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.

Daragahi joins WBUR on why Iran Won’t Talk With U.S. Without Nuclear Deal, Supreme Leader Says

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
Daragahi joins WBUR on why Iran Won’t Talk With U.S. Without Nuclear Deal, Supreme Leader Says

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
Daragahi joins WBUR on why Iran Won’t Talk With U.S. Without Nuclear Deal, Supreme Leader Says

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 17, 2019

Daragahi joins WBUR on why Iran Won’t Talk With U.S. Without Nuclear Deal, Supreme Leader Says
Iran Nuclear Deterrence

EnergySource

Sep 17, 2019

Fujairah and the encirclement of Saudi oil production by Iran

By Jean-Francois Seznec

The latest attacks on the Arab Gulf oil industry seem to be part of a strategy by Iran to warn the Gulf states that it can block all oil shipments, if it sees fit. One of the warnings was the attack on three tankers at anchor off Fujairah in the Gulf of Oman.

Geopolitics & Energy Security Iran

In the News

Sep 16, 2019

Slavin joins BBC to discuss Iran and Saudi Arabia

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

In the News

Sep 16, 2019

Bryza joins CNN to discuss attacks on Saudi Arabian oil facilities

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

In the News

Sep 16, 2019

Dagres joins the Monocle to discuss the bombing of Saudi oil facilities

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

In the News

Sep 16, 2019

Slavin mentioned in CNN on US-Iran relations

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

Uncategorized

Sep 16, 2019

Slavin joins CTV to discuss Saudi oil attacks
Geopolitics & Energy Security Iran

In the News

Sep 16, 2019

Slavin quoted in CNN Fareed’s Global Briefing on US-Iran relations

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Sep 16, 2019

Slavin joins CTV to discuss U.S. blaming Iran for Saudi oil attacks

By Atlantic Council

Iran Middle East

New Atlanticist

Sep 16, 2019

Can global energy markets withstand the attack on Saudi oil?

By David A. Wemer

Atlantic Council experts react to the September 14 attacks on Saudi oil facilities and what it means for global energy markets and the wider region.

Geopolitics & Energy Security Iran
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Experts

Fellow

Simin Kargar

Nonresident Fellow

Digital Forensic Research Lab

Cybersecurity Disinformation

Fellow

Mark N. Katz

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Geopolitics & Energy Security Iran

Fellow

Mark Klamberg

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

English European Union

Staff

Matthew Kroenig

Vice President, Geostrategy and Fellows and Senior Director, Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

China Defense Policy

Staff

Andrew L. Peek

Director

Adrienne Arsht National Security Resilience Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Europe & Eurasia Intelligence

Fellow

Keir Lieber

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

China Defense Policy
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