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.

Uskowi quoted in the National Interest on Iran’s air force

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
Uskowi quoted in the National Interest on Iran’s air force

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
Uskowi quoted in the National Interest on Iran’s air force

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.

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Content

In the News

Jul 25, 2019

Uskowi quoted in the National Interest on Iran’s air force

By Atlantic Council

Defense Industry Defense Policy

IranSource

Jul 24, 2019

Will the UK’s new prime minister take Trump’s side on Iran?

By Giorgio Cafiero and Andreas Krieg

In recent months, a host of developments have fueled significant tension between the United Kingdom and Iran. The UK Parliament’s decision to classify Lebanese militant group Hezbollah “in its entirety” as a terrorist organization earlier this year, London siding with the Trump administration against Iran in the June 20 drone incident, and the tanker detainment episodes in Gibraltar and the Strait of Hormuz this month have driven this downward trajectory in UK-Iran relations.

Iran

In the News

Jul 23, 2019

Slavin quoted in the Japan Times on Trump options regarding Iran

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion

In the News

Jul 23, 2019

Dagres interviewed in Monocle on Iran

By Atlantic Council

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Iran

In the News

Jul 22, 2019

Cohen joins Bloomberg Radio to discuss escalations in Iran

By Atlantic Council

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Iran

In the News

Jul 22, 2019

Cohen joins CNBC to discuss Iranian seizure of oil tanker
Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Iran

IranSource

Jul 22, 2019

Tensions in the Persian Gulf reflect power struggle inside Iran

By Noah Annan

Throughout the past four decades, US observers have disagreed about the nature of Iran’s factional politics and some have even questioned whether real differences exist. Rising tensions in the Persian Gulf seem to reflect Iran’s unified reaction to the US “maximum pressure” campaign.

Iran

In the News

Jul 20, 2019

Daragahi quoted in the Washington Examiner on the risk of conflict with Iran

By Atlantic Council

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Iran

In the News

Jul 20, 2019

Dagres interviewed in ABC Australia on Iran’s seizure of a British oil tanker

By Atlantic Council

Financial Sanctions and Economic Coercion Iran

New Atlanticist

Jul 19, 2019

Tehran seizes British ships as Gulf pressures intensify

By David A. Wemer

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it seized a British tanker in the Strait of Hormuz on July 19, and a second British-owned tanker was boarded before being released, in the latest escalation over control of one of the world’s most vital energy trade waterways.

Iran United Kingdom
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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
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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