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.

Content

New Atlanticist

Jun 13, 2025

Unknowns, knowns, and early predictions about Israel’s strikes against Iran

By William F. Wechsler

How long Israel’s campaign against Iran will go on is unknown. But even amid the uncertainty, don’t lose sight of what is already known—or at least what can already be surmised with high confidence.

Iran Israel

New Atlanticist

Jun 12, 2025

Experts react: Israel just attacked Iran’s military and nuclear sites. What’s next?

By Atlantic Council experts

Our experts shed light on Israel’s major attack against Iran targeting its nuclear facilities and its implications for the region.

Conflict Defense Policy

In the News

May 23, 2025

Panikoff joins CNN Newsroom to discuss Iran nuclear negotiations

Iran Middle East

MENASource

May 21, 2025

Iran’s shadow looms large over the Houthi ceasefire

By Fatima Abo Alasrar and Behnam Ben Taleblu

The Houthis may have suspended their attacks on US vessels, but it’s too soon for another “mission accomplished” in the Middle East.

Iran Maritime Security

MENASource

May 15, 2025

Feeding the ‘water mafia’: Sanctions relief and Iran’s water crisis

By Nik Kowsar

Trump comments mark the first time a US president acknowledges a "water mafia": a connected network responsible for ecological catastrophes.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

New Atlanticist

May 12, 2025

The India-Pakistan crisis shows Washington that it must stop Iran’s nuclear rise

By Alex Plitsas

The fighting in South Asia reminded Washington of the global stakes of nuclear crises. Those stakes are why the United States must prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

Crisis Management Iran

New Atlanticist

May 12, 2025

From A to F, here’s how to grade a possible nuclear deal with Iran

By Jonathan Panikoff

Trump may well be on his way to getting a deal with Iran over its nuclear program. But whether it passes the test will depend on its details.

Arms Control Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

Transcript

May 9, 2025

Press call: Our experts outline what to expect from Donald Trump’s first major trip abroad during his second presidency

By Atlantic Council

Ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to the Middle East, the Atlantic Council held a press call on May 9, where experts discussed what to expect from the president's first trip abroad.

Iran Israel

MENASource

May 6, 2025

Beyond the bomb: Ideology as the engine of Iran’s nuclear doctrine

By Marjan Keypour Greenblatt

The US cannot overlook that Iran’s nuclear program is not simply about deterrence—it is a tool for advancing a revolutionary ideology.

Iran Middle East

In the News

May 6, 2025

Samaan quoted in CNN on Russia-Iranian relations

By Atlantic Council

Iran Politics & Diplomacy

Experts