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.

Beyond control: Iran and its opponents locked in a lopsided confrontation

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
Beyond control: Iran and its opponents locked in a lopsided confrontation

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
Beyond control: Iran and its opponents locked in a lopsided confrontation

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

Issue Brief

Jun 28, 2019

Beyond control: Iran and its opponents locked in a lopsided confrontation

By Borzou Daragahi

While facing sobering external challenges, Iran has not lost sight of its domestic and expatriate political opposition.

Iran

In the News

Jun 27, 2019

Slavin Quoted in the Washington Examiner on the Impact of Tensions Between Trump and Iran

By Barbara Slavin

Read More Here

Iran

IranSource

Jun 26, 2019

The challenge of Iran is an opportunity for the US and Europe

By John W. Miller

The level of instability present in the Gulf today is unsustainable, dangerous, and undoubtedly the creation of an increasingly desperate Iranian regime. Tehran has long favored asymmetric attacks that are difficult to factually tie to them or assaults conducted through proxies.

Iran

In the News

Jun 25, 2019

Slavin Quoted in the National Interest on the Possibility of War with Iran

By Barbara Slavin

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Iran

In the News

Jun 25, 2019

Slavin Quoted in Tehran Times on Trump’s Iran Sanctions

Read More Here

Iran

In the News

Jun 25, 2019

Dagres Quoted in DW on the Impact of Iranian Sanctions

By Holly Dagres

Read More Here

Iran

In the News

Jun 25, 2019

Dagres Joins Channel 4 News to Discuss Iranian Comments on Trump

By Holly Dagres

Read More Here

Iran

In the News

Jun 25, 2019

Slavin in the American Conservative: Sanctions: Trump’s Cruel Substitute for an Actual Iran Policy

By Barbara Slavin

Read More Here

Iran

In the News

Jun 25, 2019

El-Gamal Joins France 24 to Discuss US to Blacklist Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif

By Jasmine M. El-Gamal

Watch the full discussion here.

Iran

In the News

Jun 25, 2019

Jensen in The Washington Post: How cyber operations can help manage crisis escalation with Iran

Read the full article here

Cybersecurity Iran
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Experts

Fellow

Anthony J. Ruggiero

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Indo-Pacific Security Initiative

Arms Control Defense Policy

Fellow

Nilofar Sakhi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

South Asia Center

Afghanistan Arabic

Expert

Nate Swanson

Resident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Iran Middle East

Fellow

Thomas S. Warrick

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Adrienne Arsht National Security Resilience Initiative GeoStrategy Initiative

National Security Terrorism

Staff

William F. Wechsler

Senior Director, Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

National Security Middle East