrinowicz  

Iran's leaders fear a full-scale war with Israel, but can they absorb this attack without retaliating and thus be exposed to future attacks?

Conflict
Iran

IranSource

Oct 24, 2024

Iran targeted human rights sanctions series: Can children of Iranian officials be designated?

By Holly Dagres, Celeste Kmiotek, Lisandra Novo

Children of Iranian officials might be impacted by targeted human rights designations, but only through strict sanctions enforcement and investigation and only where there is political will.

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion
Human Rights

MENASource

Oct 23, 2024

Balancing a culture of secrecy and collaboration: Information sharing with hostage families

By Liz Cathcart

US policies enshrine a requirement for intelligence sharing between the US government and hostage families.

China
Conflict

Econographics

Oct 22, 2024

A crack in the BRICS: Iran’s economic challenges take center stage at Russia’s summit 

By Josh Lipsky, Alisha Chhangani

The reality is that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will show up to the BRICS leaders meeting and look for support across the BRICS not only in the military domain, but also for his country’s economy.

Economy & Business
Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

EnergySource

Oct 21, 2024

Despite panicked markets, Israel is unlikely to attack Iranian oil facilities

By Ellen Wald

Israeli officials have promised “significant retaliation” in response to Iran’s October 1 attack and have hinted that they could target Iran’s oil infrastructure. However, the likelihood of such an attack is quite low due to several technical, economic, and geopolitical factors.

Energy & Environment
Geopolitics & Energy Security

In the News

Oct 12, 2024

Charai in the National Interest: The US and Israel’s Path to Supporting the Iranian People’s Aspirations

By Atlantic Council

Civil Society
Democratic Transitions

IranSource

Oct 11, 2024

The Nasrallah killing is upending Iran’s security strategy. Here’s what to expect next.

By Danny Citrinowicz  

Tehran needs to decide whether it is ready to change its policy since October 7, 2023.

Conflict
Iran

Inflection Points

Oct 9, 2024

Israel’s dramatic gains on Iran present a historic chance—and enormous risks

By Frederick Kempe

Israel may now have “escalation dominance” over Iran and its proxies, but a new bipartisan Atlantic Council report underscores why both Israel and the United States need a strong and long-term strategy for dealing with Tehran.

Conflict
Iran

Experts